Where is INSERT key?

[systemnotes]

Post moved to better exposure in community. Post moved from: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Where-is-INSERT-key/m-p/804082...  

I have the same question.  I will need an insert key that works in all OS’s including Linux within VirtualBox, so a Windows utility does not help me. 

And, no Ctrl-v is absolutely not the same as Shift-Ins!!!  Try using Ctrl-v in GVim some time.

This may be a deal breaker for me, as I decide which laptop to buy.  As much as I like the design and other specs of the Spectre x360, I may have to go back to another brand. 

[WAWood]

@systemnotes 

The ONLY way to fix this to have an Insert key would be to replace the keyboard with one that did -- but we here have no information on compatible keyboard replacements, so we can't point to one you could purchase.  In addition, in the newer laptop models, replacing the keyboard is a very difficult and expensive process, not just a simple matter of removing four screws, popping out the keyboard, and popping in a new one -- which was the case with the older models.

I'm sorry, but you are basically stuck with no Insert key.

[systemnotes]

Thanks for your quick reply.

 --    "I'm sorry, but you are basically stuck with no Insert key."

But, to be more precise, HP is stuck without a sale, since I have not bought my new personal and business laptops yet.  I was so close to buying some of the new HP laptops, because the design, specs and quality are otherwise exceptional, except for that one deal breaker.

I'm just one Software Engineer / Sysadmin, but I have worked with companies that have over 10,000 employees.  Of course we use business models, but if manufacturers insist on removing the INS key, we will have no choice but to go with another brand.  Our engineers definitely need the insert key for Linux and software development.  I am imagining what a nightmare it would be to be editing a file in vi, or Visual Studio Code with vi mode, and then reach for Ctrl-Ins, as we tend to do multiple times a day, only to hit the power button of all things, instead of the Insert key.

I like the old EliteBook 840 layout a little better than the Lenovo ThinkPad X-1Yoga Gen 4, but at least those older models have "Ins", "Del", on top, and "Pg up", "Pg dn" either on the right side, or the bottom.  Both of the older layouts are fine.  Maybe some Windows users don't use the keyboard as much as the mouse, but I can't imagine working without all those standard keys.  Even some of the Lenovo models require an extra press of the function key in order to activate the Insert key.  That is also unacceptable, but at least the Insert key is there.  That reminds me, I think I should buy some Dell stock.  🙂

I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, but someone really should consult with more Linux users before making such a drastic change to the standard keyboard.  I can't imagine I am the only customer who will notice the missing key, and then not buy one of these models because of it.