external USB numeric keypads?

I just purchased the Targus keypad with the 2 USB ports at the top4, model # PAUK10U.

I could not get it to work with my Mac at first, but it was fine with Parallels/Windows obviously. It would beep and not enter the correct #s, etc. Frustrating. Then I found a trick on macosxhints.com. If you hold down the Num Lock key while you plug it in, it works perfect!

Even the USB ports work fine. Though on some devices, it says there isn't enough power, etc. but I've not run into any probs so far. Otherwise, you still have the other USB port.

Here's the article - http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20080310030635237

I hope that helps!

I too am looking for any brand of USB numeric keypad which will work consistently with Excel (Office 2004) & my MacBook Pro. My current external keypad (Road Warrior) does not work with Microsoft Excel nor Word but does with other Mac programs. When I type numbers into Excel they are immediately erased. If I hold down the number key a series of the same number is entered. When I lift my finger from the key the last two will be erased. If I attach an USB Mac keyboard which includes a numeric keypad then I can enter numbers into Excel. I have called Kensington and Microsoft and have gotten no definitive answer. In fact, they both seem to be unaware of the problem. Apple sent me here since they do not make either product.

I got my older USB Road Warrior numeric keypad to work with Excel on my MacBook Pro.

I recalled that this keypad came with an USB to PS/2 keyboard adapter which would allow it to be attached to a PC PS/2 port. Attached the a small USB to PS/2 Keyboard adapter to the numeric pad USB cable and plugged that into the PS/2 port on a Belkin F5U119 USB PS/2 adapter. Then plugged the Belkin into my Mac USB port. Now it works.

May be someone can explain what is happening. Still would like a numeric pad which does not need all this hardware.

No instruction were included with the keypad I received. I did get a hint (the fn/z key) from Ergo Works by email and followed these steps:

Open “System Preferences” and select “Keyboard and Mouse”

Plug in the Keypad and select the newly opened “Change Keyboard Type . . .” option

Select “Continue” in the “Introduction” window”

When asked to press a specific key on the external keyboard:

Press the “fn” and “0/Z” keys on the keypad. (Simulaneously, as I recall).

I hope this works for you.

Good luck,
Don Rieg

I've seen people use the one from Kensington without issue.

Interesting: external USB keypad works with Numbers from iWork. Surely looks like a Microsoft issue.

I'm thinking of trying the Mac version that these people offer:

www.askergoworks.com/products/632/Goldtouch-Numeric-Pad.aspx

Good luck
Don Rieg

I ordered one of the Ergo Works GTC-MACW numeric keypads and it DID NOT work with my MPB!

Don Rieg

Au contraire, given the right installation instructions this keypad will work on the MBP. Their faux-pas.

Don Rieg

What are the correct installation instructions?