I've heard people discuss assigning hot keys to various weapons but I can't figure out how to do this.

I'm using the PC (Steam) version if that makes a difference.

While in the pipboy weapon menu, press any number. A little menu will pop up where the weapon preview should be. Press the weapon while you're pressing the number the assign it to that key.

(not number2 which switches ammo type)

Doesn't have to be a weapon..... can be anything..... sometimes I have a hot-key for clothes for get better prices...or Naught Nightwear for better Speech..... (even though I'm a guy..... shrug, I'll do anything to win).

I never really understood the hotkeys. It seems easier than constantly going back and forth through the pipboy...how are they used on ps3/xbox? What brings them up?