Pointing stick
Encyclopedia
Pointing device
A pointing device is an input interface that allows a user to input spatial data to a computer...
(compare especially touchpad
Touchpad
A touchpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on screen. Touch pads are a common feature of laptop computers, and they are also used as a substitute for a mouse where desk...
and trackball
Trackball
A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor...
). It was invented by research scientist Ted Selker
Ted Selker
Edwin Joseph Selker, better known as Ted Selker is an American computer scientist known for his user-interface inventions.-Biography:Selker graduated from Brown University in 1979 with a BS in Applied Mathematics, and from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with an MS in Computer and...
. It is present on many brands of laptops, including Lenovo's line of ThinkPad
ThinkPad
ThinkPad is line of laptop computers originally sold by IBM but now produced by Lenovo. They are known for their boxy black design, which was modeled after a traditional Japanese lunchbox...
laptops, Toshiba
Toshiba
is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and...
Tecra laptops, HP business notebooks and on Dell Latitude
Dell Latitude
Latitude is Dell's business laptop brand, designed and manufactured mainly by Compal and Quanta.-Overview and product type:The Dell Latitude is targeted for business use. This means that standardized parts are used throughout the line and are available for several years for support purposes...
s under the name of Track Stick. It has also been used on computer mice
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
and on some desktop
Desktop computer
A desktop computer is a personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Early desktop computers are designed to lay flat on the desk, while modern towers stand upright...
keyboards
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
(as an integrated pointing device).
The pointing stick operates by sensing applied force (hence it is also known as an isometric joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
), by using a pair of resistive
Electrical resistance
The electrical resistance of an electrical element is the opposition to the passage of an electric current through that element; the inverse quantity is electrical conductance, the ease at which an electric current passes. Electrical resistance shares some conceptual parallels with the mechanical...
strain gauge
Strain gauge
A strain gauge is a device used to measure the strain of an object. Invented by Edward E. Simmons and Arthur C. Ruge in 1938, the most common type of strain gauge consists of an insulating flexible backing which supports a metallic foil pattern. The gauge is attached to the object by a suitable...
s. The velocity of the cursor
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
depends on the applied force. On a QWERTY
QWERTY
QWERTY is the most common modern-day keyboard layout. The name comes from the first six letters appearing in the topleft letter row of the keyboard, read left to right: Q-W-E-R-T-Y. The QWERTY design is based on a layout created for the Sholes and Glidden typewriter and sold to Remington in the...
keyboard, the stick is embedded between the 'G', 'H' and 'B' keys, and the mouse buttons are placed just below the Spacebar. The mouse buttons can be operated right-handed or left-handed due to their placement below the keyboard along the centerline.
The pointing stick has a replaceable rubber cap, traditionally red on the ThinkPad but also found in other colors on other machines. The cap can be a slightly rough "eraser head" material (Classic Dome) or other optional shapes (Soft Dome or Soft Rim).
Features
The sensitivity of the TrackPoint is usually adjustable, and can be set to provide an extremely light touch.Press-to-select is an optional feature, where a sharp tap on the pointing stick is equivalent to a button-click. The button thus clicked can be configured to be 1, 2 or 3. However, it is quite easy to accidentally click the mouse when typing.
Together with software wheel-emulation, the Trackpoint (and 3 buttons) can provide almost the entire behavior of a 3-button, 2-wheel mouse. Tapping button-2 will generate a middle-click; holding button-2 while simultaneously moving the pointer will generate vertical and horizontal scrolling events.
The TrackPoint III and the TrackPoint IV have a feature called Negative Inertia that causes the cursor's velocity to "overreact" when it is accelerated or decelerated. Negative Inertia is intended to avoid feeling of inertia or sluggishness when starting or stopping movement. Usability tests at IBM have shown that it is easier for users to position the cursor with Negative Inertia, and performance is 7.8% better.
Problems
Cursor drift is a ubiquitous problem among pointing sticks, requiring frequent recalibration. However, TrackPoints automatically recalibrate when the stick recognizes a steady cursor drift; to trigger a recalibration, the user must lift his or her finger temporarily off the TrackPoint for about 1 second.History
The concept of TrackPoint was created in 1984 by Ted SelkerTed Selker
Edwin Joseph Selker, better known as Ted Selker is an American computer scientist known for his user-interface inventions.-Biography:Selker graduated from Brown University in 1979 with a BS in Applied Mathematics, and from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with an MS in Computer and...
, a PARC researcher. He learned about a study that demonstrated that it takes relatively long time, three-quarters of a second, for a computer user to shift his hand from the keyboard to the mouse, and as much time to shift back. Ted Selker wanted to construct a device that would largely eliminate this delay. Selker built a model of a pointing stick, but actually had no time to work on it.
Three years later, working at IBM, Selker was able to refine the TrackPoint design and transform his invention into a product.
IBM was issued the US patents in 1996.
Comparison with touchpads
Sony Vaio P
The Sony VAIO P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers launched in January/February 2009.It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC", although they share many characteristics with netbook computers.- Description :...
, for example) where there would be no place for a touchpad.
The pointing stick is positioned such that the hands do not need to be removed from the home row to manipulate the mouse pointer.
Some users claim it is easier to finely position the pointer than when using a touchpad because there is virtually no 'dead zone'. Some users feel that pointing sticks cause less wrist strain, because user does not need to avoid resting wrists on a touchpad, usually located just below the keyboard. Some people find them more appealing for mobile gaming than a touchpad, because the track-point allows infinite movement without repositioning.
One criticism is that because the pointing stick depends on the user applying pressure, it can cause hand cramps (although this can be partly solved by setting the sensitivity to high, and lifting the finger when the pointer is not being moved). Another criticism is that it stresses the index finger and may lead to repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury is an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by...
. In addition, a finger slipping off of the stick can lead to accidental pressing of one or more keys in immediate proximity.
A number of ergonomic studies to compare trackpoint and touchpad performance have been performed. Most studies find that touchpad is slightly faster; one study found that "the touchpad was operated 15% faster than the trackpoint."
Another study found that average object selection time was faster with a touchpad, 1.7 sec compared to 2.2 sec with a trackpoint, and object manipulation took 6.2 sec with a touchpad, on average, against 8.1 sec with trackpoint.
These studies measured pointing performance only and cannot verify or disprove the claim that trackpoint is faster in a mix of pointing and typing actions. It is also unknown whether or not the studies took into account differences in the learning curve
Learning curve
A learning curve is a graphical representation of the changing rate of learning for a given activity or tool. Typically, the increase in retention of information is sharpest after the initial attempts, and then gradually evens out, meaning that less and less new information is retained after each...
between each device or each device's sensitivity setting.
Naming and brands
| Name | Brand | Current Models | Past Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrackPoint | IBM IBM International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas... / Lenovo |
All known ThinkPad ThinkPad ThinkPad is line of laptop computers originally sold by IBM but now produced by Lenovo. They are known for their boxy black design, which was modeled after a traditional Japanese lunchbox... s (not IdeaPad IdeaPad -History:The IdeaPad laptops were announced in January 2008. The first three models in the product line were the Y710, the Y510, and the U110. Some of the features that defined these first three models were widescreens, VeriFace facial recognition, frameless screens, touch controls, and Dolby... s), and Travel Keyboard with Ultranav |
Most ThinkPad ThinkPad ThinkPad is line of laptop computers originally sold by IBM but now produced by Lenovo. They are known for their boxy black design, which was modeled after a traditional Japanese lunchbox... s, Space Saver II, Model M13, Model M4-1, Trackpoint IV, Trackpoint USB Keyboard, TransNote |
| PointStick | HP Hewlett-Packard Hewlett-Packard Company or HP is an American multinational information technology corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA that provides products, technologies, softwares, solutions and services to consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises, including... (Compaq Compaq Compaq Computer Corporation is a personal computer company founded in 1982. Once the largest supplier of personal computing systems in the world, Compaq existed as an independent corporation until 2002, when it was acquired for US$25 billion by Hewlett-Packard.... ) |
All EliteBooks HP EliteBook HP EliteBook is a brand of premium business-class notebooks and mobile workstations made by Hewlett-Packard. The EliteBook series, which slots above the lower-end ProBook series, was introduced in August 2008.-Features:... ; ProBook HP ProBook The HP ProBook is a brand of affordable business notebooks made by Hewlett-Packard. The ProBook series are aimed at mainstream business users and are cheaper than the higher-end EliteBook series.-S-Series:... 6450b, 6455b & 6550b |
All EliteBooks; all models ending with p or w; all models starting with nc or nw; 6445b (optional), 6545b (optional), tc4200, tc4400 |
| NX Point | NEC NEC , a Japanese multinational IT company, has its headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. NEC, part of the Sumitomo Group, provides information technology and network solutions to business enterprises, communications services providers and government.... |
EasyNote MX45, MX65, S5 | |
| Pointing Stick | Sony Sony , commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues.... |
none | Sony Vaio P series Sony VAIO P series The Sony VAIO P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers launched in January/February 2009.It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC", although they share many characteristics with netbook computers.- Description :... , BX series, C1 series, U8 series, UX series |
| StickPoint, QuickPoint | Fujitsu Fujitsu is a Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is the world's third-largest IT services provider measured by revenues.... |
Lifebook Lifebook LIFEBOOK is line of laptop computers made by Fujitsu.Within the LIFEBOOK family, Fujitsu offers a range of thin and light, portable, and desktop-alternative notebooks, as well as convertible and Tablet PCs.-History:... T2020, P1630, P2120, S7220, E8420 (optional), U820/U2010 |
Lifebook Lifebook LIFEBOOK is line of laptop computers made by Fujitsu.Within the LIFEBOOK family, Fujitsu offers a range of thin and light, portable, and desktop-alternative notebooks, as well as convertible and Tablet PCs.-History:... T2010, S7110, S7210, B2400/2500/2600 series, E8310 (optional), E8410 (optional), P1100/1500/1600 series, U1010/U810/U50 |
| Track Stick | Dell Dell Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest... |
Latitude E4200, E4310, E6410, E6420 and E6510; Precision M4500 and M6500 | Latitude Dell Latitude Latitude is Dell's business laptop brand, designed and manufactured mainly by Compal and Quanta.-Overview and product type:The Dell Latitude is targeted for business use. This means that standardized parts are used throughout the line and are available for several years for support purposes... E6500, E6400, D430, D600, D630, D830, XT, E4300, E5400, E5410, E6400, E6510, E6400 ATG, E6500; Precision Dell Precision Dell Precision Workstations are computers aimed at prosumers and CAD / Architecture / CG professionals as a workstation computer, or as small scale business servers.- Current Dell Precision desktop models :* Precision T1500* Precision T1600... M2300, M2400, M4300, M4400, M6400; Inspiron 4000, 8100, 8200, 8600, 9100; L |
| AccuPoint | Toshiba Toshiba is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and... |
Tecra R840, R850, M11, A11 (optional) | Portege (not current models 06/2007), Portege 3490CT, Tecra A7, A8, A9, A10, M2, M5, M9, M10, S Series; Satellite Pro 4000 Series, 410 Series |
| FlexPoint | Sprintek | SK8702/SK8703 for Laptop/Tablet PC/Netbook/Industrial Keyboard | |
| FineTrack | Acer | TravelMate C200 (Tablet), C210 (Tablet), 6410, 6460, 6492, 6492G, 6592, 6592G, 6593 | |
| Mouse emulator | Elonex Elonex Elonex is a computer hardware and related IT services company based in Birmingham, UK, that develops eBook Readers, Android eTouch Tablets, and other consumer electronics.The Elonex brand was founded in 1986, in London.... |
Elonex ONE Elonex ONE The Elonex ONE is a netbook computer marketed to the education sector by Elonex. The ONE's operating system is called Linos, based on Linux kernel 2.6.21, has Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet networking, a solid-state hard drive, two USB ports and weighs less than 1 kg.The ONE has been described... |
|
| Pointing Stick | Unicomp Unicomp Unicomp is a manufacturer of computer keyboards and keyboard accessories based in Lexington, Kentucky. The company was founded in April 1996 when they purchased the license to the buckling-spring keyboard technology from Lexmark International, Inc.Unicomp's product line consists mostly of... |
EnduraPro, Mighty Mouse (both for desktops) | On-The-Stick |
Informal names
In attempting to avoid trademarkedGenericized trademark
A genericized trademark is a trademark or brand name that has become the colloquial or generic description for, or synonymous with, a general class of product or service, rather than as an indicator of source or affiliation as intended by the trademark's holder...
names and the ambiguity of the term "pointing stick", which commonly refers to a stick
Pointer (rod)
A pointer or pointing stick is a solid rod used to point manually, in the form of a stick, but always finished off or artificially produced....
used to point at chalkboard
Chalkboard
A chalkboard or blackboard is a reusable writing surface on which text or drawings are made with sticks of calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate, known, when used for this purpose, as chalk. Chalkboards were originally made of smooth, thin sheets of black or dark grey slate stone...
s or flip chart
Flip chart
A flip chart is a stationery item resembling a whiteboard, typically supported on a tripod or four-legged easel. A pad of paper sheets is typically fixed to the upper edge. Such charts are commonly used for presentations. The flip chart is thought to have been invented by Peter Kent who built one...
s, various informal names have been invented, including "nipple
Nipple
In its most general form, a nipple is a structure from which a fluid emanates. More specifically, it is the projection on the breasts or udder of a mammal by which breast milk is delivered to a mother's young. In this sense, it is often called a teat, especially when referring to non-humans, and...
mouse", "nub", "eraser
Eraser
An eraser or rubber is an article of stationery that is used for rubbing out pencil markings. Erasers have a rubbery consistency and are often white or pink, although modern materials allow them to be made in any color. Many pencils are equipped with an eraser on one end...
mouse", "joy button", "clit mouse", and "keyboard clit".