Pointing stick mark on the screen...

I don't have the backlit keyboard, and I have the same problem as the OP.

 

So would it be worth it to call Dell, tell them of my problem, and ask for a replacement keyboard sent to me? Or do you think they'll require that I send the laptop to them (which would be a complete waste of time for me).

 

depends on your warranty!! but for keyboards, they normally consider it user replaceable so i think u wont have much trouble

 

hmm... i just use a screen protector...

 

I would agree.. but this a 2k system, such issue should not exists.

I say return the system entirely. Re order it over the phone with the backlit keyboard and negotiate a price, or see if you can have some free upgrade. You'll save money (or pay the same with free upgrades), get a proper keyboard which was design for the laptop).

OR

Remove the keyboard, bend it down a bit (curve a few millimeters, don't break it) where the point is, re-insert it, and see if it helps.

 

Any links on how to remove a keyboard?

 

its really simple. remove the battery, you'll see two clips, push them and the strip with the indicator LED's will pop out, revealing two screws for the keyboard. unscrew this and pull the keyboard out (its connected by a kind of plug including the track stick mouse buttons)

the support section on the dell website has the manuals

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late6400/en/sm/html/keyboard.htm#wp1179980

 

I have had multiple latitudes that had backlit keyboards with the same issue with the pointing stick. I do not think it's isolated to just non-backlit keyboards. Though, apparently some say the backlit ones feel better anyway.

Also, Goodbytes, for a potentially very expensive system, there really shouldn't be those pathetic excuses of pads on the palm rest. How hard is it for dell to add a two small strips of rubber to the LCD bezel just like on EVERY other model they make...(especially the consumer lines).

 

havent had any of these issues with my M4400, which is constructed similarly. might just be isolated to the E6400?

 

is there danger of it doing permanent damage?