Thinkpads Forum

Hi! Is there a way to disable the trackpad on an X300 if the user is typing on the keyboard?

I just upgraded to a Thinkpad X300 from an X61. For some reason when I am typing on-line (like this topic I am now creating) and try to erase some characters by hitting the Backspace key it would go back to the previous page I viewed as if I want to go back to it.

This never happened to me on my X61 and an educated guess that I have is that because I got so used with the X61 that when I type on an X300 my palm is hitting the trackpad causing it to click on wherever my mouse pointer was last positioned. The reason I say this is because sometimes when I am typing the characters will just suddenly appear on the previous, top lines and mess up what I already typed.

At first I thought maybe it is the trackpoint but I installed the UnltraNav drivers on my thinkpad and disabled it on the mouse properties yet it still happens. I also changed the sensitivity of my trackpad but that did not help. I also have the "Tap Filter" on the UltraNav advanced settings under Mouse Properties set to long but no luck on that either.

Maybe there's a way to make it automatically disable the mouse clicking or movement while the user is hitting the keys on the keyboard. Or am I just stuck to having to be very careful with my palms and type slowly?

I don't think you can disable the trackpad only while typing, but there is an option to disable it alltogether entirely in the BIOS.

I thought there was an option in the Vista control panel. My x300 is in the shop right now, so I can't verify.

it can be disabled in the mouse control panel under the ultranav tab.

Yes, it can be disabled but I only want it "temporarily disabled" or "locked" when the keys are being hit on the keyboard. The disable feature on the UltraNav tab will completely disable the trackpad and that's not what I want. I only need it halted and activated again around 5/10 of a second after the last key is pressed.

I guess it really isn't possible.

Are you sure? Again, I remember seeing that in the control panel somewhere. Once I get my X300 back from repair (please let that be before the 3 year warranty expires), I'll let you know.

I certainly don't have an X300 (trusty ole T42 is getting less trusty but I'm hoping for a non-mentioned X300 refresh), but with most of the laptops I've used - not just Lenovo - you can turn off the option that clicks the mouse when you hit the touchpad. Some drivers call it "Tap to Click." It also should be in the mouse settings in your control panel.

Granted you'll have to use the actual mouse buttons to click... but if you're prone to accidentally clicking with the touchpad (as I am) this is always the first setting I change.

Unfortunately I can't attach any images on my replies but I took screenshots of the Mouse Properties settings for the UltraNav. I can E-mail them to you guys if you'd like to check it out and see if there's anything else on the settings that I could change. Just send me your E-mail addresses or maybe a link to where I can upload the pictures. Thanks![/img]

medyo wrote:or maybe a link to where I can upload the pictures.

Imageshack, Flickr, etc

It would be possible to write a simple program to achieve this. I know it would be quite easy using AutoHotKey, and I may look into it for you.

Paul

Thanks Nonny!

Ok, If I did it correctly you should see the screenshots over here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29007481@N ... 408126263/

I have disabled the TrackPoint and am only using the TrackPad. I have set the sensitivity close to Low and the Tap Filter to Long. There is no option to disable it while typing.

Disabling Tapping (your screenshot 04) was what I was referring to. I know it's not exactly what you were asking for but that solves the problem for me.

Disabling the trackpoint though!! i could have fainted dead away

Isn't the tap filter what you are looking for?

Meydo, I have the same problem when using powerpoint- as i work, it keeps flipping back to another slide. i also assume it's the touchpad. how did you get to that ultanav wizard. unfortunately, i unistalled it ( i never use it ) thinking that would solve it. It still works but now removed from "pointing devices " in devise manager. can someone help me disable ultranav from keyboard- not a feature i ever use. thanks

I have uninstalled the UltraNav driver in order to get rid of the ugly problem of having to tap several times in order to extract a single tap. This works, but you lose all the great functionality that probably has influenced you to purchase another ThinkPad.

However, I have the same typing problem described in this thread: When I type quickly and not even noticeably brush my wrist on the slidepad, i frequently see my text being inserted at the previous insertion point. This makes it absolutely impossible to type with one's wrist resting on the wrist pad rest. I've played with all the mouse controls to no avail. It's incredible that Lenovo continues to ignore both of these problems!