Head Scratcher...

[Sam Slater]

Does anyone know why calculators, and numpads on keyboards go:

7 / 8 / 9

4 / 5 / 6

1 / 2 / 3

but keypads on phones and mobiles go:

1 / 2 / 3

4 / 5 / 6

7 / 8 / 9



Anyone?

[Trumpton]

With regard to numbering on calculators, I believe it's something to do with the most used number (1) being nearer the problem solving keys - ie, the (+), (-) and (=).

[JonathanWilson]

When phones went from the old dial "click/pulse" count to denote a number to the newer "tone" system it was decided to change the number position to slow down the person dialing so the electronics could keep up.

The initial change over to the tone system was rolled out over time so some exchanges were still using "click/pulse" and I vaguely recall the early phones had a switch that would make the key pad phone generate clicks or tone and unlike a dial phone you didnt have to wait for the dial to return to its start position it was easy to press the keys to quickly.

I think in reality changing the key order probably didnt have that much effect on dialing speeds...

Jon Xx

[Sam Slater]

Yeah, I heard this too. It seems plausible, but like you, I can't see the keypad change-around slowing the dialler down for too long.

[JonathanWilson]

999 is a throwback to dial phones... it allowed you, in the dark or smokey environments, to put one finger in the zero next to the metal stop, which would then allow you to find the 9 (next to it) and proceed to dial 999 quickly (only 2 clicks)

911 on dial phones would have meant working out where the holes were in relation to each other.

So actually quite a clever idea looking back.

[Sam Slater]

Sounds like common sense to me.

Imagine dialing 911, in the dark when your hair's on fire!

[Snake Diamond]

Have you ever noticed that "Bump" on the number 5, they are on Calculators, Keypads, phones & Mobile Phones? It is not there for the blind, it is a Central Locating feature. In the absolute pitch black, emergency situation, when you find the 5, by running your fingers over the pads, you know where EVERY pad is going be & what it's function/number is, so you can make an emergency call, or phone a friend, in the darkest of enviroments.

I think the makers of Computer Keyboards & Calculators just wanted to be akward, & not follow suit to the Phone Industry, lol.