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Comment by pkamb | Hacker News Reader

The "ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint" is the updated version of the OP's keyboard, with nice improvements such as the "big delete key" and slightly more modern build quality. Sold from ~2009 to ~2013.

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/pd005137

I use one of these full time at my desk. All TrackPoint, no mouse or trackpad.

Lenovo is now unfortunately making only the "Compact" keyboard, with the same chiclet keys as new ThinpPads. But the one linked above is still widely available and comes very recommended.

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These (both the original author's and this) are the ThinkPad laptop keyboards put in a plastic shell plus a USB driver chip.

This one, the 55Y9003 is the exact same as the T420 keyboard. I have one, it's really nice, although some reinforcement and a Bluetooth version would really be appreciated. Alas it's really hard to take it apart. You can find instructions at https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Displays-Options-and-Accessorie... and this forum post mentions some success in adding a few metal rods. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=710896&sid=5322c4...

Could you point to where that model is "widely available"? It doesn't seem to be on amazon or newegg, and I'd really like to get another one (or two). It's my favorite keyboard as well.

There seem to usually be a few available at any given time on eBay or Amazon. But yes, getting harder to find unfortunately. And now I have competition...

Yes, there are some used/refurbished on amazon for $200+ (or $300+ new). I don't like it _that_ much :)

But this prompted me to look on amazon again and I found an older revision for $80 and nabbed it. No luck on ebay.

I'm not sure where to buy them separately, but I'm pretty sure they come on the Lenovo T410 and Lenovo X220i laptops.

That's why I like it so much: I've been using thinkpads for years and got used to the feel of the keyboard, and also the trackpoint, so I wanted it when I was at a desktop too. It's really nice to not have to move your hand to the mouse for small motions, although I do still use a mouse for extended things like aimless web browsing.

Hah, I got my old work to get me one, and I have one at home. They're small and light, and the awesome trackpoint means you don't need a mouse. I could never get the wheel emulator (middle click + trackpoint) to work on Windows, but works fine on Linux.

That said, I haven't tried the chicklet version, but I like the resistance of my chiclet T430 keyboard better than the standalone keyboard's.

I have one of these, but I find that the plastic case flexes too much for comfort. (ThinkPad laptops are made of stronger stuff.)

There's an older, less compact version that doesn't flex. But I just wish Apple would offer their bluetooth keyboard with a Trackpoint...

I'd LOVE a detached MacBook keyboard + trackpad for my iMac.

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