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Everyone has their personal preference, and we all know that the majority seems to like the TouchPad better. I believe that because the TrackPoint has only ever been featured prominently on one line of laptops ever (ThinkPad), and that because that line of laptops was typically never seen in stores and not available at prices that most consumers could afford, that most people have never had the opportunity to even try the TrackPoint. Given equal market penetration on store shelves, I believe the TrackPoint would win over the TouchPad.
Here's why:
TrackPoint:
- Requires less finger movement to move the cursor
Less movement = less fatigue.
- No "retreading" required to cover a wide display.
Depending on sensitivity settings, several swipes may be needed to move the cursor across a larger display using a TouchPad.
- Simultaneous keyboard and cursor usage
Allows user to keep fingers on "home row" of keyboard while using the TrackPoint, effectively allowing the user to use the keyboard and move the cursor at the same time. (While a TouchPad user has to break away from typing to reposition the hand for TouchPad use.)
- Requires less physical "real estate"
This allows it to be used on computers smaller than TouchPad equipped models and without having to reduce the size of the keyboard to accommodate the TouchPad. (TouchPads seem to require an ever increasing amount of space, and that space comes at the cost of smaller keys on the keyboard.)
- Cannot be struck accidentally while typing
As TouchPads get larger, they get harder and harder to avoid. You might think that because the TrackPoint is in the middle of the keyboard it would be hit frequently. I don't think I've ever hit it by mistake in over 25 years of typing. I'm not trying to brag. I'm just saying it's effectively invisible when you don't need it. What I have done (many times in the past) is rest my palms on the TouchPad and caused my mouse cursor to jump around on the screen wildly at unexpected times.
What are your thoughts?
