Jumpy Jerky Erratic Touchpad Scrolling... FIXED

[MP715]

This post is simply an FYI. I purchased my first IBM Thinkpad, a T43 a few days ago and was initially quite frustrated with the unit. Having used quite a few laptops over the years I can say that I was genuinely surprised at these "faults" with the T43.

I went back to the store and checked their display unit and it exhibited the same problems - poor touchpad scrolling & coasting and cooling fan was always on about 95% of the time.

Solution details below. If this helps anyone, great! I registered for this forum to post once, and here it is...

1 - cooling fan is always on. Fixed with tpfancontrol. Search the web for "tpfancontrol" and download the free software.

2 - touchpad operation with the supplied UltraNav drivers was very poor, especially the advanced scrolling features. Fixed with generic Synaptics Touchpad drivers. Go to www.synaptics.com and download the free drivers for your OS.

Now I really enjoy using this laptop and I'm very glad I made the purchase.

[davidspalding]

... Solution details below. If this helps anyone, great! I registered for this forum to post once, and here it is...

1 - cooling fan is always on. Fixed with tpfancontrol. Search the web for "tpfancontrol" and download the free software.

There's a HUMONGOUS thread (sticky?) here about this, with discussion and such. I believe it all originated here.

Search Thinkpads forums for more fun and prizes.

2 - touchpad operation with the supplied UltraNav drivers was very poor, especially the advanced scrolling features. Fixed with generic Synaptics Touchpad drivers. Go to www.synaptics.com and download the free drivers for your OS.

Good tip, I might try that. I found that scrolling is hit or miss, but just lived with it (bought mine in November 2005). I use a mouse or Wacom tablet usually.

Now I really enjoy using this laptop and I'm very glad I made the purchase.

Look around, you'll find a lot more tips and stuff to get more enjoyment out of your T43. For my money, it's one of the best.

[MP715]

Good tip, I might try that. I found that scrolling is hit or miss, but just lived with it (bought mine in November 2005). I use a mouse or Wacom tablet usually.

It really does work. You must completely remove the existing UltraNav drivers first. End result - beautiful touchpad performance including Perfect scrolling and coasting.

I'm left scratching my head as to how and why IBM would allow such poor (windows XP) drivers to be bundled with their T43 laptops. Same goes for the fan being virtually alwasy on. I think they need me in their beta testing department.

If I'm wrong and there is a way to improve touchpad performance using the supplied UltraNav drivers, I'm all ears! I tried for a good 3 HOURS and couldn't do it.

Anyways, thank you ALL who've contributed to the very excellent tpfancontrol software. Awesome.

Best,
MP715

[Nick Y]

...2 - touchpad operation with the supplied UltraNav drivers was very poor, especially the advanced scrolling features. Fixed with generic Synaptics Touchpad drivers. Go to www.synaptics.com and download the free drivers for your OS....

Tried it and it works really well. I have never been very keen on the touchpad, but your suggestion makes a definite improvement. Thanks.

[davidspalding]

CAVEAT: it may improve the touchpad performance, but the Synaptics driver DOES NOT support the middle (blue) TrackPoint button. Ultranav Wizard is unable to set it to scrolling or magnifying glass. It just reverts back to "middle click."

So ... it's a trade-off.

[MP715]

CAVEAT: it may improve the touchpad performance, but the Synaptics driver DOES NOT support the middle (blue) TrackPoint button. Ultranav Wizard is unable to set it to scrolling or magnifying glass. It just reverts back to "middle click."

So ... it's a trade-off.

That's correct, the Synaptics generic drivers DECREASE the functionality and feature set of the trackpoint and its 3 buttons. Sorry I forgot to mention it.

It's only for touchpad users who use the advance scrolling and coasting features.