The New Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II

lenovo.com

10 points·usaphp··5 comments

For some inscrutable reason, this doesn't allow for wired use -- the USB wired connection is only used for charging. "For the love of God, WHY?!" etc.

I have the previous edition of this (both bluetooth and wire) and they're great. Yes, I bought the wired one shortly after I realised the above design decision.

Bounty paid for one of these, though. https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=12329

I have a few thinkpad keyboards lying around. The older or used ones are inexpensive and easy to get. It has occurred to me to wonder if an adapter could be fabricated to connect keyboard's tiny internal ribbon connecter to USB or PS2. I guess this guy made one for a standalone trackpoint:

https://github.com/feklee/usb-trackpoint

which is an awesome idea, and also something I wish I could just buy.

So maybe a cheap pcb could be designed to connect the whole keyboard; build your own case. I'm picturing something CNC milled out of some classy hardwood.

I know I would pay for the board if it already existed, and I am convinced there is an opportunity here. I guess maybe I should bite the bullet and finally get around to learning some simple pcb design tools, but I wish someone would just scoop the idea :)

I can't justify $99 because the battery will eventually wear out and end up in the trash bin. Stop making throw away garbage!

I've got the previous version of this and have been very happy with it. I may upgrade as this has a usbc port.

Is there any justification for putting the left control anywhere but bottom left?

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