4 ms·

I had one of those Lenovo keyboards with a Trackpoint until an unfortunate accident involving a cup of coffee. I went with something more ergonomic in its place

I had one of those Lenovo keyboards with a Trackpoint until an unfortunate accident involving a cup of coffee. I went with something more ergonomic in its place, but I really miss that trackpoint... Does anyone know why so few keyboards come with a TrackPoint. Having a trackpoint in the middle of your keyboard saves so many extra movements. Is it because of some IBM licensing costs?

NeedMoreTea 8y ago
No idea why they never caught on. I haven't seen a desktop keyboard with one for ages. Lenovo used to do one but now all they do is the actual laptop keyboard in a desk case and that's it. I got an IBM one years ago when I bought a T22. No idea of model, it wasn't mechanical, but it was the best keyboard I have ever used. Mostly because of that trackpoint, the buttons were exactly where you'd rest thumbs under the space bar anyway. Tackpads and mice always feel second best to me. Even the key feel was great (and I have a UK made Model M and tried a selection of mechanical gaming keyboards that have all been disappointing apart from the M).
richardw 8y ago
Probably because of people like me. Had one on a few keyboards (including current Lenovo) and I was recently wondering why they still have them. I've never found one second of benefit, it just irritates me to even try it. Not that it's the right view at all. Who knows what "most people" prefer but the lack of them might indicate a general cluelessness of how to use them. It's possible other manufacturers don't add it because when they've tried it doesn't move their sales needle at all. Those who want it are particular about usage and eg just use Lenovo?
cweagans 8y ago
Tex Yoda: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda Also, the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard has a couple of addon modules for trackpoints and trackballs: https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/ https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/

NeedMoreTea 8y ago

No idea why they never caught on. I haven't seen a desktop keyboard with one for ages. Lenovo used to do one but now all they do is the actual laptop keyboard in a desk case and that's it. I got an IBM one years ago when I bought a T22. No idea of model, it wasn't mechanical, but it was the best keyboard I have ever used. Mostly because of that trackpoint, the buttons were exactly where you'd rest thumbs under the space bar anyway. Tackpads and mice always feel second best to me. Even the key feel was great (and I have a UK made Model M and tried a selection of mechanical gaming keyboards that have all been disappointing apart from the M).

richardw 8y ago

Probably because of people like me. Had one on a few keyboards (including current Lenovo) and I was recently wondering why they still have them. I've never found one second of benefit, it just irritates me to even try it. Not that it's the right view at all. Who knows what "most people" prefer but the lack of them might indicate a general cluelessness of how to use them. It's possible other manufacturers don't add it because when they've tried it doesn't move their sales needle at all. Those who want it are particular about usage and eg just use Lenovo?

cweagans 8y ago

Tex Yoda: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda Also, the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard has a couple of addon modules for trackpoints and trackballs: https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/ https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/