Phenix wrote: ↑rubenvann wrote:Phenix wrote: ↑whats about the TEX YODA?
Are you suggesting I buy one or do you want to know how the space saver II compares to the tex yoda?
I didn't buy one because it's too expensive, and didn't fit my needs. I want a tenkeyless keyboard, but I do want arrows and F1-12.
How it compares, I don't know, I have never used one, but I would expect the tex's trackpoint to be smoother (because it is a newer module and almost certainly has a newer trackpoint module).
Was more a Suggestion, as it's one of the few modern board that features a trackpoint,
Do you use your trackpoint exclusively?
And which is the easiest way to try a trackpoint out (IIRC buying a thinkpad board (which Model was it again?) is the way to go,or?
I am still curious about the trackpoint, as It could be convenient to use. Can you compare a trackpoint to a trackball or a rollermouse?
Heh. It's a bit hard to explain, since it's all about feel, but I'll try to describe my experience. I haven't used a roller mouse or trackball (at least, in the last 8 years - based on my single experience with a trackball I would expect a trackpoint to work better). Of course, the experience depends on the brand, model, and probably even on the age of the keyboard and how much it has been used. For example, I have two Lenovo Thinkpad laptops with a similar keyboard that looks like this one:
https://images.techhive.com/images/arti ... -large.jpg
The standalone keyboard is one of this type:
http://blog.lenovo.com/images/uploads/b ... int_02.jpg
(except I have the USB version, which isn't wireless)
Now, I like the keys of the old version better, and I think most people would agree with me (although the keys on the new version aren't bad at all - they are just slightly worse than the keys on the old one, that's all).
I also like the trackpoint a lot better on the laptops. The trackpoint on the standalone keyboard moves a lot faster to the left top than to the right bottom, and it's hard to control the speed: If you push very lightly the speed of the pointer is almost the same as when you push quite hard, but when you push a little bit harder than quite hard it suddenly moves very fast. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or if there actually is a difference in the trackpoint module. Also, it might get better (or worse) over time. I just bought the keyboard, so I can't really tell.
I own the Thinkpad for a bit longer, so I'll use this as a reference for the rest of my post. The Thinkpad is quite old, and the harddisk is not very big, so I often have to switch to a more high-powered laptop to work on - so I don't use the trackpoint very consistently. I hope to use the trackpoint more consistently now that I have the Space Saver.
One thing I have noticed is that the trackpoint requires some getting used to (couple of days maybe). Once you have your hands in the right position, a regular mouse is faster and more accurate. The advantage of the trackpoint is that your hands barely move to get into the right position, which is great if you need the mouse often between typing, but only for short movements. For example, I use the trackpoint when I write (either code or a normal document) or do something in the terminal. When you need to make a lot of mouse movements (e.g. you're playing a game, or you're exploring a directory in a GUI), a regular mouse works better.
Now, you can still do this stuff with a trackpoint, but it's probably a little slower. When you want to try a trackpoint I suggest you look for a thinkpad keyboard (most people agree that thinkpad has the best trackpoints). I would recommend the old version
which looks like this. With a little luck you can find one that is not too expensive (mine was about 25 euro - but it's the newer model, and I don't know how the prices compare). If you're looking for a mechanical keyboard with a trackpoint you're gonna have to look at some more exotic models and spend some more - but I wouldn't recommend that unless you already know you want a trackpoint.
but maybe I can use this one for spare parts - especially the trackpoint might be nice).
