IBM Trackpoint Vs UltraNav

Lenovo is offering Z60t and R50e at new sale prices. However all these 'on sale' models come with only Track Point pointing system.There is no sale on the UltraNavs as IBM calls them.

I have been using a DELL 6000 and am very comfortable with thhis kinda pointing device.Hence I dont know if I'll be happy with Tracking Point.

However I could save around $250 if I opt for Tracking point instead of UltraNav thinkpad offering same confirguration.

I have never used Tracking Point system ever. Do you think its good compromise to make to save $250?

Thanks.

 

I thought that all Z60t's came with Ultranav...

Anyhow, objectively - Trackpoints kick a$$ and touchpads suck a$$. If you know how to operate a trackpoint properly, it's far better than any touchpad. However, subjectively, some people just don't get along with them, so it's a risk.

R50e I would prefer to stay away from - it's too much of a budget model, lacks some features present even on most of the other R-series models, such as a docking station connector...

 

If it is not what you are familiar with, trackpoints do take a little getting used to. Since the T41 has both, I find myself using the trackpoint for cross-screen movement, but still use the touchpad for finer motion. And I carry a travel mouse in the bag that I don't use much.

 

All of the Z60t models come with ultranav (trackpoint + touchpad option). They don't vary the chassis or build for any model based on config, below is the Z60t I had and



I'm 99% sure the R50 is going to have the same, the only machine that does not have ultranav is the X series, and that's because a touchpad is sacrificed for a larger keyboard and just using a pointing stick with mouse buttons.

Either way, I hate touchpads and find the pointing stick to be 10 times easier to use than a touchpad and even prefer it to an external mouse at times.

 

From IBM on R series specs: "The ThinkPad UltraNav™ multipointing system, available on select models, was created with ease-of-use in mind. It combines the latest full-function TrackPoint® pointing device with a customized touch pad. A product of detailed research and analysis, this innovative tool lets you work the way you want. A choice of three TrackPoint cap designs allows you to further customize your ThinkPad notebook."
So it seems there are some that don't have the ultranav.

BTW, do you get multiple cap designs in the package, or you can just buy those later? What's different about the different designs?

 

Not that anyone cares, but the G series also doesn't have a touchpad.

The three different cap designs come included.

 

If you need more you can just buy more direct from Lenovo/IBM or ebay.

 

Yes you are right.All Z60ts come with UltraNav. Its the R50 models on sale which all have Tracking point. The $799/849 Centrino model is very tempting except for the tracking point. But looks like many people like that system. I assumed its getting outdated and IBM just replacing it with UltraNav.

On the Z60, what do ya recommend the 60m or 60t?

 

That's cool. Thanx. So which design originally ships with say the T43? I never knew there were different designs, I just knew they were exchangeable.

I guess I'll have to wait till I wear down the first tip before I get to try the different tips ... that's if I ever get used to a pointing stick, although most IBM owners praise them. Only pointing sticks I used were on a VERY old IBM (PII) and a dell latitude D600 and both were too annoying.

 

That's really a power/screen size verus mobility issue. If you felt comfortable with the Dell 6000, then you probably would also like the Z60m. While Z60t is a pound and a half lighter than the m, its screen is also a good inch and a half smaller than the m's (or the Dell 6000's), and might take a little getting used to.

Additionally, the m has the X300 video card as an option, and should offer the X600 sometime soon.

 

Overall I prefer thin and light machines, but put the Z60t up against the Z60m and I felt the Z60m was better due to the screen, power and battery performance. The Z60m is fairly big though, and definitely beefy -- which equates to tough and a bit on the heavy side. But it's in line with the weight of other notebooks of it's size so if you've used other 15.4" screen notebooks then it'll be fine for you.

 

I prefer the classic dome of all of them, can't stand the rim. So once you get into the realm of liking the pointing stick, then there's the debate on which nub you like the best

I always thought it would be cool if they offered different colors, red is distinctive for sure but if you could get a green, blue or yellow nub I'm sure you could draw some comments by passers by on that.

 

I prefer the soft dome, which seems to be installed by default. The classic dome is also fine, but the soft dome is wider and flatter, giving me better feeling and control. The rim, I agree, is just retarded.

These IBM caps are really great. I installed one of the classic dome ones on my old Compaq Evo - it's SO much better than the original Compaq trackpoint cap, that it's amazing.

 

Also, the R50e is comparable to a REALLY well built Inspiron 2200, with a decent battery (not the NiMH excuse for a battery that the 2200 has).

As has been said, the Z60m is comparable to a Inspiron 6000 in size and features.

 

As someone else mentioned here, some people just have problems with them (the trackpoints) and can never enjoy using them. Personally, I like them to the extent that it would be a major factor in deciding on which new laptop to get if I were in the market. I've used other laptops with trackpoints, and for the record, few come close to the precision and usability that the ThinkPad's offer. That's something to consider. Also, I never use the touchpad, like, never, and frankly would be just fine if it were gone from my T42. (I've tried it once or twice to see what it was like, and must say it is very good as well.)
Just my opinion though.

 

One thing to keep in mind - often the trackpoint caps have a lot to do with the usability of a trackpoint. When I took my old Compaq Evo and put one of the Thinkpad caps on it (instead of the one Compaq provided) it made the trackpoint MUCH MUCH more usable.

 

In every difference but portability, the Z60M is better than the Z60T. This is not a matter of preference, but simple objective fact. Better screen, faster DVD burner (8x vs. 2.4x, I believe), larger hard drives, more configurations, etc. At the same time, the M is also significantly less expensive than the most comparable T model. Personally, I don't consider weight an issue at all. I'd be fine carrying a 12 pound laptop all day. I can imagine size being an issue, though. Then again, truth be told, the M isn't that much bigger (roughly an inch in length and width.

For almost any buyer, it really makes a lot more sense to get the M. Then again, if you need those extra 25 or so square inches (haven't factored in the depth, but there's a 0.4" difference there) and are willing to give up some of the nice advantages of the M (and pay more for it), I guess the T is for you.

You mentioned a $250 price difference between the T and another model you were considering, so my thoughts are as follows: Find the Z60M most comparable to the T you were looking at. You'll get a more powerful setup and probably save $300.

Best,
Howie

 

Myself, I wouldn't go with the m if portability is much of a concern.

However, seeing as you've got an Inspiron 6000, it won't be any less portable - it's roughly the same size.

I'm a fan of the X series, however, so realize that I like 3.5lb laptops without optical drives. Your needs may be, and probably are, different.

 

I used to use the bloody old mouse that everyone used to have. I developed a severe shoulder problem and the doctors discovered that it was from repeated use of the mouse. They advised using the TrackPoint. IT IS THE BEST THING I HAVE DONE!!!!! I have used a Track Point for 5 years now and can't imagine anything better besides voice recognition. Your fingers never have to leave the
keyboard so throughput is faster, accuracy is better, and there is no discomfort. It did take me a few hours to realize how little one needs to move your finger on the TrackPoint to get where you are going, and the sensitivity is adjustable!!!!

 

Insert comment about love for TrackPoint here.

 

Hey Ive' got the T61p with the Tpoint and Ultra Nav. For the life of me, I
can't maniputale the red cap. It's either too sensitive or not. I would expect it to be just as good a a touch pad, where I have no issue in controlling.

Conlusion: it has to be the user!!!!!

Anyone point me to a good link on how to use this thing. Not much on Lenovo's site I could find.

Thanks

 

There's not really a guide to using it a trackpoint...

But there is a way to adjust its sensativity as well as other settings. Go to your Control Panel and click on Mouse. UltraNav settings are on the last tab.

Good luck, I hope you grow to like it because it really is a lot better than the touchpad.