Thinkpads Forum

I just received a new Thinkpad X60 a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased with it. However, I am noticing that the trackpoint seems to make a smudge mark on my screen. (One can tell by its placement and the crosshatch pattern it makes.)

Is this normal? Do I need to frequently wipe off the trackpoint with something like rubbing alcohol to get any oil from my fingertips off?

Same here. I just don't care.

Usually not but it happens.

make sure that the trackpoint cap has not worked itself upward a bit..
also, don't pack it in tight spaces that might squeeze the top down on the base..

or stack books or other thinkpads on top of the X60s..

here is one solution to your problem...

http://www.sofpoint.com/

i had them on my x40 and loved it.

In addition, you can also use a screen protector; but if only the Trackpoint marks show up and not any of the keys, then it is most likely that the screen is being forced down a tad by excessive force being applied to the lid in the closed position.

This is pretty normal for many laptops -- I noticed a similar smudge the other day. There are a number of products available to protect your screen from your keyboard/trackpoint. As someone said above, this is mostly due to excess pressure on the screen pushing it down.

It seems to be just the trackpoint and not the keys. The trackpoint itself does rest a bit higher than the keys and does not push down any further. The SofPoint looks interesting, although very much like the cap that came with the Thinkpad. I am pretty careful in not stressing the computer, although in my case it can come under some pressure. Perhaps it is time for a new thin briefcase for it: any recommendations for a very lightweight one with an extra full size pocket and perhaps an external pocket as well?

My method: i placed a piece of soft linean cloth over the trackpoint and close my TP and keep it wherever i want. Till now, my screen does not have any smudge or prints at all. But i just can't help sneezing into it and make the screen full of my saliva. *Gross*

Use a piece of cloth and cover over it. As for a thin case, you can try and get a slip case for your TP. I am contented with my slipcase. Very light and solid. Most important: Very cheap and durable!!!

it seems that all model of thinkpad affact this. there is solution on thinkwiki.org http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_ ... he_display
hope this would help.

@RT wrote:it seems that all model of thinkpad affact this. there is solution on thinkwiki.org http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_ ... he_display
hope this would help.

Good link, but for the lazy link-clicker, the solution is the same as above: put something thin between the keyboard and the screen.

I just thought of another "solution": take off the pointer-cap when you close the laptop

trentblase wrote: Good link, but for the lazy link-clicker, the solution is the same as above: put something thin between the keyboard and the screen.

I just thought of another "solution": take off the pointer-cap when you close the laptop

No way I'll lose it immediately lol

trentblase wrote:

@RT wrote:it seems that all model of thinkpad affact this. there is solution on thinkwiki.org http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_ ... he_display
hope this would help.

I just thought of another "solution": take off the pointer-cap when you close the laptop

For years I have simply found it easier to remove the keyboard as the trackpoint goes with it....

archer6 wrote: For years I have simply found it easier to remove the keyboard as the trackpoint goes with it....

I guess you could simply drill a hole in the lcd to prevent the rubber tip from touching.

trentblase wrote:

archer6 wrote: For years I have simply found it easier to remove the keyboard as the trackpoint goes with it....

I guess you could simply drill a hole in the lcd to prevent the rubber tip from touching.

Geez... why didn't I think of that ... duh also saves me from having to carry a screwdriver...

Actually I've found that this is the best solution.

http://www.shaggymac.com/index.php?main ... 64e5facc13

I have a 14" one for my T42 and it works excellently. It keeps the LCD from being scratched by the trackpoint (I use the scratchy sand-paper version that came in the 3-pack with my TP) as well as ensure that I don't get square, key-shaped etchings in my LCD during transport due to the laptop being squeezed (as was also mentioned in this thread). Actually, the Mac Powerbooks are plagued by that problem, I've seen many LCD screens with clearly visible square markings.

I like the product so much, I plan on buying the 12" version that I linked to once I purchase an X60s.

I would have to agree with Antioch. Shaggymac Laptop screen protector has kept my screen flawless for years of heavy use.

Also, I recommend the Optimist Prime LCD Cleaner with the highest regard, it works wonderfully on the screen, keyboard, & case.

I used to use a single sheet of paper to protect my screen from the keys/trackpoint but now I use one of those plastic sheet holds with the 3ring binder edge cut off. I can store random sheets of paper for reference inside the sheet if needed.

I had the same problem on my T21 and T43.