Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
interestofsimplicity,IrefertoalltheTrackPointII,III,andsuccessivedevicesasjust Track-
Point .
Although the prototypes I used were cream-colored, in its final production form, the
TrackPoint consists of a small, red, silicone rubber knob nestled between the G, H, and
B keys on the keyboard. The primary and secondary mouse buttons are placed below the
spacebar where you can easily reach them with your thumbs without taking your hands
offthekeyboard.Newerversionsalsoincludeathirdbuttonthatcanbeusedforscrolling.
Studies conducted by Selker found that the act of removing your hand from the keyboard
(to reach for a mouse) and then replacing your hand back on the keyboard takes approx-
imately 1.75 seconds. If you type at 60 wpm (words per minute), that can equal nearly
two lost words every minute, not including the time lost while you regain your train of
thought.YoucansavealmostallofthistimeifyouusetheTrackPointtomovethepointer
or make a selection (click or double-click) instead of a mouse. The TrackPoint also en-
ables you to perform drag-and-drop functions easily.
IBM's research also found that people can get up to 20% more work accomplished using
the TrackPoint instead of a mouse, especially when the application involves a mix of typ-
ing and pointing activities, such as with word processing, spreadsheets, and other typical
office applications. In usability tests with the TrackPoint, IBM gave a group of desktop
computer users both a TrackPoint and a traditional mouse. After two weeks, 80% of the
users had unplugged their mice and switched solely to the TrackPoint device. Selker is
convinced (as am I) that the TrackPoint is the best pointing solution for both laptop and
desktop systems.
AnotherfeatureoftheTrackPointisthatastandardmousecanbeconnected tothesystem
at the same time to enable dual-pointer use. This setup not only enables a single person to
use both devices, but it enables two people to use the TrackPoint and the mouse simultan-
eously to move the pointer on the screen, which can be useful in some training situations.
The first pointing device that moves (thus issuing a system interrupt) takes precedence
and retains control over the mouse pointer on the screen until it completes its movement
action. The second pointing device is automatically locked out until the primary device
is stationary. This enables the use of both devices yet prevents each one from interfering
with the other.
IBM/LenovohasaddedvariousversionsoftheTrackPointtoitslaptopcomputers,aswell
as to high-end keyboards sold under the IBM/Lenovo, Lexmark, and Unicomp names.
Laptop computer makers, such as HP/Compaq, Dell, and Toshiba, have licensed the
TrackPoint device (Toshiba calls it Accupoint) and use it on various models.
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