Poll: TrackPoint vs TouchPad

Trackpoint ftw.

 

My problem is I often have slightly sweaty palms. If my fingers are even slightly wet or sticky, most touchpads don't work well. They are very frustrating. With a bit of practice, trackpoints are much more accurate, even with dry hands. It is also partly a matter of what you are used to. I have a ThinkPad with both so my friends can use the touchpad if they want.

 

It's not even close. I find the TrackPoint *so* much easier to use than a touch pad.

As far as the cap goes, all I've ever used in the past was the rough dome cap. I'm pretty sure I'll be trying the flat (without the rim) cap this time around. It does look more comfortable. I can remember the rough dome really leaving an indentation in my finger tip after hours of use.

 

I prefer the rough dome for grip.

 

I personally think the TrackPoint is a far more effective pointing device than a trackpad.

The concept of a trackpad is actually somewhat "gimmicky" in that it really seems like a nice idea to slide your finger around to control the mouse, but in reality the technology just doesn't work all that well. To a beginner, it's very intuitive, but after a while you realize it's imprecise and awkward (especially if your hands aren't absolutely dry).

I like trackpoints because with a little practice, you can use it almost as effectively as a desktop mouse in many ways, and in some ways it's better. I think the main reason some people dislike them is they do have a slight learning curve before you're fully productive with them.

 

The rough dome (eraserhead) definitely has the best grip, but it can be fatiguing after prolonged use. I currently am using the soft rim and find it to be very comfortable for extended use.

 

Just wondering, for the TrackPoint, what sensitivity tick marks do you guys have it set at (in the UltraNav control panel)?

 

2nd lightest touch for TrackPoint, 60% of pointer speed, and "enhance pointer precision" checked. I also use Standard scrolling.

 

just answering the original question. i use both but for the most part i use the trackpoint. i like the touch pad because it is more convenience than anything because it is much closer to me when i'm laying down on my bed or couch. i also like the scroll wheel. but when i'm in the upright position, i prefer to use the trackpoint. i'll just echo what others have said that, the trackpoint is very precise and accurate. i don't think i will get another laptop without a trackpoint but also i prefer not to get a laptop without the touch pad. that's why only other non-thinkpad i have considered before was the dell latitude.

 

I never would'a thunk it based on my devotion to the Touchpad for the past 12-13 years or so...But on the recommendation of forumites here (notably Jon Lumpkin) who advised that I give the Trackpoint another look, I bought an X200T.

My gosh...When people say that you haven't experienced a real eraser tip until you've used the IBM/Lenovo implementation -- they aren't kidding!!! The precision, responsiveness, and ease of use are phenomenal. I actually find that my stress level at navigating the screen has gone down since switching to the X200T/Trackpoint combo -- the ergonomics are that good.

Basically, I haven't even used the digital pen that comes with the X200T except to test it the first time, just to make sure it worked...

 

I'm a newly converted Trackpoint user. Amazing something so great can come out of something so small! Ten or so years ago the Trackpoint was, well, uncomfortable, but now I can't get my finger off this thing!

 

You don't have to take your hands off the keyboard, when you use a touchpad you move up and down and it becomes "bothersome". But my trackpoint is broken the day I got it, sometimes it moves to the left by itself and I have to take my finger off then put it back on for it to be proper again. I guess I could call and ask for a new keyboard, but eh...

 

i slightly prefer trackpoint over the trackpad.

though i almost always use my mouse.

 

T61 here...

TouchPad for me. I have used TrackPoint and for some reason I go way too fast, then have to circle around to get the link. On top of that, it doesn't have double-click to enter (was it ever thought of?). If it had double-click, then maybe I will use it more often. The main reason I don't use TrackPoint is because I have to STIFF my hand, eventually my whole arm stiffs with my hand.

For a long time, I used the TouchPad and use the buttons on top of it (between keyboard and TouchPad), not the lower buttons (closer to me).

Finally, ordered the ThinkPad mouse (Bluetooth enabled). Used it for few weeks. It's best of all. Sometimes I get the habit of using the TouchPad, opps, use the mouse (use what you paid for ).

Chuck

 

You can adjust the sensitivity. And what do you mean double click to enter...? You use your index fingers to navigate with the trackpoint and use your thumbs to hit the mouse buttons.

 

No, it is not broken. All IBM type trackpoints do that. This wat it is self calibrating from time to time. I guess it is the price to pay for the best trackpoint performance.

 

Are you sure? No I'd be glad if it was normal. But it happens mutiple times during a single period of use, I find that rather frequent. It happens while I am using it, not by itself. Sometimes I leave the computer alone, start using it and it happens immediately. I know trackpoints to have self calibration and the symptoms sound similar to what I am describing, but shouldn't calibrate non stop.

 

I use the Track Point almost exclusively--and I disabled the touch pad because it gets in the way. I am so much more efficient with the track point and scrolling is way easier.

 

Hmm...I voted for the touchpad when I saw this thread a few months back, but now I never touch it. The trackpoint really is that awesome, it's so comfortable and easy to use that I sometimes forget about my VX Revolution and end up using the trackpoint instead.

 

I have a feeling most people would be the same way after actually getting used to the trackpoint for a while. It's also funny that you say you sometimes forget to use your desktop mouse, because I've done exactly the same thing with my old Thinkpad many times.

 

I'm right there with you.

I never use a mouse with my x200 Tablet.

I also have a TrackPoint keyboard (IBM Space Saver II) for my desktop, and I rarely use the Intellimouse Explorer I have with that machine.

 

Tracknipple ftw

 

Trackpoint. In fact I disable the touchpad. Main reasons I purchased a Thinkpad lately is 1) XP, 2) Trackpoint, 3) Good build quality.

 

Lately, I've been going for the wireless mouse because I keep it nearby and the USB receiver is always plugged in. However, I am a TrackPoint fan. I can use it ambidextrously and I don't have to take my hands off the keyboard to use it. The fact that the TrackPoint buttons include the third mouse button is also important to me.

Besides, the touchpad's location on the T-series is too far down on the palm rest to be useful anyway. I only use it to kick the laptop out of power saving mode.

 

!!! this threads still alive
nyccc!!
im still for touchpadds though

 

I use both the trackpoint and touchpad. If I'm typing up a report or paper and just want to scroll around quickly without moving my hands away from the keyboard, the trackpoint is great. But, if I'm browsing web pages the touchpad is a bit faster.

I like the option of having both though