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    Sticky trackpoint

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by blackthinkpad, Feb 18, 2011.

  1. blackthinkpad

    blackthinkpad Notebook Consultant

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    The trackpoint of my Z61m is getting sticky. It will move by itself from time to time even when my finger is no longer touching it. Is there any fix for this annoying problem? Thanks!
     
  2. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    getting sticky as in physical sense (i.e. having stuffs spilled on the laptop keyboard and now it becomes sticky) or in software sense (where the trackpoint is moving by itself)?
     
  3. blackthinkpad

    blackthinkpad Notebook Consultant

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    I want to say it's physical but my laptop is spotlessly clean as I take good care of it. I suspect the red rubber cap is causing the problem. Does the largest cap with dots on the top make the trackpoint more prone to sticking as there's less clearance between the surrounding keys?
     
  4. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    take the cap off and have a look whether there is anything that needs to be cleaned. If the cap polymer ages and hardens then this behaviour becomes quite common. So if you see white stretch marks on the caps or there is cracks forming on it, then it is probably time to replace it.

    Try to move the trackpoint without the cap installed, and see whether the same behaviour occurs.
     
  5. noobpad

    noobpad Notebook Consultant

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    nothing beats the touchpad of course which i use most. but i am learning to use the trackpoint.

    but i love using the really furry round-top textured trackpoint cap because it provides the best friction even though they get dirty and need to be replaced every few months.

    i think new thinkpads by default ship with the new silicone flat-top ones
     
  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Could just be the common issue where the TrackPoint drifts off in one direction, happens on my T500 as well from time to time. Just push the TrackPoint hard in the direction it is drifting, and it should stop right away.