Trackpoint technique?

[jhonyl]

Hi,


I am new to the trackpoint, and I am trying to find the right technique for using the trackpoint. I type without looking at the keyboard and so my index fingers are used to be on the F and J letters. To get to the trackpoint I need to stretch my index finger or move my hand closer to the trackpoint. When I am not typing my hand rest on the palm rest, and so the hand is more fixed to where it is, and the stretch gets bigger. besides the stretch, I also feel the muscles working on the trackpoint though I set it to the lightest, and the mouse speed to the fastest. I am looking for advice from people who are experienced, and know how to not hurt oneself, about their technique.

[Nebelfelsen]

I raise my whole right hand and put the index or middle finger on the trackpoint (changing the finger sometimes when working a lot with the trackpoint).

I don't use the trackpoint when I am in office or use the Thinkpad at my working desk at home, just on the sofa or while travelling. An external pointing device (I prefer the small IBM optical travel mouse when travelling around and the Gyration gyrotwister when working in the office) should be more comfortable.

[jhonyl]

Well, I have been using the TrackPoint for a while now, so here is what I have learned so far: At first I used the scratchy TrackPoint cap, and I tried to press the TrackPoint to the direction that I wanted the cursor to move to i.e. north, south, east and west. It was difficult on the finger. Then I saw that popularity contest between the TrackPoint caps, and I saw that the flat head cap was as popular as the scratchy cap. So I have decided to try that one out. But that one was harder to try to move in these directions because the flat head didn't catch the finger as the scratchy does. But I kept with it, and eventually I figured that if I press the flat head down on the TrackPoint cap's end that is in the direction that I want the cursor to move, it moves that way. For example: The cap is a circle, if I press down on its west edge the cursor moves right. It turned out that that method was easier on the finger, because I didn't have to pressure sideways anymore, but just let the weight of the finger drop over the trackpoint, and then the cursor moves according to the way that I shifted the weight on the trackpoint circle. This way my finger became more like the big JoyStick handle that is missing, I kept my finger attached to the TrackPoint, and I shifted the weight by rolling the finger a little to the sides.

I hope that would help someone.

Edit:
Have just unchecked "Enhanced pointer precision" at 'Control Pannel->Mouse>Pointer Options' and the mouse feels lighter now.

Edit:
I also, naturaly, set pointer speed to the max (at the same location) and at the UltraNav Tab I selected 'TrackPoint->Settings->Light Touch'. I have also Enabled 'Press-To-Select' and on its settings enabled draggin, and moved the dial to 'Slow Press'. The TrackPoint is so light now it may be described as too light.