Thinkpads Forum

Do you prefer...

Trackpoint Classic Dome,


Trackpoint Soft Rim, or


Trackpoint Soft Dome ?


And why?

IMHO the Soft Rim model is best; it has a more sensitive feel and requires less effort for navigation compared to the other two types.

Curious about reactions on this topic...

EDIT: changed wrong names, 28/12 23.45h GMT+1

I've been using the soft dome most (with the little wafflemaker stipple), though I do like classic dome; got the optional "cap collection" so I'd have plenty of them, as classic domes DO wear out and get dirty. But the soft dome and soft rim sort of fill the "gap" from the surrounding keys a bit more.

Soft rim is the oddest feeling one. I've used it a few times, but usually my finger complained of that concave shape.

BTW, [edit] but I think you've got your pics for Soft Dome and Soft Rim reversed. I don't have my "Thinkpad features" screensaver here, [edit] see below for IBM description.

I voted for soft rim as per the picture, but I agree that it makes more sense to call it the soft dome.

I like the texture and it feels like a better touch and control, IMO. Slightly less hard on your finger tip.

The texturized one (called Soft Rim in your pics, but I think it's called Soft Dome in general).

Reason? The fact that it's wide and flat and textured makes it very easy to control with low effort, as noticed here. Classic dome is also good, but not as good. The concave one is unusable to me.

I've noticed on the Thinkpads of other people who use the trackpoint a lot that the soft dome gets harder and loses its texture after a while - making it much less fun to use. Mine still looks and operates fine, but I think that at some point I'm gonna have to replace it.

"Confirmed, Houston. The soft-dome has the little tickle-me-Elmo dots."

http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.ws ... MIGR-53765

The Trackpoint Cap Collection has three Trackpoint cap styles you can use with your ThinkPad notebook. Six caps are included in the package:

• Two Classic Dome Caps -- The classic cap included with all ThinkPad notebooks
• Two Soft Dome Caps -- A new style with a softer feel and rubber dots for added traction
• Two Soft Rim Caps -- Another new style with a recessed dome that holds your finger in place

Also of interest:
http://www-306.ibm.com/able/solution_of ... omfort.pdf

I recently tried a soft rim cap I received as a freebee with the purchase of a new 24x CDrom off eBay for $7 but it didn't fit the depression in my finger from the classic dome cap I've been using for 10+ years. I didn't seem to have as good of control and wondered if was actually designed to fit my T30. I liked the one I tried on an R40.

classic dome cause it has less interference with the surrounding keys

The soft-dome here on both tpads, really don't have a in depth reason other than it feels really comfortable compared to the others - tried the whole set.

I use the soft dome cap. And I like all of the Trackpoint caps.

Classic for me, though once I get around to ordering some extras I'd like to try the Soft Dome.

I voted for classic, I can't stand the others. For me ThinkPads are only ThinkPad when they have a hairy nipple

ROFL!!

I've used a classic dome for the past 7 years or so. I got the soft dome w/ my T43 and it's a nice change from the classic, with boatloads more grip. That said, I've been straying and I'm starting to use the touchpad more and more, especially for scrolling.

ricerocket wrote:I've used a classic dome for the past 7 years or so. I got the soft dome w/ my T43 and it's a nice change from the classic, with boatloads more grip. That said, I've been straying and I'm starting to use the touchpad more and more, especially for scrolling.

Treachery! Bind him in irons!

ricerocket wrote:... I got the soft dome w/ my T43 and it's a nice change from the classic, with boatloads more grip. That said, I've been straying and I'm starting to use the touchpad more and more, especially for scrolling.

With the soft dome, I feel I get LESS grip, but it's also more comfy. Subtler moves possible.

I have hated touchpads on PCs (not the Mac touchpads, which have been EEKScellent), but the Ultranav Wizard options for doing scrolling, tap areas, etc., make the Touchpad like ... having a whole set of new programmable buttons. I'm a convert, too.

Classic seems to win the poll... still wondering if it's because people don't always have the choice, or because it really is superior compared to other types...

I could be wrong (ain't got my microscope handy), but I think Classic sits up a little bit higher, which can make a big diff'.

Classic seems to win the poll... still wondering if it's because people don't always have the choice, or because it really is superior compared to other types...

As soon as I got a soft dome I could not go back, the little hard styrofoam one seems so tiny, I really think it actually sits lower in the keyboard than the others.

I'm used to the Classic nipple, and it gives me good performance.
I can play Quake3, and hit buttons/icons in a snap.
I have the other two, but I can't get accustomed to them, and my accuracy is greatly reduced.

I've tried all 3 and now use Soft Rim. Being concave, it holds your finger much better and being wider, gives you a little more leverage.

I used classic until it wore out (after 6 months of light use) and now I'm on to the soft dome. I'm starting to like the soft dome more. It feels like you get more support than with the classic.

got a classic on my 390E - the original as far as I know and still looks like new (maybe original owner used external mouse) like this trackpoint but honestly haven't tried others. Does anyone use the third button on their Thinkpad?

Touchpads suck so bad! they are a fast, sure route to Repetitive Strain Injury!

OFF-TOPIC WARNING!!!

just noticed that the P4@1.8ghz in my signature shows up as an e-mail link, should probably do something aout that!

mechagouki wrote:Does anyone use the third button on their Thinkpad?

Of course! I use mine for scrolling web pages and documents.

Hold down the middle button, then use the trackpoint to scroll. Note: sometimes you have to click on the page first for this to work.

mechagouki wrote:OFF-TOPIC WARNING!!!

just noticed that the P4@1.8ghz in my signature shows up as an e-mail link, should probably do something aout that!

Put a space between it.

oh yeah - thanks!

Can I get a softdome cap for my T23?

Of course you can, just order one via ibm.com or on ebay (cheaper, but don't get ripped off with fake caps!).

To my knowledge, trackpoint caps are interchangeable on all thinkpad models! At least T/R/A/X 2x, 3x and 4x models.

Cool!

Thanks.

I actually use the Dell caps (which come in blue and grey but other than that are similar to the classic IBM cap, they wear out slightly faster though.) I get them for free and I have a nice stockpile and the blue ones look absolutely great on my ThinkPad.