Question about IBM's Thinkpad pointing device.

The Linuxator

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Jun 13, 2005
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OK I have ordered an R50e express and I want to know from anyone that has tried a thinkpad long enough to judge it , since my thinkpad will not have a tocuchpad, does it get easier over time to become productive using the red pointing device in the middle of the Thinkpad keyboard ?
I remember using one for 3 minutes in a store a longtime ago, and it was pretty hectic compared to a regular touchpad.
 

KingCheeba

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Dec 21, 2000
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It's all preference...

But if you liked and bought the R50e, you'll love the keyboard. I am a 'trackpoint' guy and love it. Takes a bit more getting used to but you'll love not having to swipe your finger/thumb and simply apply pressure in a direction.

Try these and enjoy your thinkpad
trackpoint caps
 

The Linuxator

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Jun 13, 2005
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Originally posted by: KingCheeba
It's all preference...

But if you liked and bought the R50e, you'll love the keyboard. I am a 'trackpoint' guy and love it. Takes a bit more getting used to but you'll love not having to swipe your finger/thumb and simply apply pressure in a direction.

Try these and enjoy your thinkpad
trackpoint caps


So among those trackpoint caps which one do you prefer ?
 

jacob0401

Platinum Member
Jul 31, 2001
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Originally posted by: The Linuxator
Originally posted by: KingCheeba
It's all preference...

But if you liked and bought the R50e, you'll love the keyboard. I am a 'trackpoint' guy and love it. Takes a bit more getting used to but you'll love not having to swipe your finger/thumb and simply apply pressure in a direction.

Try these and enjoy your thinkpad
trackpoint caps


So among those trackpoint caps which one do you prefer ?


i prefer the classic...the one that came with my thinkpad adn thus the one i'm most used to....
 

The Linuxator

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Jun 13, 2005
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Originally posted by: KingCheeba
It's all preference...

But if you liked and bought the R50e, you'll love the keyboard. I am a 'trackpoint' guy and love it. Takes a bit more getting used to but you'll love not having to swipe your finger/thumb and simply apply pressure in a direction.

Try these and enjoy your thinkpad
trackpoint caps


You know what, I didn't know IBM has such specefic accessories. what other intresting thinkpad gadgets do you know about/recommend ?
 

phisrow

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Sep 6, 2004
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The trackpoint is sweet, sweet bliss compared to the feeble, worthless touchpad. Not as good as a real mouse, certainly; but pretty much reason enough, though not the only reason, to have a Thinkpad.
 

Viper0329

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Oct 12, 2000
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I've had my T40 for 2 years now, and my Trackpoint is pure bliss. There's no going back to touchpads...ever.
 

Busithoth

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Sep 28, 2003
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I keep away from the touchpad for the most part.
the only times I use it is while playing video, really, when my hands are off the keyboard.
When they're on it, it's a no-brainer to use the trackpoint.

I know a couple of people who swear by the touchpad, but they're not touch-typers.
One of them hates the trackpoint, but I guess that pretty much makes it a matter of personal taste.
It was designed to save people time from having to move their hands away from the keyboard to use the mouse.
I'd expect it to become second nature by the end of the first day of use.

 

WackyDan

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Jan 26, 2004
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Originally posted by: KingCheeba
It's all preference...

But if you liked and bought the R50e, you'll love the keyboard. I am a 'trackpoint' guy and love it. Takes a bit more getting used to but you'll love not having to swipe your finger/thumb and simply apply pressure in a direction.

Try these and enjoy your thinkpad
trackpoint caps


All new THinkPads have come with all three style caps out of the box for some time, though With the R50e I wouldn't be sure they'd give you all three.

I prefer the newer soft mushroom type cap... the one with the ridge is nice too.... bit firmer, and more feel/feedback.
 

The Linuxator

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Jun 13, 2005
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I am going to wait till my thinkpad arrives and test out that trackpoint, incase I felt that I enjoy the trackpoint but need a better cap will be ordering the caps collection form IBM , I have nothing to lose for having more options for my usage comfort. they can always come in handy.
 

meatyocre

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Jun 2, 2004
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I miss my old Thinkpad trackpoint. Once used to it, I could really fly. In my opinion, its much better than trackpad.

The one notable draw back is the trackpoint will ruin your screen over time. I slipped a Shaggymac screen protector between the screen and the trackpoint, but that was after the permanent damage made its "mark".
 

ValuedCustomer

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May 5, 2004
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Originally posted by: phisrow
the feeble, worthless touchpad
uh, wha? so you don't like the touchpad.. that's your preference. - there's nothing feeble OR worthless about it - yeesh, hyperbolize much?


 

The Linuxator

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Jun 13, 2005
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Originally posted by: ValuedCustomer
Originally posted by: phisrow
the feeble, worthless touchpad
uh, wha? so you don't like the touchpad.. that's your preference. - there's nothing feeble OR worthless about it - yeesh, hyperbolize much?


LOL it's all a matter of prefrence guys breakit off.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
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Mar 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: phisrow
The trackpoint is sweet, sweet bliss compared to the feeble, worthless touchpad. Not as good as a real mouse, certainly; but pretty much reason enough, though not the only reason, to have a Thinkpad.

Absolutely! Of all pointing devices, touchpads are the worst - and they get in the way when typing causing erratic cursor jumps when my wrist rubs the pad.

The pointing stick is better - but really the best is a small mouse.

 

WackyDan

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Jan 26, 2004
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Originally posted by: meatyocre
I miss my old Thinkpad trackpoint. Once used to it, I could really fly. In my opinion, its much better than trackpad.

The one notable draw back is the trackpoint will ruin your screen over time. I slipped a Shaggymac screen protector between the screen and the trackpoint, but that was after the permanent damage made its "mark".


Carried in a proper bag, it won't leave a mark.... Overload even a proper carry case with books and other bulky hard stuff, and it will.
 

corkyg

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Originally posted by: WackyDan
Carried in a proper bag, it won't leave a mark.... Overload even a proper carry case with books and other bulky hard stuff, and it will.

Right on! And, an improperly packed and squeezed laptop (especially the thin, light ones) can even result in keyboard rubs.

 

ClockerXP

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Apr 17, 2002
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I love the trackpoint on my Compaq M700 as well. Tried touchpads and I HATE them. Trackpoints are MUCH better for browsing where you move and click a lot.

CxP
 

computeerrgghh

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Apr 10, 2005
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The trackpoint is easy to get used to. That and the middle button. With the middle button, you won't need to waste time moving the cursor to arrows to scroll.
 

trikster2

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Oct 28, 2000
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I've had trackpoints on my dell lattitudes for the past decade or so and can never get the hang of them. Bout all they are good for (for me) is a replacement for my mouse scroll wheel when using the trackpad.

My favorite pointing device of all time is the trackball on my first lattitude CPX or whatever. Still wonder why they dropped the trackball, wonderful little device I could manipulate with my thumb while keeping my fingers on "home row"
 

Conroy9

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Jan 28, 2000
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I've gotten so used to the trackpoint on my insp 8000 that I look for the trackpoint by mistake all the time when I use a normal keyboard. It's pretty convenient to not have to take your hands off the keyboard.

I wonder if I can buy those IBM caps and stick them on my i8000...