Thinkpad Edge Linux Typing Problem solved

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BruisedQuasar
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Thinkpad Edge Linux Typing Problem solved

#1 Post by BruisedQuasar » Mon Jan 10, 2011 5:55 pm

I found the source of the problem of goofy erratic typing malfunctions when running Lunix Distros in the 2010 Thinkpad Edge 14". The problems
also occur with the 2010 Thinkpad X models... The issue was not with the AMD Turion II P520 or the Graphics Chipset as I assumed.

The incompatibility lies in the Linux drivers for the touchpad. Linux drivers have not caught up with the new touchpads Lenovo installs in the newer
Edge & X models. An X owner using Slackware found that he had to make sure the "Disable touchpad when Typing" setting is on. I found
that LinuxMint 9 KDE and Gnome desktop versions auto check the "Disable.." setting. So, does Simply Mepis 8.5 through 11...Ubuntu 10.10 as well.

By the trial and error, I got rid of the typing (word processor and Internet forum post text editors) malfunction problem by unchecking
the "touchpad scrolling" function. I did get significant improvement by turning down touchpad sensitivity settings.

As far as I am concerned, I could just completely shut down the scroll pad. I hate them, much preferring a simple laptop wireless mouse. The new Edge and X thouchpad is large, so it is impossible to type with any speed without brushing along the pad. Under Linux distros, that causes weird and wild things to happen with text, especially when the scrolling function is set on.

--Bruised

An Aside: Until I landed on this fix, I was wishing I had sent my Edge back for 30 day full refund and bought a used T61p instead! I rarely use Windows, usually only to get someone's Windows computer back up and running. Microsoft totally neglects fixing the HDD fragmentation and Registry problems or educating users about them or even including a decent repair tool like CCleaner (free) or System Mechanic (inexpensive). If they cared, they could just steal one of them like they have all their software like Internet Explorer (unfinished Mosaic). But then...how many people buy a new computer because they think their clogged up and corrupted file Windows PC is "too slow for these days"? Along with the new one comes, gee, a newer version of Windows.

Sorry, I hate Microsoft as much as I hate GM and their faulty cars.

--Bruised

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