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    why is the Inspiron touchpad off-centered?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Pwnstar, Jul 20, 2007.

  1. Pwnstar

    Pwnstar Notebook Consultant

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    This annoys me for some reason. It's like, slightly to the left. I think it'd look better in the center. Why is it like that?
     
    Pwnstar, Jul 20, 2007
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  2. Thomas

    Thomas McLovin

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    all notebook touchpads are not perfectly alined(suppose to be for easyerness)i can see how it must annoy you if its offline more than most :)
    Edit:nice to see someone from GA :D
     
    Thomas, Jul 20, 2007
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  3. retardedidiot94

    retardedidiot94 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think usually they align the touchpad with the main part of the keyboard (tab/caps/shift on the left, backspace/enter on the right) and center it based on that. Makes it so that those going between typing and using the touchpad have it in the most convenient position, since their hand is already there. If it was in the center of the laptop, it would be further to the right hand, meaning not only would it be more awkward to reach, but there's a higher chance of someone accidentally hitting it while typing (your right palm would be resting very close to or on top of the touchpad).

    Functionality over looks, IMO, is a good thing here.
     
    retardedidiot94, Jul 20, 2007
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  4. DMAK02

    DMAK02 Notebook Evangelist

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    That is what I think. I think it's better that way too.
     
    DMAK02, Jul 20, 2007
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  5. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    It is that way so the touch pad is aligned between the G and H keys on the keyboard (i.e. between your hands and arms while typing). The touch pad is more user friendly in that position.

    The touch pad may look more or less off-centered depending upon the keyboard layout of various notebooks.
     
    pacmandelight, Jul 20, 2007
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  6. Pwnstar

    Pwnstar Notebook Consultant

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    Oh ok, well if it serves a purpose I guess it's okay But they coulda made the keyboard more centered so the touchpad is too. It just looks weird to me
     
    Pwnstar, Jul 20, 2007
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  7. jamezracer

    jamezracer Notebook Enthusiast

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    "no, our design guys didn't screw up at all, it's a, uhhh, feature, that's it"

    I guess since most ppl are right handed, it gives you more room to rest your wrist on the keyboard, also, hitting the touchpad while typing because it wasn't centered with the g and h keys would at least bug me more than the aesthetics.
     
    jamezracer, Jul 20, 2007
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  8. DMAK02

    DMAK02 Notebook Evangelist

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    Why are more people right handed then left handed?
     
    DMAK02, Jul 20, 2007
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  9. FrozenDarkness

    FrozenDarkness Notebook Deity

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    i was going to say the right-hand thing too, makes sense
     
    FrozenDarkness, Jul 20, 2007
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  10. jamezracer

    jamezracer Notebook Enthusiast

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    jamezracer, Jul 20, 2007
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  11. t12ek

    t12ek Notebook Consultant

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    The keyboard is already a compromise as it is, compared to a full size one (where the typing area is WAY off center), if you centered the keyboard more, then it would mean either moving keys that are normally on the right hand side to the left (PgUp, PgDn, etc.), or removing keys on the right hand side all together. Neither option really makes much sense at all.
     
    t12ek, Jul 20, 2007
    #11