Also, if you'd like to permanently assign Delete to a key you don't use very often, such as the "Enter" key near the spacebar, you can do this (and more) with a free little app called DoubleCommand: http://doublecommand.sourceforge.net/index.html
Neat. I am going to see if I can re-assign the Option key on the right side of the keyboard. I always use the left hand for fn, control, option, command, etc.
Also, more detailed description of BS vs. Del: The generally expected behavior for BS is that the character immediately left of the cursor is deleted and the cursor shifts one character to the left. The expected behavior for Del is the character immediately to the right of the cursor is deleted while the cursor stays put.
Thanks for the fn+delete tip. I am a Mac convert from PC and miss the separate keys for Backspace and Delete. (and Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.) I know there are other shortcuts which I need to learn. I am working on it. 🙂
One other note, if you use an external keyboard with your MB Pro (e.g. my Microsoft Wireless MultiMedia Keyboard), the system does recognize the difference between Backspace and Delete. (But still has no understanding of Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.) It would be nice if I could map the keys on the external keyboard to the Mac OS shortcuts.