How to use the trackpoint?

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bevross · #1 Post by **bevross** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 6:07 pm

You fans of the trackpoint: any hints/tips on how to use it, or even -- why you use it? I find it very cumbersome. Especially 'cause it seems you have to use a second hand to click. Perhaps there's some equivalent to tapping the touchpad? I found a setting for the trackpoint that allows some kind of pressure activation for 'clicking' but it didn't seem to work well.

I'm even having a hard time getting used to the Touchpad but have vowed to try and get used to it since I don't want to carry a mouse around. So, if you have tips, maybe I'll try to take advantage of it versus just having a red dot on the keyboard!

Thanks in advance.

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 6:42 pm

I set up a T42 for a client, and I set up the trackpoint (kneejerk reaction on my part). The client tried to use two hands, and I was very surprised. I am right-handed, and the following approach works well for right-handed people. Put your first or second finger on the trackpoint, and your thumb on the left click button. The thumb folds under to reach the right click. It works like a charm. I tried left handed and I think it works that way as well. It is not a two-handed operation. HTH. .... JDHurst

Plinkerton · #3 Post by **Plinkerton** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 1:55 am

Yeah, i think it would be crazy to use 2 hands. I always use 1 hand, and it's great. You get used to the movement of it, but the button clicking is the easy part.

Use your thumb on the buttons. The middle button even has those nubs on it, you you know where you are.

The touch pad is okay, but I rarely use it.

2112 · #4 Post by **2112** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 8:00 am

Before my thinkpad I never used the trackpoint (my Dell D600 has one also), but after reading these boards and taking some advice from a buddy,I'll never go back to the touchpad. Using (right handed) the middle finger on the trackpoint and the thumb on the 3 buttons works flawlessly. It takes alittle bit to get used to, but it ends up being extremely comfortable and effective!

pete0r · #5 Post by **pete0r** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 8:07 am

i don't even use the glidepad. i disabled it the day i got the laptop. i love the trackpoint. i use friends laptops and i can't stand to use the glidepads.

mattfromomaha · #6 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 10:45 am

bevross,

It took me a good two weeks to really get used to the TrackPoint, but I too will never go back. It's a far more efficient way to move the cursor because you save so much time compared to moving your hand from mouse to keyboard to mouse to keyboard.

Try adjusting the settings ocassionally for more/less speed and lighter/firmer resistance. You should be able to find a combination that works for you. As my boss says, "once you have it set right, you just have to 'think' about where you want the cursor and it goes there."

dbonds · #7 Post by **dbonds** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 9:28 pm

If you haven't already, you might try digging into the Trackpoint settings in the Thinkpad Configuration. On my T42, there's an option for "press to select" on the trackpoint "nub" buried under Trackpoint Settings / Mouse Properties / Tracking Settings. Personally, I much prefer the trackpoint with the index finger, click with the thumb method that everyone else is recommending though.

FWIW, another benefit that I found was that I was able to learn to use the trackpoint with both hands equally well. This was huge given that my heavy computer usage was leading to some carpel tunnel issues with my right hand. Now I switch off with my left hand to give my right hand a break.. something I was never able to stand with a regular mouse.

Daniel

none · #8 Post by **none** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:15 am

Wow, I can't really imagine using two hands on the TrackPoint, but if that's how you use it, then I can see why you're not finding it too comfortable! Put your index finger or your middle finger on the TrackPoint, and your thumb on the Left Click button... You cna do it with either your left or your right hand, whichever feels better! Good luck finding your sweet spot, heh

hiengu · #9 Post by **hiengu** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:21 am

I love the trackpoint. Everyone is a little bit different but i use my index finger on the track point and thumb on the buttons.

The trackpoint is useful when you do lots of typing and want to maintain the typing position. For example, when coding or editing stuff.

I use the trackpad if I am just casually browsing my computer or the Internet.

RCube · #10 Post by **RCube** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:22 am

Took me a week to get used to the trackpoint...now I will never go back to trackpad. No need for a mouse either.

I like to mix things up. So here are my combos:
1. one hander. right index finger + right thumb
2. two hands. right index finger + right thumb on middle button + left thumb on left button
3. one hander. left index finger + left thumb.

both hands get some workout.

Elhabash · #11 Post by **Elhabash** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 6:13 am

I am using it like hiengu. Probably both are used the same amount of time on my computer in the end.

I had the "press to select" activated for a while, and always wondered why the cursor occasionally jumped around when typing, it was really annoying. So if this happens to you, too, turn it off again. It would be cool to use, but it disturbed me too much.

How to use the trackpoint?

How to use the trackpoint?

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