Thinkpads Forum

I just started using the trackpoint only to realize many of my machines are either missing their trackpoint caps or the rubber's dry rotted (dry rotten?).

I'm not sure which style of nub is useful, so a smattering of types would be appreciated.

Thanks.

The most favoured type of TrackPoint cap is the 'soft rim'. You can buy them here-- verified reputable seller and I can confirm these caps are genuine.
Soft rim:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-IBM-Lenovo-T ... oLwO3HtkJA

Cat's tongue:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-IBM-Lenovo-T ... 5m3-nPCU1g

Soft dome (default):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-IBM-Lenovo-T ... xy0zhTLqRb

The seller does offer higher quantities of caps if needed.

Thanks, I ordered 10 of the soft rim caps.

Btw, after using the trackpoint for a week my right arm is in pain. Feels like I've gotten 'tennis elbow' and the right side of my right wrist is also irritated.

Am I using the trackpoint incorrectly, or is there simply more strain on one's arm using the trackpoint vs. using the touchpad?

Increase the sensitivity and speed in the control panel so you don't have to exert as much effort. With lighter input you should be able to cure your pain.

erik wrote:Increase the sensitivity and speed in the control panel so you don't have to exert as much effort. With lighter input you should be able to cure your pain.

That's a nice improvement, thanks.
I also swapped the dome-shaped hardened cap off of my x61s and replaced it with something flater and softer
and am learning some new keyboard shortcuts to reduce my reliance on the thing - with a little effort one can 'easily' get through the day without using a mouse/trackpad/trackpoint, etc.

Thanks for the Ebay link, ordered some.

Bruce

The 'soft rim' caps arrived today.

Do you use your index finger or middle finger on the trackpoint?

For me, it's always the index finger.

rkawakami wrote:For me, it's always the index finger.

+ 1

I use the soft rim trackpoint. I ordered 20 soft rims from China awhile ago. I use my middle finger with the trackpoint. I use both trackpoint and trackpad.

jaspen-meyer wrote:That's a nice improvement, thanks.
I also swapped the dome-shaped hardened cap off of my x61s and replaced it with something flater and softer
and am learning some new keyboard shortcuts to reduce my reliance on the thing - with a little effort one can 'easily' get through the day without using a mouse/trackpad/trackpoint, etc.

I would advise trying to use the index finger first-- by using your middle finger it causes your hand to be shifted away from the top row (try both positions and watch how your hand shifts from the keyboard). But of course it comes down to whatever is most comfortable and best suits your needs, everyone is different :0)

For convenience a lot of us also use our thumb on the same hand that controls the trackpoint to click the below buttons. This allows your other hand to stay put on the keyboard

EDIT: I realize that this is sort of off topic since it's not pertaining to purchasing, sorry! Didn't realize it. But hopefully others find the trackpoints they're looking for from the above listed URLs.