The new TrackPoint buttons – A mere 0.1 mm, but a definite change -
The input devices of the new ThinkPad have been redesigned.
First there are the TrackPoint buttons. They have a more refined and easier to use design.
Needless to say, the TrackPoint buttons are very important as they are used with the TrackPoint itself. Our Design team has been working meticulously on their design for a long time. Some other companies use pointing stick devices in their mobile products, however we have yet to see one which we really like.
The new TrackPoint buttons are a product of numerous brainstorming sessions and mockups. In fact, the number of mockups and samples that were created during the design stage were more than for any previous ThinkPad. After the basic design was decided on, the final design was fine-tuned to the point where at the end, a 0.1 mm change was applied. We must have gone through over 20 different designs.
You may wonder, “A change of 0.1 mm? What’s the big deal?”
The thing is that our fingertips are quite sensitive and that a difference of 0.1 mm can be significant in many cases. This is why we are so insistent and sensitive about this “mere 0.1 mm, but a definite change.”
Other input devices such as the keyboard and touchpad have also been tweaked. Even with all the new looks, the exterior still carries a good amount of traditional ThinkPad aesthetics where users can look at it and notice that it’s a ThinkPad after all.
We hope everyone will look forward to the new ThinkPad and its new design!
June 18th, 2009 at 12:25
Why is it all black? Has Lenovo succumbed to the touch sensitive fad?! Oh the horror!
Kidding aside, when can we see this new design?
wink:
June 18th, 2009 at 20:26
This sounds like a Dilbert story to me.
No kiddin’ here.
June 18th, 2009 at 21:02
Will this new design affect X200 Tablet ?
Well I just ordered one ………………..
June 18th, 2009 at 22:17
I think we’ve seen hints of the new design on the leaked T400s photos: http://jkontherun.com/2009/06/.....t-14-inch/
Here is the photo of the trackpoint: http://jkontherun.files.wordpr.....oseup2.jpg
June 19th, 2009 at 02:13
Why is Lenovo spending money on messing around with items such as keyboards and TrackPoint buttons when nobody is complaining about them?
June 19th, 2009 at 03:05
This sounds like a positive move for those of us who love the TrackPoint. The true test will come when I get my hands on one. It’s the road test that sells it.
June 19th, 2009 at 04:39
illuminated?
June 19th, 2009 at 06:34
Could you design new TrackPonit as the old one Ex : 570~A22p
I like the helf circle plate very much
The middle buttom is independent of left and right buttom
not like now 3-buttom on a line
and the old type’s middle buttom is more easy to press
Althougt I use new Tp , but I like the old type TrackPoint
June 19th, 2009 at 12:25
If it´s LED illuminated then I´ve had enough. No more ThinkPads…
June 19th, 2009 at 22:43
The drawing looks very similar to the one found on the T400s, and I would presume that it would feature the new design.
It would appear that 1. the buttons (left, right) are wider, and 2. the middle mouse button does not line up with the top edge of the Trackpoint buttons.
June 27th, 2009 at 10:44
So .1mm. Which way? up? down? left? right? bigger? smaller? in? out? Move the red line?
???