Thinkpad Trackpoint on an HP NC6400?

Hi,

I haven't posted here for a while.. (that I can remember), but I do frequent these forums for all sorts of info.

I am currently in the process of purchasing an HP nc6400. However, being a previous thinkpad owner, I am concerned about the HP trackpoint. I have read that the HP trackpoint is simply not up to scratch compared to the classic red Lenovo trackpoint.

I would like to know if it is possible to replace the blue trackpoint in my nc6400 with a thinkpad trackpoint. (I am planning on ordering some from ebay).

I have seen photos of other HP laptops with the classic red capped thinkpad trackpoint fitted, but I have yet to see anyone photos of an nc6400, so I am wondering... is this possible?

any info would be gratefully received.
thanks

 

Moved from HP forum -- I like your chances of getting a response on this better in the Lenovo forum, though I've used both HP and Lenovo business laptops I have never actually tried to use trackpoint caps not made for that mfr specifically. I'm guessing the fit wouldn't be perfect, but could work.

I think the reason many prefer ThinkPad pointing sticks has more to do with the software drivers and the actual engineering of the pointing stick feel (not the cover itself) than the rubber that covers the pointing stick.

 

I have used a ThinkPad classic dome (eraserhead) cap on an HP/Compaq laptop before (Merom generation). It was functional. However, despite the same cap I still found the experience to be substandard on the HP (mechanism was stiffer and less responsive) compared to a ThinkPad.

I have NOT tried this on an nc6400 though.

 

I have a TrackPoint Softdome on my (work-issued) Elitebook 6930p. Doesn't really help. The overall keyboard is still dreadful. It did help on my older (work-issued) HP Compaq nc6220, though.

 

on the NC6400, the normal trackpoint dome feels slightly weird..... anyway, these early Latitude and Elitebook/Probook laptop's trackpoints are like wings on a dodo bird, it is there for the sake of completeness of the design (imitating the Thinkpad design)..... the inadequacy in their design, makes them a poor alternative to the trackpad on these machines.

 

I don't think any other company that makes Trackpoints like IBM/Lenovo does. While others imitate, in terms of responsiveness and ergonomics none can compare to the original from my experience.

 

After all it was an IBM engineers that invented this device... while imitation is the highest form of flattery, these imitators should at least put some effort into their 'me too' product/feature, they are not some 'Shanzhai' laptop companies... unless these company's brand value is to make cheap products that they can flood the market with.

 

Yup ditto. I also tried with a work-issued 6930p. I think it has more to do than just sticking a better rubber dome on it.

HP is better than the Dell domes (ugh, unless Dell made huge changes in their E-series, Latitudes suck). But Thinkpads beat all of 'em!

 

E series got better, they are about the same as the recent Elitebooks...