[Martian]

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

2) Also, add a pointing stick as an alternative to using the trackpad. My Dell Inspiron has this dual system and I mouse exclusively with the stick, and use the trackpad only to scroll. There is absolutely no disadvantage to those who wont use the stick.

---

Sure it is. It's ugly and it gets in the way.

---

Ugly thats personal opinion, but much more importantly, this is a TOOL, form follows function. This reminds me of the esthetic arguments used against front panel USB and Firewire ports for the Power Mac...that is arguments used until Apple finally saw the light.
gets in the way not really. A 1/8 inch stick sitting barely above the keytops, at the intersection of the G,H & B keys cant be in the way. During normal typing, your fingers will never cross this placement. Arguably, it's the trackpad that gets in the way.
Surely I am not the only one who hates trackpads and finds a pointing stick as a reasonable compromise with not having to carry a mouse around with a laptop.