Difference between revisions of "TrackPoint"

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The ThinkPoint uses the ps2 interface so it is supported by the standard psaux mouse input driver included in the linux kernel.
 
The ThinkPoint uses the ps2 interface so it is supported by the standard psaux mouse input driver included in the linux kernel.
  
However, to make use of advanced features like configuring it's sensitivity or enabling the "tab-to-click" feature there are different solutions available depending on the kernel you are using.
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Note that the "IMPS/2" driver of the X server is incompatible with most ThinkPoints. You'll have to use "PS/2" in the protocol option of your input section if your mouse pointer always jumps to the lower left corner of the screen. This seems to be solved with the T4x generation of ThinkPads.
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However, to make use of advanced features like configuring sensitivity or enabling "tab-to-click" there are different solutions available depending on the kernel you are using.
 
* For 2.4 type kernels it is recommended to use the [http://www.slac.stanford.edu/~strauman/pers/tp4utils/ Linux Trackpoint utilities].
 
* For 2.4 type kernels it is recommended to use the [http://www.slac.stanford.edu/~strauman/pers/tp4utils/ Linux Trackpoint utilities].
 
* For 2.6 type kernels there is a [[Patch to enable advanced trackpoint configuration]] available. If you are using GNOME you might want to use [http://tpctl.sourceforge.net/configure-trackpoint.html configure-trackpoint] as a graphical frontend to it.
 
* For 2.6 type kernels there is a [[Patch to enable advanced trackpoint configuration]] available. If you are using GNOME you might want to use [http://tpctl.sourceforge.net/configure-trackpoint.html configure-trackpoint] as a graphical frontend to it.

Revision as of 01:20, 3 December 2004

The ThinkPoint is IBMs name for the trackpoint that sits between the g,h an b keys of the keyboard. It is used as a pointing device and hence as an alternative to an external mouse or a touchpad. What sets it apart from trackpoints found in notebooks of other manufacturers is its tap-to-click feature, which means that you can tap the stick to do a left click instead of using the left mouse button.

Linux Support

The ThinkPoint uses the ps2 interface so it is supported by the standard psaux mouse input driver included in the linux kernel.

Note that the "IMPS/2" driver of the X server is incompatible with most ThinkPoints. You'll have to use "PS/2" in the protocol option of your input section if your mouse pointer always jumps to the lower left corner of the screen. This seems to be solved with the T4x generation of ThinkPads.

However, to make use of advanced features like configuring sensitivity or enabling "tab-to-click" there are different solutions available depending on the kernel you are using.