TrackPoint
The ThinkPoint is IBMs name for the trackpoint that sits between the g,h an b keys of the keyboard. It is used as a pointing device and hence as an alternative to an external mouse or a touchpad. What sets it apart from trackpoints found in notebooks of other manufacturers is its tap-to-click feature, which means that you can tap the stick to do a left click instead of using the left mouse button.
Linux Support
The ThinkPoint uses the ps2 interface so it is supported by the standard psaux mouse input driver included in the linux kernel.
However, to make use of advanced features like configuring it's sensitivity or enabling the "tab-to-click" feature there are different solutions available depending on the kernel you are using.
- For 2.4 type kernels it is recommended to use the Linux Trackpoint utilities.
- For 2.6 type kernels there is a Patch to enable advanced trackpoint configuration available. If you are using GNOME you might want to use configure-trackpoint as a graphical frontend to it.