True, but you can turn on "numpad emulation" and then use the normal number keys as substitute. It's a weak substitute though, The whole point of the numpad is that it makes those shortcuts work somewhat as directional keys, which is lost when using the normal number keys.

Additionally I don't think it allows you to substitute a period for the numpad period key which is a rather important button in day-to-day blender usage. Of course you can re-map any key you like, but it'd be nice to have it set up right by default.

EDIT: and of course under a recent blender version (2.5+) there's the search box if you really don't want to use your mouse ;)