Thinkpads Forum

Hey guys,
Just a general feedback question: How often are you guys replacing the knob and nub?

I know my trackpoint knob is starting to drift slightly every now and again after I use it, so I was thinking it was about time to replace it.
I'm using my laptop pen pretty much for a couple of hours everyday, inking my Uni notes, but haven't replaced it yet...how often should I be?

Thanks guys, look forward to the responses!

I heard somewhere that its the thinkpad stuff calibrating itself. Weird as it may sound, all the thinkpads Ive seen do that drift when you use the nub for extended periods of time.

It may be a small annoyance, but Ive gotten used to taking my finger off of it and waiting the 2-10 secs or so it takes to settle down. I dont notice it much anymore, but if it gets too excessive, a quick call to Lenovo can usually sort it out for you.

Ok thanks for that bit of info regarding the trackpoint, don't feel too bad now!

I just ordered a bunch of black nipples to place on my trackpoint instead of that 90s red that I hate so much.

I just pull mine off the keypad and clean it every so often. It is 51 months old and in no need of replacement. ... JDH

Agreed. Clean it regularly with rubbing alcohol and you'll be fine.

Ok, thanks for the responses guys, appreciate the info!

I have a T23, which only has Trackpoint, and every once in a while the pointer will start to drift. If you detect this drift, let off for 1s and the system will self-calibrate and stop (that's how long it takes on my T23). You can also simulate this using your finger with light pressure in one direction. After about 1s, the pointer will stop moving and when you let go the pointer will move the opposite direction for 1s and it will be calibrated again and stop.

The only maintenance I've done for the Trackpoint is that I replaced the cap. I have the sandpaper-ish cap and it was all slick (laptop was produced May 2002). I acquired it second hand in Q3 2004.

Thanks, what about the pen tips?.....do they often need replacing?

A lead pencil needs sharpening every now and then, apply the same principle.

ryengineer wrote:A lead pencil needs sharpening every now and then, apply the same principle.

A perfect simple, effective, informative response!
I love it, thanks ryengineer....will do!!!

I just replaced the trackpoint cap on my T40p. It was almost smooth making it hard to control. This cap came original with the notebook, so it's been more than 3 years. Your mileage may vary.

It seems that I replace the keyboard more frequently than the nub. The replacement keyboard usually has a new one.

Where did you find the black caps?

Brad

Keyboard replacement eh?...How often for that?

Around every six months or until a key falls off.

Brad

Ok, thanks,
I guess I should look into that...already had a key fall off!