Seriously what stops us from using for example a t480s keyboard (that one has the trackpoint and mouse buttons as part of the keyboard), is it too wide or too thick?
The ec is open source so the different matrix could be implemented.
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While I currently use an Asus G15 for work, I definitely want to move to a Framework 16 in the future when it is available, and it would be amazing if there was something like Trackpoint available for the input cover.
While I love Trackpoint, one of the things that irks me about it, is that it stagnated. I don’t use a Thinkpad anymore, so do miss the Trackpoint, but all the Thinkpads I had suffered from intermittent Trackpoint drift, which I’ve never seen on non-Trackpoint sticks like joysticks or analogue nubs on gaming devices. I wasn’t sure if it was a hardware problem or software, but it was annoying when it happened.
Also, I felt that pushing the stick harder to move the pointer quickly sometimes actually hurt my fingers and could be improved, though this differed between the various Thinkpads I owned, seemingly getting worse with newer models, though perhaps the older models just had more wear and got softer over time.
Finally, the software side could be improved, adding gesture support to compete with all the smartphone inspired gestures that touchpads have benefitted from over the years.
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Needs scroll button. It would not be nearly as useful without the scroll button. Not only that, but having it down between the buttons makes it difficult to perform tasks were you need to use both the stick and the button, like clicking and dragging. Despite the nice mock-up, IMHO that is not a workable solution.
Drift is a software problem. The stick (like a joystick) doesn’t always snap back to exactly how it was before being moved (this is why joysticks have configurable dead-zones). The driver software needs to account for slightly different input values for neutral (usually adjusting after a few seconds of not touching it). Linux has had this working without issue for quite some time now. I can’t remember the last time I had to actually wait for the trackpoint to get re-calibrated (which wasn’t bad when it did - 6 seconds maximum, maybe once every couple days, but now it doesn’t even need to do that).
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I think you might be right. I don’t recall it happening when I used Linux Mint, but it was definitely an issue in Windows.
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Hi folks. Sorry to burst bubbles, but just chiming in to state that there are no current plans for a trackpoint on our end, but who knows what 3rd Party devs will come up with in the future!
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@TheTwistgibber
Hi there, thank you for your reply!
That is a really, really sad answer though. I have to stick to Thinkpads then, can’t bother to switch to a brand which slows down my productivity.
So it still stays - Only Thinkpads are tools, the rest are just toys.
I had hopes that the modularity of your concept oculd incorporate a trackpoint option, too, but too bad. But well, so we’ll have to come up with the integration ourselves…
Challenge accepted!
Best regards,
MT
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I fail to see how a negative comment like that could help in any possible way. Sounds a bit passive-aggressive to me.
That actually means their modular concept is great since any third-party can develop a solution to satisfy trackpoint users. I think asking Framework to create multiple variants of their products or to answer the needs of every small niche customers is:
a) unrealistic at this stage
b) goes against the ideology of Framework itself if they’re the sole one to produce parts
Something more constructive, here, would be to ask other manufacturers to join forces and develop accessories for the Framework.
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I’ll just leave this here…if any Framework/Thinkpad owners want to chip in and help the below project, then your prayers for a Thinkpad/Framework will be answered.
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As soon as I have a first test unit to showcase I will try FW funding and crowdfunding it. I believe if there is a first successful batch of a hundred units afterwards it will take off and self-finance the next experiments.
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Yes, it’s an unfortunate response, though I appreciate that there’s an official statement from Framework. I’m also staying with ThinkPads until a decent pointing stick implementation is available for a Framework laptop.
I’ll monitor the developments here. To everyone coming up with alternative solutions, thank you.
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I just want to add that I also would love to have a trackpoint and it was one of the reasons why I got a thinkpad instead of the framework when it came time to buy a new laptop. That and the spill resistance that thinkpads have, that has saved me more than once.
The palm rest does make adding one non-trivial, right? But isn’t the palm rest replaceable like everything else on the laptop?
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The keyboard on the Framework 13 is very non-trivial in terms of design as it has tens of screws and is embedded in the palm rest similar to how HP keyboards are:
Then you have even more screws on the keyboard itself:
On the contrary Thinkpad keyboards have their own plate that sits on top of the input cover rather than being embedded key by key. They are held with 2 or 3 screws.
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The confirmation of no trackpoint is really disappointing to see.
Can’t stand to use my framework 13 because of the touchpad, it’s rotting in my drawer while I use a lenovo t14.
I would have ordered a framework 13 trackpoint keyboard upgrade, or a framework 16 with trackpoint, in a heartbeat.
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Yep, I too would order a framework 16 with trackpoint in a heartbeat
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Another vote and bump for trackpoint support.
Although 13 seems non-trivial, for the 16 it looks like the trackpad and keyboard are relatively easy to replace.
I’d also settle for less than a integrated trackpoint keyboard: if there was a way to just have a trackpoint nub with a regular trackpad and buttons, that would definitely work for me.
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Another vote as well. This would be an instant-buy for me if it had one.
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I’ll add myself to the mix. I am a Thinkpad cultist as well and, if I had to buy a laptop right now, the only thing making me hesitant towards buying a Framework is being forced to use the touchpad after so many years. That would need physical buttons just below the keyboard like Thinkpads have, making it a niche product inside a niche, but the openness, modularity and customizability of Framework makes me hope for the best.
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Aaaand another one. If there was the possibility to have (a similar good) trackpoint and designated buttons I would immediately buy a framework laptop.
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