I have multiple Dell laptops that have a mouse nub in the middle of the keyboard
I've used it on a Dell laptop too, but it was far inferior to the Trackpoint. I think IBM/Lenovo had a patent on the specific technology but it might be expired now.
The track point dates to the 1990's at least so at least the main patents have expired. I have no clue about advances they might have made
I recall Dell had laptops in the past at some point that had blue trackpoint-like nubs
And they were complete trash in comparison to the ones on ThinkPads imo.
I don't think more modern ThinkPads are much better... they have a shorter keyboard depth than the earlier models and the feel overall is significantly reduced... I understand as most people don't generally want a "thick" notebook.
I agree, they used to be a lot better.
The beefier business line models are still decent though.
I used a toshiba that only had the nub and no trackpad previously.