If you’ve ever walked through a tech store looking for a laptop, chances are you’ve come across a quirk in laptop models. Lenovo: a red dot in the middle of the keyboard.
This enigmatic point is called TrackPoint and it’s been a hallmark of Lenovo laptops over the years. But what is this red “button” really for?
The mystery of the TrackPoint
To understand its origin, we have to go back to 1992, when researchers Ted Selker and Joe Rutledger presented an innovative idea to IBM. as you remember hard zone, proposed incorporating a special button in the center of a laptop keyboard that would have a useful function. The idea was well received, and Richard Sapir, one of the most influential industrial designers of the 20th century, brought it to life. Thus was born the TrackPoint, a small red dot that debuted on the IBM ThinkPad 700c.
Over time, IBM exited the laptop market and sold its division to Lenovo, which included the ThinkPad brand and TrackPoint. Although many users are unaware of its purpose, this element has a specific function that improves productivity.
Contrary to what some believe, the TrackPoint is not an alternative to the touchpad in case it breaks. Its position in the center of the keyboard serves a well-thought-out purpose: prevent you from having to move your hand between the keyboard and touchpad.
This design is based on the idea that while typing, your index finger is naturally close to the TrackPoint. This allows you perform point and click actions without moving your handwhich saves time.
The operation of the TrackPoint is interesting, since its response varies according to the pressure exerted by the finger and if you use the index finger of the left or right hand. This allows the mouse pointer moves faster or slower depending on the user’s needs.
Although the TrackPoint does not support right and left clicks, many Lenovo laptops solve this problem by providing click buttons on top of the touchpad. This allows use the mouse without interruptions while continuing to type. And in terms of its precision, the TrackPoint far exceeds the conventional touchpad. Its joystick-like operation allows for greater precision in navigation and the creation of straighter lines.