Afraid of Mice? Try the External TrackPoint Keyboard.
September 14, 2006
Post a Comment (141 Comments)
It occurred to me yesterday, given some of the recent blog traffic regarding TrackPoint preference, that there are many people who aren't aware of one of the coolest options we make. The external ThinkPad-like keyboard, which includes a TrackPoint. In fact we offer two versions, one with and one without the numpad. The numpad-less version comes with a matching slip case for convenient travel. Don't leave home without your favorite keyboard!
Here is the web link where you can buy these great keyboards.
David Hill
Lenovo Meet the Modder Dean Liou
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 2
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 1
Lenovo H320 desktop
September 14th, 2006 6:07 pm
I’ve wanted one of these keyboards forever, may have to get myself one soon
September 14th, 2006 8:13 pm
Same here, though it’s a bit too expensive, to be honest (I’m just a student @.@)
btw, glad to find a blog from the thinkpad people. i have been a thinkpad fan ever since i’ve first seen one, and i’m using a t41 now
September 14th, 2006 8:38 pm
David…not sure if you can help, but there have been several people on forum.thinkpads.com who have noticed that the newest X60 bios’es have lowered the battery life by 1-2 hours. It seems to have started happening post 1.04. Do you know anyone at Lenovo who could take a look at the problem?
For reference:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/vie.....light=bios
http://forum.thinkpads.com/vie.....light=bios
http://forum.thinkpads.com/vie.....light=bios
Thanks!
September 15th, 2006 4:14 am
Thanks for the info.
The keyboard may be on the pricey side but I know they will last a long time.
My colleague uses an IBM keyboard that’s pushing 20yrs. (with many cups of coffee spilled on it.)
We nicknamed it the “Clacker” due to the sound the keys makes.
September 15th, 2006 12:17 pm
I love these keyboards for consistancy in what I am typing on but the mechanisms on these will no way last like the clicky keyboards of old will, those things were build like tanks and the sound was nice.
I remember microsoft once released a version of the intellitype software which mimiced the sound of clicky keyboards on a software level but, try as I might, I just cannot find a copy anymore.
September 15th, 2006 4:24 pm
The use of colour in the Thinkpad trackpoint/keyboard combination is well thought out: blue and grey to distinguish “enter” and function keys, and red for the trackpoint and its associated left and right buttons. However, I’m puzzled that the red (along the bottom edges) of the buttons seems to be disappearing from current Thinkpads leaving featureless black without visual cues. This seems a step back: a greater use of colour – like a lighter grey for the function keys – would make the layout of the keyboard even clearer and enhance “usability”.
Would IBM care to comment?
September 15th, 2006 4:46 pm
Richard,
Thanks for submitting the comment about T60 BIOS and battery life. I have to be honest, first time I have ever heard of this. Since this is not within my field of expertise, I turned the question over to the ThinkPad development team. I should have a response back early next week.
David Hill
September 15th, 2006 6:16 pm
Simon,
The stripes were removed from the latest generation of ThinkPad to simplify the internal appearance. Some people have commented they like it, others lament the loss of color. They were there originally to link the TrackPoint to the seemingly distant buttons. I’m thinking about doing another poll on whether or not we should put them back for the next generation. Thanks for the feedback.
David Hill
September 15th, 2006 8:04 pm
I’ve been a long time user of Thinkpads, and have always loved the Thinkpad keyboards. I purchased three of the IBM USB keyboards w/ Ultranav (1 travel size) once I found out about them. Unfortunately, while they look the same, they don’t really compare to the same keyboards in the Thinkpads. I think it might be due to the weight and material – the desktop keyboards are built on a plastic base. As a result, they are no better than many other keyboards out there. In fact, I find the Logitech DiNovo keyboards to be better built. For a while, IBM was also selling the “Space saver” keyboards, which appeared to be heavier than the USB keyboards w/ Ultranav. I wonder if those might be closer to the Thinkpad feel that I want so badly.
September 15th, 2006 11:27 pm
Well, I have a complain about the USB hub (2 ports) at the back. It doesn’t accept those usbkey that aren’t extra flat.
September 16th, 2006 1:25 pm
is it wireless??
September 17th, 2006 6:04 am
David,
Thank you for submitting the X60 battery life issue to be looked at! I spent a long time trying to figure out the best laptop to get, and the X60 was the best choice to me…battery life being a huge deciding factor. Looking forward to a fix or BIOS setting to get the battery life back to normal.
I posted over on the forums about it and another poster mentioned another issue, which is that the fan doesn’t seem to have a setting lower than 3000 RPM, which makes it rather noisy instead of being able to ramp up gradually. Just thought I would mention that, while I’m at it.
But thank you for looking at the issue, again!
Richard
September 17th, 2006 3:40 pm
I love the feel and touch of a Thinkpad’s keyboard as many others do. I’m also used to using Trackpoint ever since I had my first TP a while back. I just can’t do without Trackpoint on a notebook these days.
If the external TP keyboards are BlueTooth capable AND provide the same feel and touch, that would have been my choice.
For two years, I have been using a Logitech diNovo BT keyboard, which doesn’t have a Trackpoint but I do have to admit that it’s a good keyboard (both design and functions).
Will there be a (marketing/engineering) consideration of producing a BT capable TP external keyboard with trackpoint?
September 18th, 2006 2:23 am
My trusty Model M2 buckling-spring died a month or so ago. After trying out some standard keyboards, I decided to go all-out and pay the money for the Ultranav.
And it’s great! I have now completely ditched my mouse, and using strictly TrackPoint both on the road and on my desk. And, as a bonus, the keyboard is quiet enough to use on conference calls but still has great positive feel to the keys …
September 18th, 2006 3:29 am
Very attractive keyboard! Make it Bluetooth and allow an option to swap the Fn and Ctrl key and I’ll buy it, and recommend it to customers, all day long!!
September 19th, 2006 3:53 am
i would love that thing, but alas $100 is a little too much for this student
i wish lenovo was as nice to students as apple is. no offense or anything. i love my X40 and when I tell people i get 7+ hours of battery life they shit themselves.
but the configurator, and the lack of student discount, makes it a turn off. then they end up getting a mac book, which isn’t a bad computer it’s just too heavy for me, and battery life isn’t up to snuff.
people don’t care about speed anymore, computers are fast enough. you should market your other features such as the stupid long battery life.
September 19th, 2006 4:11 am
JS: you are brilliant! why didn’t think of that! a wireless bluetooth version of this keyboard would be AMAZING
but if lenovo were thought considerate and wanted to keep the SKU’s simple then they would have a usb port on the keyboard and inclube a cable in the box for the people who don’t have blue tooth
it’s the best of both worlds. wireless for those who can support it, wired for those other people, ONE SKU TO RULE THEM ALL
fantastic idea JC, i agree i’m not buying this thing until a wireless version is released!
September 19th, 2006 11:38 pm
let’s see, next to the spacebar we have ctrl and alt. no third meta key; shoot. would’ve been fun to use that thing with my macbook (when it’s on my desk next to the large monitor), but with that lapse, it won’t do *sigh*
September 20th, 2006 4:31 am
I’m with nex — give me a third meta key so I can use it with Apple hardware, and I’d be a buyer. Even if I weren’t using a Mac, I consider the WinKey to be essential in Windows at this point.
September 20th, 2006 1:31 pm
I have one of these keyboards (the one without the number pad) and I absolutely love it. I do have a few qualms about it: the Fn and “Access IBM” keys don’t generate scan codes when not plugged into a ThinkPad, so I can’t remap them to do anything cool. Also, when will they be redesigned to have a Windows key like the keyboards on the newest Lenovo ThinkPads?
September 20th, 2006 10:30 pm
I’m on my 7th or 8th ThinkPad and I don’t think I could live without the TrackPoint. I reach for the TrackPoint on every keyboard instintively, whether it’s there or not! There’s the problem. I wish there was a driver for the external TrackPoint keyboard so I could used it on my Macs as well. Anyone? Macs are good, but their keyboards stink.
September 22nd, 2006 10:14 am
I am just wondering if the version of external keyboard without the trackpad is still being made. I won’t use the trackpad anyway and although I think you can disable it in the driver settings I also prefer the look of the keys of the older style. Link to older style:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/supp.....IGR-4WKSWX
Also does anyone know if the any version works with USB KVM switches since the switch usually expects the mouse and kb on separate input ports.
September 25th, 2006 5:52 pm
David,
I bought the keyboard a few months ago and loved it! So much that I bought 2 more, just in case.
One question: why would anyone travel with a keyboard??? However light and thin, I fail to see such a scenario.
Last, for when I dock my X60s at the office, I would love to see the biometric security on the keyboard working seamlessly with the same setup I have on the notebook.
September 25th, 2006 6:56 pm
Shimon Shmueli Says: One question: why would anyone travel with a keyboard???
It’s obviously for people gone to the dark side
This is one way to soften the pain of the missing excellent keyboard feel and trackpoint precision
September 29th, 2006 5:00 am
I have been trying to get a good external keyboard with the following criterias
1. size similar to the Thinkpad keyboard
2. NO numberpad. Yes, I want it external but without the numberpad.
The current market offers this 2 popular external keyboard
1. Standard keyboard that comes with most PC
This has a numberpad and always feels too long. It forces your mouse to the side more than necessary. Not really efficient and ergnomoic when using.
2. Mini keyboard without the numberpad
The feel of the keys is not as good as what we have on the Thinkpad. Also, it seems ‘cramped’. There is something wrong with the size of the keys.
Surely I am not alone in this. I am really interested to know what is the market potential for keyboard without the numpads.
September 30th, 2006 2:34 pm
Why not make this keyboard with wireless and include the fingerprint reader. I understand you can get a version with the fingerprint reader but not the trackpoint and touchpad and vice versa, having them separate defeats the purpose of trying to replicate the functions of the laptop on the desktop.
October 1st, 2006 12:25 am
These keyboards are great for use with my desktop, they are extremely light and comfortable. Highly recommend it if you have been putting off getting one. The two usb ports are very handy.
October 2nd, 2006 5:09 am
[...] ThinkPlus USB Keyboard with UltraNav (via Design Matters) [...]
October 10th, 2006 2:41 pm
I agree with Lyle Fong in that the new IBM USB keyboards w/ Ultranav (travel or full size) do not feel as good as the laptop keyboards or the old clicky Trackpoint keyboards. The new keyboards have a softer, spongier feel.
Lyle, you should try the spacesaver keyboard as it’s very close to a real Thinkpad keyboard. PS/2 only and you won’t have a numeric keypad or special Thinkpad keys. Unfortunately, they are hard to find.
October 12th, 2006 2:51 am
Great keybords now my ThinkCentre is my ThinkPad!
It would be nice if they had a fingerprint reader
Thank you Lenovo
October 14th, 2006 6:19 pm
Agree to the above opinions of some desirable features:
1. blue tooth wireless
2. absence of the Trackpad / Touchpad
3. more resemblance to the genuine clicky / thinkpad keyboard feel
4. windows key
5. fingerprint reader / Fn key integration
October 19th, 2006 10:01 pm
I am using one of these keyboard on a Mac, which is nice, but I’d really like to be able to disable the trackpad/touchpad. I keep brushing against it and it messes with my mouse pointer (it even clicks). Anyone know how to disable a pointing device in Mac OS X?
October 21st, 2006 10:25 am
The “ThinkPlus USB Keyboard with UltraNav” and the “ThinkPlus USB Travel Keyboard with UltraNav” are fine as *external* ThinkPad notebook-keyboards, since these offer to control ThinkPad notebooks mostly in the same manner, as the ThinkPad keyboards internally do.
However, for desktop computers which don’t offer much of the special ThinkPad notebook specific control functions, more ergonomic desktop-like keyboards like the abandoned “IBM Space Saver II” would make much more sense. – The “Space Saver II” offered better key-quality and a more common and beautiful compact desktop keyboard like layout (a more ergonomic cursor key area, with greater keys…).
I can only hope that Lenovo will renew and modernize the “IBM Space Saver II” keyboard line. Let’s say still with the same great layout and integrated Trackpoint, but this time with some comfortable little palm rest area and maybe also with some wireless capabilities.
BTW, the “IBM Space Saver” keyboard line, with it’s slightly more compact format (by abondoning the number pad area) offered an ideal hand stressfree keyboard for coders and the like. – Too bad it’s no longer available…
…come on Lenovo I’am waiting for the next generation of those fine “Space Saver” keyboards!
October 30th, 2006 2:58 pm
This keyboard is superior, the builtin trackpoint when use properly is a really efficent speed booster. No moving hands between keyboard and mouse anymore.
Take your time and learn the trackpad/trackpoint features ! Only missing Windows Keys and an integrated fingerprint reader.
I have two ultranav keyboards one at work, one at home , and a thinkpad.
Hope the evolution of this keyboard isnt stopped! This is really a great product for thoose of us who using our keyboards all day and night long…
a real “Professional” product…
October 30th, 2006 9:14 pm
I love my ultranav keyboard! The layout, keys, and trackpoint make it indispensible to me, and it works well with both linux and windows (note: no windows key please!). There’s only one problem…the USB connection for the keyboard and mouse functions are combined making it almost difficult to use with a KVM. I have to use the non-keyboard/mouse USB ports on the back of my KVM (iogear), and that means that I have to manually switch computers.
December 7th, 2006 3:39 am
I love the feel of it, and would love to use it for my HTPC, but I’m reluctant to spend $100 for a keyboard without a few more features. I agree with what alot of you said:
- wireless (but needs to be secure and non-conflicting)
- ability to use KVM
- option to plug in usb
How about these features:
- ability to use the usb hub via wireless
- audio jacks? (via usb or wireless?)
The main competition that I’ve found is a wireless board from Adesso (also $100), but it has a cheap feel to it.
January 28th, 2007 2:02 am
I have worn out several of the varieties of IBM Keyboards with the TrackPoint. What fails is the left mouse button. Is there anyway to get them repaired? They are getting very rare to find new.
Register my vote for the NEED that exists to have readily available an external keyboard for desktops like the IBM USB Space Saver (but PLEASE no ThinkPad, Please). They are the best ergonomic choice and incredibly efficient to use.
Has the model that is mentioned at the top of this thread been discontinued? The link is to nothing………
Thanks for “listening” and hopefully someone has a repair option.
March 9th, 2007 6:57 pm
I have a trackpoint keyboard and love it. Use it every day. Though I do trade off with my trackball, but find that once I get into intense periods of work, the trackpoint is much faster.
Here is my vote to bring back the trackpoint button color accents.
March 11th, 2007 1:20 am
One more vote for making it wireless. It would make the perfect media center desktop.
March 15th, 2007 3:15 am
Yes please make a bluetooth version of the old space saver II or the Thinkpad travel keyboard…this would be the perfect compliment for a PS3 for multi-media access. Thinkpoint is the only way to go.
March 16th, 2007 10:46 pm
I am dreaming of a “natural” keyboard with TrackPoint. You know, the kind split down the middle and angled a bit. Does one exist?
March 29th, 2007 9:09 pm
I use the trackpoint keyboard with a HP Compaq 4040 and I can’t get the trackpoint to work. This is the reason I got this keyboard in the first place. And yes, I know it states that is shouldn’t work with non thinkpad devices.
I had an earlier version of this keyboard and was able to use it with non think pad devices. Any ideas?
April 5th, 2007 6:15 pm
Here’s another vote for a wireless version w/ Trackpoint.
Also, a vote for a “natural” keyboard. Actually I’m typing this on an “Options by IBM” keyboard, where the left and right halves completely seperate to allow less pronation. That line is discontinued, as for as I can tell. I’d love a new options keyboard, but add a Trackpoint and make it wireless!
April 27th, 2007 8:31 am
I tried to click on the link and it says the keyboard in “unavailable.” Is this discontinued or can I get elsewhere?
April 27th, 2007 1:46 pm
Sam,
It looks like the web link just changed, you can find it here:
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILib.....802038DD45
May 29th, 2007 10:06 am
The keyboard on my old TP 600E is absolutely the best I ever used on any notebook or desktop (and I used hundreds of them). My fingers are really flying on it. Keys on new Thinkpads that I tried do not react the same, alas. So believe it or not, I’m still using the 600E when I need to write.
In your current external keyboards lineup, do you have a model that feels similar to the keyboard on the 600E?
June 5th, 2007 11:56 pm
I really love this keyboard except for one thing that I can’t decide if it’s a dealbreaker or not:
The touchpad doesn’t have a scroll zone, and much of my navigation on the computer is done with it. Is there any remedy or do I just have to live with it?
June 28th, 2007 9:39 pm
Make it bluetooth wireless then you have a sure sale!
July 1st, 2007 6:57 am
For the love of Gosh, make this wireless!
July 8th, 2007 11:10 pm
Please not just any wireless. Make it Bluetooth!!! Who needs another dongle or dohickey when Bluetooth wireless can be built-in?
July 11th, 2007 3:48 pm
Can I put in another vote to make this wireless? I could take or leave the ultranav too, just want the trackpoint. My preference would be RF wireless. I want to use it for a home theater setup. This would absolutely be the ultimate HTPC keyboard and I’m convinced the sales of such a device would be quite significant. I’d pay $200 easily.
Anyone know of a dongle or device that makes a USB keyboard wireless? I don’t think such a thing exists.
July 17th, 2007 2:55 pm
I own five SpaceSaver II keyboards, and use them at work and at home…. they are the best desktop keyboards I have found so far.
I also own an UltraNav external keyboard, but I don’t use it anymore:
1. The cursor keys are too small, and have those miserable fwd-back buttons crammed in on top of the left-right arrows. Extemely hard to locate the keys by feel, and accidentally pressing fwd or back usually does “bad” things
2. Location of the fn key (it’s where Ctrl should be)
Other annoyances include the Esc key being in the wrong place and the lack of a Windows key. These I could probably get used to I had to, but the two reasons listed were enough for me to keep looking at alternative keyboards (and evenutally winding up with the SpaceSavers).
That said: I really like the keyboard on my Dell D610. Nice palm rest area, decent key-feel, it has both a trackstick and touch pad (I use both, helps with my RSI) and the cursor keys are in the right place and are locatable by feel. The trackstick is not as good as the IBM one, and it lacks the middle button on the IBM keyboards, but overall I find it a better keyboard.
July 18th, 2007 10:35 am
Really wish this keyboard was wireless. Spent the past few hours looking for wireless keyboard with trackpoint, they don’t seem to exist. Then I found this keyboard and it’s just begging to be used wirelessly.
July 21st, 2007 3:36 am
The touchpad can have a scroll zone or not, depending on the configuration of the driver. The default behavior (i.e. without any specific driver) is to have no scrollbar and to turn taps into left-clicks. Under GNU/Linux at least, you can install the synaptics-usb driver which gives you access to the touchpad just as it does for built-in touchpads in laptops, so the X11 synaptics driver can be configured any way you want: horiz/vert scroll areas, various taps and drags, double-finger scrolls, …
OTOH, I still have no idea how to access the Fn- combos (and/or the “Access IBM” key). If anybody has any hint as to how to make use of it (under GNU/Linux), I’d be very interested.
July 22nd, 2007 7:23 am
Make it wireless. Is anybody even listening anymore?
July 22nd, 2007 7:25 am
Why does the new Thinkpad keyboard have a context menu key? Useless in my opinion, and takes away space from other keys (the windows key is smaller than all keys). More space be allocated to the windows key, ctrl key and/or spacebar.
July 26th, 2007 5:04 am
This is my first external keyboard after 10+ yrs of using integrated keyboard in various models of Thinkpad (IBM name for notebook).
Keyboard came with nice leather bag and installation CD. It has same look as integrated one, but not exactly same solid stroke feeling. Few function keys were not working, but almost all of them are ok new after driver update. Following functions keys are working; suspend (PF4), wireless (PF5), LCD/ monitor switching (PF7), Hibernation (PF12), volume buttons/ mute, Thinkvantage. Check for Lenovo driver update link in user guide. Volume up/ down are software level control (see change in Windows’ volume application), the mute is hardware and software control (you’ll see picture of disabled speaker on screen). So, I adjust Thinkpad hardware volume to highest and control volume from this external keyboard only. I usually use Trackpoint (that little red button) with middle click for scrolling up/ down. I found that this scrolling doesn’t work in some programs (Lotus Notes, Windows Explorer), but works fine in Internet Explorer, MS office and others. Keyboard “legs” have 2 level heights setting, nice & solid. Because of design, the curve at lower part of keyboard may not fit some keyboard tray. But I just put mine on leather planner pad to cover my delicate wrists from sharp rim of my dining table. USB cable storage helps me adjust cable length to my docking without surplus cable. There are 2 USB 1.1 ports at the top of keyboard for some low speed USB (mouse?) too.
Overall I’m happy with functionality, just hope the stroke feel should be more solid as in real Thinkpad keyboard. From my personal feeling, it’s about 80-90% as good. Trackpoint could have been more responsive as Thinkpad’s Trackpoint too (70%).
July 31st, 2007 11:58 am
I have used the keyboard with my old T42. Now, with my new X61s w Vista Business, it seems like the drivers from lenovo’s site doesn’t activate the special Fn functions. Also, does anyone know how to map the “Windows” key to the keyboard. The X61s has a windows key but I can’t find a way of mapping the key to the external keyboard
August 4th, 2007 8:14 pm
This keyboard rocks, easily the best available.
Nice feel to the keys and the pointing stick is fantastic. I can actually get away without using a mouse at all. (compare to say, the dell pointing stick on their laptops which is nearly worthless).
It does have some issues, but most of them can be fixed.
To remap one of the keys to WindowsKey, see this site: http://www.usnetizen.com/fix_capslock.html
I remap caps lock to control (where control should be!), and remap left control to WindowsKey.
Since left control on the ultranav is almost where WindowsKey is usually, this works pretty well.
However, I do wish that the alt key was slightly smaller and more to the right like on normal keyboards, which would also make the key to the left of alt in the position that WindowsKey is in on other keyboards. (what the key to the left of alt actually is doesn’t matter since I will remap it to WindowsKey anyway).
Another issue I have is the top F1-F12 keys are more to the left than they are on normal keyboards, I might be able to get used to this now that I have two ultranav keyboards and won’t be switching from ultranav at home to regular keyboard at work, but right now it’s annoying…
Also, using the ultranav in Windows is not as good as it is in Linux.
In Linux I can make holding the middle button and moving the track point do vertical scrolling, AND still have the ability to use the middle button to send regular middle click (to open a web link in a new tab for example).
In windows clicking the middle button while the scrolling feature is turned on does nothing. This is NOT usable, there MUST be a way to send middle click.
Also, in Linux I can configure the touchpad so that once you start scrolling either vertically or horizontally, you can continue scrolling in that axis by moving your finger in a circle, this allows you to scroll continuously in that axis without having to pick up your finger and re-position to start scrolling again once you have reached the end of the touch pad.
Since I control all my windows computers at home using one ultranav keyboard plugged into a Linux box running Synergy server (http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/), this isn’t an issue, but at work I only have Windows and have to use the Windows drivers.. sucks..
August 4th, 2007 10:03 pm
Found another problem with this keyboard in Windows.
The repeat rate is slower than normal keyboards, even with repeat rate at max in control panel, it’s too slow.
In Linux I can just increase the repeat rate beyond the standard using Xorg to make it the same as a normal keyboard at the highest standard repeat rate, but in Windows you can’t increase the repeat rate beyond the standard highest rate unless you use a 3rd party application (I haven’t tried keyboard king yet).
I shouldn’t have to resort to a 3rd party application just to get the repeat rate to match a normal keyboard.
August 10th, 2007 12:47 am
I love the UltraNav keyboard, because of the trackpoint, but, like most everyone else, I do find that it has it’s problems.
With enough room on the board to layout the keys in a more traditional fashion, why is Fn where control should be, and why is F1 where escape should be? Also, the placement of the the home/end/insert/delete/pg up/pg dn key-set is just a little hard to get used to. I’m a programmer, so I spend a lot of time navigating around text, so it’d be nice to find that keys are where I’ve come to expect them to be.
Despite its shortcomings, I’ve completely rid myself of a mouse at work, and I’ll probably do the same at home once I get a second UltraNav keyboard. If only I could get a trackpoint for my compaq presario… I hate touchpads.
August 10th, 2007 12:49 am
One more thing… To the person asking for a natural type keyboard with a trackpoint. I did see one on eBay once. It was by a company with Eagle in the name… Eagle Point maybe?
August 13th, 2007 11:36 pm
I want one with no trackpad, bluetooth and a windows key.
August 16th, 2007 11:49 am
Wireless version please! I just recently smashed my Sony wireless keyboard due to it being so useless and finicky with batteries, it had a trackpad which was OK but on my z61p I use the trackpoint more. I’d love a version of this keyboard without wires, keypad or not.
August 19th, 2007 9:28 pm
I think the ultimate keyboard (for me) would be something like the new microsoft natural 4000 keyboard, and instead of where it has the zoom paddle in the split, to have a track point, and then have mouse the track point buttons right below the space bar so I could hit them with my thumbs.
August 22nd, 2007 3:43 pm
Gk: your answer is very usefull.
I not not understand why left arrow, up arrow, home and end are not functionning with windows Xp. Did I do something wrong ?
Should I remap ?
September 17th, 2007 3:39 pm
I think before wireless or fingerprint reading abilities are addressed, the quality on this keyboard needs to be improved. While it is certainly superior to most non-IBM keyboards, it does not compare at all to the Thinkpad keyboard it is reputed to emulate. Considering the price premium, I feel like we should at least be able to expect a solid keyboard, yet as others here and on forums.thinkpads.com have found, these external versions are severely lacking.
Now, if any of you have figured out how to modify a real Thinkpad keyboard for external use, please share.
September 24th, 2007 1:43 pm
From somebody who own 3 of these keyboards, please….make it wireless, pls pls pls pls pls!!!
October 10th, 2007 2:43 pm
Hey y’all…I was wondering if you could make a version of this keyboard using X40/X60 type boards (small, thin, light, no pad) with bluetooth? Or possibly make a bluetooth plug for the already attached ribbon, eh? Im just thinking this, I have 7 or 8 retired X40 and X60 keyboards lying around, and it would be nice to use something like that bluetooth. What do you think?
–Bob
October 18th, 2007 12:41 pm
I have one of these keyboards (w/ number pad) and I love it. The only thing I would like to see is an ergonomic version — as voiced above ’split’ or ‘natural’. Please please please tell the manager in charge of this that the customers want this product. See http://www.priorartdatabase.com/IPCOM/000031269/ to show that you already have idea. Now please start production yesterday. I want 2 of them — one for work and one for home.
October 23rd, 2007 10:27 pm
I have one of the ultranav travel keyboards. I like it, but is there any reason why it is slightly angled upwards? This makes the feel very different from the laptop Thinkpad keyboard, which is, of course, completely flat; in fact the slight gradient makes my fingers hurt. I get around this by attaching makeshift legs to the front of the keyboard so that it is completely horizontal, but I would love to have the option to buy one which is naturally flat.
October 27th, 2007 11:28 am
Another vote for wireless trackpoint with bluetooth would take any form HTPC or Natural. Preference would be For HTPC. Trackpoint is the best, there is no need for trackpad.
One less cord would make my wife happier!
November 24th, 2007 3:13 pm
I’d buy a wireless version with trackpoint (no touchpad please – they suck) with a range of minimum 6m – would be a perfect HTPC keyboard in the living room – as others have said.
Something like the Gyration one in black but with a trackpoint would be perfect …
November 29th, 2007 1:25 am
Wireless keyboard with trackpoint. I’ve been waiting on one for 3 years and counting…
December 20th, 2007 5:15 pm
If this were wireless I’d pay double the price! With all of the wireless media keyboards I’ve tried, the mouse feature has been very difficult to use effectively.
January 20th, 2008 6:11 am
First off, can someone please verify that the trackpoint on this keyboard works with any PC (not only IBM-branded)? Post #42 above seems to indicate that the trackpoint doesn’t work unless used with an IBM (though likely he’s smoking crack).
I would think it would just be a matter of the correct drivers, but no way am I dropping $100 for a keyboard if the trackpoint doesn’t work. The trackpoint is the only significant reason that anyone buys this thing. Without a working trackpoint then this keyboard is about $90 overpriced (what with weird keyboard layout and key quality not as good as the laptops).
I agree that a split-style “natural” keyboard with a trackpoint is long overdue, even if the split isn’t as wide as on the M$ keyboards, so the trackpoint is within easier reach while maintaining a better typing position.
I assume this thing also works with Vista? Most stores selling don’t list it, but with the correct drivers?
Frankly, I’d probably get the EnduraPro (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/en104wh.html) over these keyboards if it had a third button for scrolling like this one has. It is the “clicky” kind and seems more solidly built and lacks the annoying touchpad which only messes everyone up.
January 23rd, 2008 10:52 pm
Yes, the trackpoint and the trackpad work on a regular PC. Regular mouse driver works, plus IBM/Lenovo ones are available on the website.
To your EnduraPro comment… have a look at the IBM SpaceSaver II keyboard. Use the following string when searching on eBay, complete with parens:
(37L0888, RT3200, 28L3644)
More on that keyboard here:
http://davidbau.com/archives/2.....board.html
February 17th, 2008 6:22 am
Are you serious?
Wait no… You are serious..
You didn’t make this wireless yet?
Do you guys live under rocks?
You have a great product. But EVERYONE is making blue tooth keyboards.
C’mon lenovo, a great keybpard but get with the times!
February 17th, 2008 6:24 am
Oh yah, forgot to mention.
if you guys don’t make this blue tooth, I WILL make a blue tooth hack for this keyboard and sell them on ebay for 100 dollars, as I am SURE that most people here would gladly pay. Is that right everyone?
If so, I might post back here with an email address for interested people.
February 23rd, 2008 7:19 pm
I’d just like to say that I found this keyboard today and think that it may be in the running for the best keyboard in the world alongside the Dinovo Edge. Although, neither are perfect. By the way, here is the recipe for the perfect keyboard (which has yet to be produced)…
thin as possible to eliminate wrist fatigue
laptop spaced thinkpad-esque scissor keys for lightning fast typing
additional numeric keypad to avoid using shift for arithmetic operators, and to avoid some crazy numlock-function-alt-code-via-keyboard-embedded-numeric-keys combination to insert things like the degrees symbol (alt 0176)
matte black (not fingerprint and reflection laden piano gloss black)
wired (no recharging, no worrying about wireless keylogging security)
no trackpad causing my palms and thumbs to move the cursor around while typing
If you want to include the trackpoint, then fine because it’s unobtrusive and charismatic thinkpad. (although it will never substitute for my wireless mouse
March 4th, 2008 2:32 am
I have bought this keyboard to use with my new MacBook Pro. It seems to work generally fine out of the box, but there is one big issue hoping somehow has the answer to: as there is no Apple key, how do I map something else to be the Apple key?
Thanks
Alicia
March 4th, 2008 2:40 am
Actually, just managed to solve the problem very easily!
Instructions for mapping Apple Command key on Lenovo keyboard:
1. Go to Keyboard and Mouse settings under System Preferences
2. Under Keyboard tab, click the ‘Modifier Keys’ button
3. Select the Lenovo USB keyboard from the drop down list
4. Change the Caps Lock key to be the Apple key.
Done – it works!
However, what I have done is make the Alt key into the Apple key, and the Caps Lock into the Alt Option key, as this means the Apple key is in the same position on all keyboards.
March 5th, 2008 1:02 pm
Best keyboard experience ever? The IBM Model M13 full size buckling spring keyboard with built-in trackpoint. You can still get new ones from the company which now owns IBM’s old buckling spring keyboard patent.
http://pckeyboards.stores.yaho.....stick.html
March 12th, 2008 1:38 am
looks like this comment thread has become an informal petition. well, i’ll add my voice: i’d snap up one of these right away if it were bluetooth or some other form of wireless. and i use a macbook!
March 27th, 2008 10:22 pm
My keyboard is suddenly acting funny. Ctrl-Alt-Del, using the left-side Ctrl-Alt, no longer works. In Excel, Ctrl-Home, again using the left-side Ctrl, no longer works. Both of the combos work fine with the right-side keys. Using the left-side Ctrl for other things (Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V, etc.) seems to work fine. I’ve tried this on two different computers with the same result, so it seems to be something in the keyboard. Any ideas what might have suddenly happened to my Ultranav?
TIA
April 18th, 2008 4:58 pm
I totally agree w/ all the people here saying this keyboard series needs to be made in some form of wireless….with the track point of course…the most important feature of the keyboard. I’ve been looking for about 4 hours trying to find any friken wireless keyboard w/ a trackpoint. Nobody makes one yet!!! What the …. Like 25% to 40% of the people posting here…I would pay upwards of $200 if I could just find one.
Back in ‘97 I bought my first thinkpad notebook…and quickly became addicted to the trackpoint. Fortunately my work laptop is a dell which uses the same feature (close enough). Well shoot.
April 20th, 2008 4:04 am
Awesome, love it!
May 1st, 2008 5:27 pm
Yeah, for $99 it should support bluetooth. Even over-priced Apple has a bluetooth keyboard that is less than that.
My dream keyboard is a bluetooth buckling spring keyboard without the numeric keypad. Trackpoint would be nice but I can take it or leave it.
May 9th, 2008 8:57 pm
If I could remap the keys in order to swap the Fn and Ctrl keys, I would be in heaven. But since I cannot… well… I’m in the other place.
Otherwise, I love this space saving layout.
May 30th, 2008 2:20 am
I’ll join the chorus here asking for a Wireless version of this Keyboard.
June 24th, 2008 11:59 pm
Please create a bluetooth wireless keyboard, I currently use the Thinkpad bluetooth mouse and would instantly buy a Trackpint version, with strips
Thank you
June 25th, 2008 6:34 am
I would much rather have a wireless lenovo keyboard with a trackpoint than this silly apple wireless keyboard!
July 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm
Please, Please, Please!!! Just make this keyboard to be wireless, RF or bluetooth, with the Trackpoint and without the TrackPad. What the heck are you waiting for?
July 7th, 2008 2:15 pm
Did I miss it, or has no one mentioned the successor to the classic IBM M13 keyboard with integrated trackpoint? Unicomp makes a keyboard called the Endura Pro (www.pckeyboard.com). It has the legendary buckling spring technology (the ‘clicky’ keys) and a trackpoint. It comes in either PS/2 or USB versions. Why IBM or Lenovo did not continue or bring back the finest keyboard on the planet, I don’t know.
July 8th, 2008 3:10 am
S Gold, gotta agree, I know it was cost prohibative in the days where people want to spend 5 bucks on a keyboard but i’ve no idea why they would sell the patent to the best keyboard ever, unfortunately Unicomp cannot ship the trackpoint ones outside of the US so i’ve only got the one without but I do love it, I forgot how nice it was to type on a proper keyboard (I do still have my old PS/2 spacesaver which is not as good as buckling spring but still better than the new ones). I customised mines so all the key caps were blank and I am thinking of trying the new Das Keyboard which they claim is clicky but not quite as clicky (since my Unicomp does irritate everyone in my office).
What I really want is a wireless stick with a trackpoint on the top to use as a computer remote.
July 29th, 2008 1:44 pm
Can a lenovo rep please comment on the wirelessness or lack thereof??
August 1st, 2008 1:36 am
I would do anything for a wireless version of this keyboard!
August 1st, 2008 11:32 am
I LOVE my two usb travel keyboards… its like typing on my thinkpads from the comfort of my couch while the computer stays on the coffee table. But I would really like a bluetooth version!!! I cant even think of using a different wireless bt keyboard because I am addicted to my trackpoint. Please lenovo, make this the ultimate “travel” keyboard by making it blue tooth!
August 5th, 2008 2:34 pm
Just bought it.. Waiting for wireless version, I will buy that too.
GOOD call on having only the ctrl and alt fat keys, very easy to press without straining yourself.
Haven’t tried it on my mac yet though. I hope that I can get the alt to be the apple key.
I did notice that the mouse buttons have to be pressed sort of hard to register a click. I hope this will “break in” and become easier.
I will NEVER use the worthless trackpad at the bottom, but it doesn’t bother you if you don’t use it, so from a business perspective it doesn’t make sense to eliminate it because it is of some use to some people.
You need wireless.. C’mon lenovo. Let us know what is going on here, we are your loyal customers.
August 7th, 2008 5:58 pm
Reguarding my complaint about having to press hard to get the mouse to register.. It was a faulty device.. I had amazon replace my keyboard.. It works great now. LOVE it.
September 2nd, 2008 6:44 pm
My T42p has built-in Bluetooth and a trackpoint and it is about 3 years old. I keep the touch pad turned off because it is annoying. People have been asking for a wireless (preferably Bluetooth) keyboard with a trackpoint for at least 2 years. At some point it is time to realize that Lenovo is not listening. Neither is Logitech.
September 11th, 2008 1:11 am
Does Lenovo still make these keyboards?
Will Lenovo renew the design? e.g. to add windows key, context-menu key, etc. I am sure many of the IBM / Thinkpad keyboard lovers are very nostalgic towards the era of IBM Mobel M, esp M13.
Please bring out more keyboard designs, as Apple does.
October 17th, 2008 3:34 am
In the vain hope someone’s listening – count me in as an immediate buyer for any Lenovo full-size keyboard with trackpoint and some sort of decent, long-range wireless.
October 17th, 2008 8:19 am
Blake, wireless and TrackPoint creates a difficult technical dilemma. TrackPoint technology creates a slight continuous power drain even if you aren’t touching the stick.This would unfortunatly consume batteries fairly rapidly.
November 14th, 2008 11:26 pm
I published a review of this keyboard on my personal site (http://www.aintitspiffy.com/ht.....board.html) for those that want something more in-depth.
November 28th, 2008 2:22 pm
The keyboard is lovely, as are IBM keyboard in general.
It is lovely for its integrated pointing device reducing my need to take my fingers off the keyboard a lot, making me more productive.
But this lovely gem sucks BIG TIME when used with linux.
The keyboard part works fine, but there is no decent full-featured driver available for linux. I can use it as standard double-mouse keyboard. But all advanced features such as scrolling, sensitivity, switching are not present, due to a missing driver.
The integrated Synaptics device works fine when used in a PS/2 connected situation as in the Thinkpads, but here, connected as a USB device, all known drivers fail.
The X.org synaptics driver refuses to load because it can not recognize the Synaptics device. The kernel module provided by Jan Steinhoff does load but blocks all other input devices so the computers remains in a unuseable state. In that state one can not judge if the X.org synaptics driver would have worked.
It would be EXTREMELY GREAT if IBM/Lenovo could give some help to the developers of the Linux Synaptics-Drivers as there surely is quite a big bunch of linux users out there using this keyboard. (I myself know 5 people with my situation.)
I am sure it would be highly appreciated in the community.
Thanks for any effort taken and the nice keyboard!
November 28th, 2008 10:10 pm
Just to say that I’ve told our IT department I want one of these a month ago. Sooner or later…
I love the lack of Windows keys.
December 13th, 2008 2:41 am
If power is a problem, turn off the trackpoint completely after a certain amount of inactivity and have the user press a “resume” button on the keyboard to wake it up.
We have an ancient keyboard/mouse(ball) at my office that does this.
I’m sure the people who have posted that they want a wireless version of this keyboard wouldn’t mind this minor inconvenience.
December 17th, 2008 6:41 pm
[...] generally become known as the ThinkPad external keyboard. I wrote a post about this offering quite some time ago. Personally I really enjoy using this keyboard. I own the version with the number pad. I [...]
December 18th, 2008 4:20 pm
Standardizing the location of the Ctrl & Fn keys would be great. Adding the Windows key is a must.
December 22nd, 2008 4:42 pm
what would it take to make these keyboards wireless… the small one would be even better if wireless
thanks
December 23rd, 2008 11:07 am
@Chong Fn and Ctrl are where they’ve been since the early to mid-90’s. I’m not sure how much more standard you can get!
February 3rd, 2009 1:21 am
Hy there Leveno,
I am a parapolegic and han a Custom Micro-Case
Unit built for me with the Best of everything
a Quad Core and a very good Intel mother board,
i have a 600x ThinkPad and fell in love with the Track-point!and find it much easier to use due to my condition of being paralized, I Searched for Hour’s trying to fing a Keyboard with a track piont, Finialy i found this Leveno Ultra-Nav Keyboard with a track-point a year later opon
completion of this Great working unit, Now i break out my Ultra-Nav Keyboard to show all my
Buddies only to have the Track-Point as well as
the membrane Pad not to work – How imbersing a
$100.00 loss and a big joke on me as my Friend’s said – whats the Deal a keyboard that only works on Think-Pads ( Is some designer at your facilty
on Bad Drugs, and it would be nice to hear from you if thiis si true that it won’t work on other unit’s {Why not Advertise SO !!!} or Am i just
missing some Drivers you forgot to send me?}
Would some Considerate Person please let this
cripled VET know whats going on as i have read
a lot about Dell using theses units and then i quit reading as i besumed it worked on
ALL SYSTEMS !!!
Sincerely
Alec Ryals A-Vet (:>)
February 9th, 2009 6:22 pm
“wireless” – 58 occurrences above
“bluetooth” – 22 occurrences above
For the love of all, PLEASE, make a Bluetooth Trackpoint travel keyboard already.
No touchpad or numeric pad, just a Thinkpad keyboard in a thin case with bluetooth, power switch, and AA batteries.
Trackpoint power draw is not really a problem for most portable use. When you’re done using the keyboard, you switch it off and put it in your bag. Anyway, you can handle the extended-on case by just putting the trackpoint to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity. The user can click the middle button (or maybe any key/button) to wake it up. Problem solved.
This keyboard would sell like hotcakes for:
1) Projection use. Video cables limit where you can put a computer. Right now we use Apple bluetooth keyboards plus Logitech bluetooth mice to control projection computers both in-house and on the road. A single bluetooth Trackpoint keyboard would replace both, more efficiently. At $200 it would be a no-brainer.
2) UMPCs and Netbooks. These tiny new computers can be your ~only~ computer on many trips if you have a decent keyboard & mouse for intensive writing/editing. A cable takes more space, creates more packing mess, and takes time to connect. A compact wireless controller is more in the spirit of this growing category of devices.
Please, please, please!
February 9th, 2009 6:38 pm
Imagine: You hang your UMPC or netbook or smartphone or tablet from the back of the seat in front of you. Pull out your bluetooth travel keyboard/trackpoint, put it on the tray table, and start typing/mousing. The first truly ergonomic in-flight workstation.
Heck, I’d probably even buy one if it had a wire. But they would ~really~ sell if they were wireless. And if the Ctrl/Fn keys could be swapped.
Thanks for listening.
March 29th, 2009 9:08 am
Has the quality of this keyboard hit the floor, or did I just get a lemon?
My girlfriend has an excellent specimen of it (1.5 years old), but I just bought one a few months ago, and from day one I have had a loud squeaky TAB button (annoying, since I use that one a lot), and various buttons are stiff and do not respond unless I press extra hard. Very disappointing when I paid a premium price
.
June 8th, 2009 1:17 pm
I made TWO attempts to get a decent-quality specimen of this keyboard, about a year and a half ago. The first one was dead on arrival, having been shipped in a flimsy cardboard box no bigger than the keyboard itself, with no padding beyond a bubble-wrap bag inside.
The replacement unit arrived a bit better protected, but it still had electro-mechanical issues through the center of the keyboard affecting the 567-TYU-GHJ-BNM keys, and it never did work correctly.
Also the build quality was plasticky and flimsy, and the whole experience was just depressing – I had a REAL IBM Thinkpad T-41 a number of years ago, which is still the best laptop I’ve ever experienced, but I’m seriously unimpressed by my current (employer-owned) T61, and this keyboard, which I was so excited to try, was just a very bad joke.
Sounds like matters have not improved at Lenovo. It’s a pity.
July 31st, 2009 3:25 pm
+1 for wireless capabilities.
+100 for getting quality back to where it used to be.
As for the constant power drain, I would gladly push a button to turn the trackpoint off. Or have to charge the darn thing more. Or have 8 seperate D cell batteries attached to the side of the keyboard just to have my trackpoint. (You get the picture)
August 2nd, 2009 12:55 am
PLEASE release a wireless version of this! I love my TrackPoint but need one wireless!
August 6th, 2009 11:04 am
+1 vote for wireless enabled, both with included RF receiver and Bluetooth versions, ThinkPad external keyboards with and without Numpad. ALSO don’t forget a switch (software or hardware) for Fn Ctrl!!!
August 12th, 2009 6:47 pm
What is wrong with Lenovo? Make this thing wireless! If it’s a power drain problem, then
1) put a heftier lith rechargeable battery in there
2) improve the ancient trackpoint tech to NOT draw power at all times
3) I spent $150 on a crummy Logitech Edge because it has an integrated mouse. I would have spent MORE is a better keyboard was available
4) invest in (1) and (2) because you will CORNER the market in wireless keyboards. I love the thinkpad keyboards, and I want a usable HTPC keyboard.
Why are you giving up money?
October 10th, 2009 11:58 pm
Just spent 2 hours looking for a wireless keyboard with trackpoint. I’ve tried sooo many of the joystick, trackball, and touchpad styles. None are as fast and accurate as the trackpoint. I remember older toshiba notebooks also had a similar trackpoint. Does IBM have a patent on this technology?? If they’re not going to manufacture the device, they should at least get some cash on the royalties.. I dunno, that’s just my opinion. I guess I’ll have to wait for OCZ or someone to perfect the Neural Impulse Actuator(Brain Mouse) – http://www.ocztechnology.com/p.....e_actuator
November 3rd, 2009 8:45 am
+1 for wireless/bluetooth
extreme version without touchpad, numpad and with decent led backlit will be also very usable.
November 18th, 2009 5:23 am
This keyboard is a dream come true. I don’t like the long-travel standard desktop keyboards, and don’t like to use a mouse when typing. This is the perfect solution.
Well if it was wireless. On the other hand the USB ports are rather useful for the odd memory stick or mouse receiver.
Definitely the coolest gadget I bought for the Thinkpad.
November 23rd, 2009 8:59 am
Desperately searching for a wireless keyboard with a trackpoint, and I came to this site.
Where is the bluetooth version?
Reading the comments makes me itch, surely someone at IBM/Lenovo has checked the feedback in the last few years?
November 29th, 2009 7:01 am
Have somebody sent a link to this blog to the Lenovo marketing department? Somebody should!
2 years now, and nothing happened.. So sad!
+ 1 vote for wireless UltraNav / trackpoint keyboard
Prefer thinkpad scissor keys, bluetooth connection, no numpad and no trackpad, but with FPR..
But anything would go at the moment, no wireless trackpoint keyboard can be found!
Would use it for my HTPC.
December 10th, 2009 5:08 am
From lenovo:
————————————————–
Thank you for contacting Lenovo, the makers of ThinkPad and Think Centre products.
We apologize for the delay in responding to your query.
As I understand you want to know whether we are manufacturing an external wireless track point keyboard or not. In regards to your query let me inform you that we do manufacture that key board. If you are looking to purchase one then you can contact the Sales Department at: 866-42-THINK (84465) option number 3.
If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 866-42-THINK (84465) option number 2. We will be happy to assist at that time.
Once again, thank you for contacting Lenovo.
Sincerely,
Deboshree Mukherjee
Lenovo Websales/CustServe
http://www.lenovo.com/us
————————————————-
December 10th, 2009 12:33 pm
Ok, first.. if anyone wants a good solution for remapping your keys, (without messing with registry and what not) go to http://www.ebookorama.com/keyboard-remapping.php and you can do it in about 15 seconds, software is free to keep and you can freely distribute it to others, in ase my site ever goes down.
Second, I’d love it if anyone could point me to a remapping hack for the left, middle and right mouse buttons on the Spacesaver II.
I want one to be copy, the other paste just like on my main keyboard, the MS 4000. The middle one, whatever.
Also, has anyone with the MS 4000 thought about cutting the right numbers off?? Can it be done?
I have two of these keyboards on one desk and I am considering doing just that!
December 17th, 2009 7:32 am
+ 12 I have 4 of these now I game with them. You have no idea how easy it is to hit targets with a scope.
January 5th, 2010 7:28 pm
The link does not find the keyboards that you describe. The only one on the Lenovo website is a wired USB keyboard with integrated Trackpoint and it does not look like it includes a numpad option. Is there a wireless version with integrated Trackpoint, a numpad option and an integrated fingerprint reader? If so, what are the part numbers for them? What are the part numbers for the ones that you describe? Been thinking about this for a long time and finally decided to look for availability. Wanting to go to a large screen for the desk and need a Thinkpad type keyboard with Trackpoint. Refuse to go back to an external mouse. Thanks.
January 9th, 2010 4:53 pm
I searched all around lenovo site. There is no wireless keyboard with trackpoint. I used to work for IBM 5 year ago & we had wireless keyboard with trackpoint & it reamined even after lenovo acquired the PC division. Unfortunately I do not recall the P/N.
January 16th, 2010 5:56 am
google
March 7th, 2010 8:03 pm
Where can I buy the numpad version of this keyboard?
The Lenovo site only has the numpad-less version.
March 8th, 2010 4:54 pm
This keyboard is STILL not wireless? This design group must not have the beef to get things done. Lenovo is coming out with a LOT of newly designed products. This keyboard is languishing.
March 27th, 2010 11:04 pm
Link no longer working. Harder and harder to buy that old classic …
March 31st, 2010 7:44 am
Is there any possibility to buy this keyboard?
April 5th, 2010 12:05 am
I’m thinking of building a home theater PC and I’ve been looking at HTPC keyboards. It seems that a wireless version of the smaller Trackpoint keyboard would find a big market among HTPC users. Are there any plans to introduce an item like this?
May 16th, 2010 7:47 am
One of my favourite gadgets, all categories. Using it at home as well as on work. The quality could be improved – The TrackPoint usually stops working after a couple of years of heavy usage. I would also love to have a wireless version of it, for my HTPC.
July 10th, 2010 9:09 am
Wireless bluetooth please! Forget the USB ports, make it nice for the traveler or the home media center user.
July 23rd, 2010 5:56 am
Lenovo Thinkpad Track Trackpoint Keyboard 55Y9003 works with Mac MacBook etc!!!!!
The MacBook Pro with the built-in Mac Trackpad is wonderful. Howerver, the red Trackpoint eraser head that IBM innovated into the Thinkpad Laptop Notebook computers in the 1990’s is in some cases quicker to use.
Therefore, I was VERY EXCITED when I tried to connect an external USB Lenovo Thinkpad Trackpoint Keyboard and found that the Trackpoint works very well with my Mac!!!!
In addition, this particular model (55Y9003) of the Lenovo External Trackpoint Keyboard is VERY thin, sits nicely on top of or in front of my Mac or MacBook Pro keyboard, is VERY light, and fits easily into any Laptop case because it’s so light, thin and small…and btw: Cheap (apprx. $50 U.S.).
Just google 55Y9003 and/or search for “Trackpoint External Keyboard” and you’ll find MORE THAN ONE style of Lenovo ‘Track’ Trackpoint keyboard available from multiple sources for purchase. It costs around $50 U.S. I ordered mine from CDW.com and it shipped next day. You can also order it directly from Lenovo directly for about the same price.
I LOVE my MacBook Pro. I love my Trackpad built into the MacBook. And I Love my Trackpoint track mouse ‘red eraser head’ “Stick”…..because it is just simply faster in some cases because you don’t have to take your hand off the keyboard to mouse around. If you get used to using it after a few days, it’s not only faster but also more accurate for mousing-and-clicking. You can click with your hand off the mouse movement stick and you don’t have to worry about moving the mouse pointer when you click. There are all sorts of mousing use cases where the trackpoint stick is better. There are also cases where the built-in Mac Trackpad is better. Now I have the BEST of both worlds because my Mac keyboard and trackpad works SIMULTANEOUSLY while my external USB Lenovo Track Trackpoint Keyboard is attached.
If you keep an open mind and actually use the Trackpoint built into the external keyboard for 2-3 days, you’ll find it is much faster than taking your hands off the keyboard to use a Mouse or Trackpad. It’s just that simple, and truly compelling..
I hope this helps.
August 7th, 2010 9:54 am
WIRELESS PLEASE!!!!!!!