Trackpoint Alternatives?

[ulrich.von.lich]

I've had my T43 for already 2 years and I absolutely love it! Among all its great features, the trackpoint is what I like the most and probably what keeps me away from looking to other laptops in store.

Recently I discoverd some HP & Dell branded laptops have trackpoints too. I'm thinking of getting another laptop next year and I might consider them as alternatives due to their much more affordable prices.

However, I tried a blue trackpoint on my friend's HP nc something last night and it just didn't feel right. I wonder if anyone has tried it on a Dell and can tell me how it feels.

Will an IBM/Lenovo external keyboard do the job? I heard some features won't work on a non-thinkpad laptop.

[ryengineer]

snip.............Will an IBM/Lenovo external keyboard do the job? I heard some features won't work on a non-thinkpad laptop.

No.

Hardware compatibility
The USB Keyboard with UltraNav is supported on the following systems: Compatible desktop or ThinkPad notebook system with USB port (not compatible with notebooks other than ThinkPad)
Note: Full functionality of ThinkPad hot keys will be with the following ThinkPad Models 2681, 2682, 2683, 2672, 2673, 2366, 2367, 2652, 2653, 2658, 2659, 2677. All others, including desktops, will have some non- functioning ThinkPad hot keys.

[Aroc]

I've tried the recent ones on the 12 inch Dell Latitudes and HP ncs. I'd rank the out-of-the-box feel and tracking of the trackpoints thusly:

Lenovo Thinkpad > HP nc > Dell Latitude

I haven't tried a Toshiba Tecra/Portege in a couple years, so I'm out of the loop on the feel of those.

I you don't like the HP nc since it isn't Thinkpad like, you definitely won't like the Dell Latitude.