what do you do about trackpoint eraserhead touching screen

its leaving a mark on the screen with long term consequences leading to localized damage of pixels

what do you do about this?

 

1.- Don't pack bags so tight as to make the screen bend inwards, touching the TrackPoint in the first place.

2.- Place a soft, thin microfiber cloth between the keyboard and the screen when closing the lid and taking my Thinkpad for flights and other extended trips.

 

3.) Remove the TrackPoint head on extended trips?

 

I've had many ThinkPads over many years and never seen any damage due to this. No special precautions. The mark wipes off.

Please post a pic of the damage.

 

So... what are ThinkPad owners' comments after viewing Matt Kohut's video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GuHhwJHHSw&fmt=18

Placing a fabric that does not scratch the matte screen as MidnightSun suggested is always recommended, though I've been getting by with a stiff card (a "Care For Me" card stock brochure from IBM on how to care for ThinkPads & Function Key description - circa X60/T60/X60 vintage).

ps. Pardon me for being off-topic, but:

1. Anyone knows where I can watch/download more of Matt Kohut's videos? I'm sure the very limited YouTube ones are uploaded from some other site.

2. I managed to dig up directs links for the "Legends of ThinkPads" series (except "Sunken") in HQ .wmv format from THE original source that's way better than ones uploaded in YouTube. If anyone is interested, I can post the links here.

3. There exists a beautiful screensaver of IBM ThinkPad vintage: http://www.mocom.ru/Wallpapers/ibm.htm. What are your comments?

 

Not so on my previous X60's screen. The faint shadow of the dimple pattern from the soft dome cap left can be clearly be seen and can't be wiped off.

Didn't occur to be to take a picture then cos I thought that was common. I've since sandwich a card in between the screen and keyboard whenever I close the lid to prevent that problem. Works like a charm so far.

 

I've had X22, X41, T42, X61s, X61, traveled a lot, don't use a protective sleeve, just throw it in with my papers, used all the caps, and the mark has always wiped off.

I certainly believe that permanent marks are possible. There's evidence of them in this and other forums. It seems logical that it could happen with enough pressure and abrasion. The tip of the classic dome cap feels especially abrasive. If I was worried about that, I would take precautions.

I haven't heard of any cases of "localized damage of pixels" claimed by the OP.

 

I never had a problem with it damaging the screen. I just wiped it off.

 

I have had my thinkpad in some tight spaces and have no marks on my screen.

 

Same here except that I've never even had a mark to wipe off. I wonder if it matters which cap is used or how oily one's skin is? I use the soft dome and have quite dry fingertips. I also try to pack my notebook so that nothing is pressing on the screen.

 

discoloration is what I mean. the area on the screen looks 'brighter' and has less colors now. my laptop is also pretty old.

btw how much is a new replacement screen from ibm parts?

 

They're expensive if you're not under warranty. You're better of getting them elsewhere.

 

Sounds strange. Perhaps you didn't press the trackpoint cap down enough? It shouldn't be able to touch the screen when you close the laptop. I use the same cap and never had such problem. Maybe you can cut of some part of the cap?

 

I dont know why so manys reactions seem suprized the eraserhead touches the screen? Ideally that is not the case but realistically its been like that since forever.

Plus my notebook is fairly aged with regular abuse and things resting on the lid when its closed, etc. anyway after many years the end result is a visible spot on the screen where the screen meets the trackpoint when closed.

 

I have a new X200 and both the Rim and the Soft Cap touch the screen when closed. I swapped them to make sure, and you can clearly see the distinct imprints. I haven't packed it into a bag yet either. This is from closing it and carrying it with my hand for a few minutes.

This is an extremely tight tolerance, I mean the keyboard is about .3 mm further away than the peak of the trackpoint, and the keyboard doesn't touch. Couldn't they just make the nipple not touch?