X21, How to disable trackpoint?

[johniemi]

I have a slight problem with my X21, the trackpoint moves very slightly to the left which in turn makes the laptop to wake up from standby mode after ca. 5 minutes after I have put it to standby mode.

So how can I either fix the trackpoint or disable it totally as I use a USB mouse 99% of the time.

-John

[bhtooefr]

Interesting problem, there...

First, your X21 comes out of standby with TrackPoint movement? Mine doesn't... heck, mine won't even come out of standby with keypresses - I have to hit the power button to wake it up (and no, I'm NOT talking about hibernation).

Now, as for disabling the TrackPoint... I don't know the *exact* steps, but it involves the BIOS, and setting it to only use the external mouse. However, that only works if you've got an UltraBase, and an old PS/2 mouse lying around to plug into it. And, you'll have to boot it like that. Otherwise, it'll see the lack of an external mouse, and boot with the TrackPoint.

Fixing the trackpoint? I don't know about that. However, buying a new keyboard will do it. Shut down, and take out the battery. Remove the four screws that have double arrows pointing to them. Between the battery connector and where the battery compartment gets more narrow, push up to raise the keyboard. Pull the keyboard up by the TrackPoint button area (it'll bend). There'll be a cable connected to the mobo - unplug this. Reverse the steps - if the keyboard looks bent, reseat it. If you can't get it right, pushing *REALLY HARD* will get it realigned where it's supposed to be (I've done that many times on this X21).

[laz]

The trackpoint seems to move on its own on my T42 sometimes too. No idea what might be causing it - touching the touchpad seems to make it stop.

[bhtooefr]

TrackPoint drift is a well-documented problem, FWIW.

It's an intrinsic flaw of using analog sensors like that, it seems. Environment variations cause it, FWIW. Basically, when there's variations in the environment, the TrackPoint will sense differently. So, after 3 seconds of continuous movement in one direction, it recenters.

Of course, that's why you NEVER keep your finger on the TrackPoint, or it could recenter with it pushed, so when you take it off, it is uncentered, and has to recenter yet again...