Hello!
To make the change permanent, select:
Menu > Settings > Keyboard > Behavior >, then check 'Restore num lock state on startup' box.
Come to think of it, I have an old Asus Eee netbook laying around here. I guess I should order a replacement screen for it. It runs off 12 VDC, is small, and would be fantastic to mount in a car like the Man does.
UPDATE: For what a screen costs, I can get the whole thing on eBay, so that's what I'm going to do - that is, if my bid wins in 4 days. I'm not going to get into a 'bidding war' over an old-school, 32-bit netbook.
If it goes up very much more, I'm out, and will use my old HP and a vehicular adapter, instead...
73 DE N4RPS
Rob