How to Use the Trackpad or Command Point on a Laptop

At the end of the 1990s, all major-brand laptops came with trackpads (also commonly called GlidePoints and touch pads among other names) except IBM and Toshiba laptops, which came with "dot" pointing devices (also called command points). When you're accustomed to a mouse, these other input devices can be challenging.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Laptop Computer

Moving the Pointer on the Screen

1. For a trackpad, gently glide your index finger across the trackpad surface to move the pointer. The pointer moves in the same direction as your finger.
2. Position the pointer and gently tap the trackpad to select an icon, text, or a graphic.
3. Double-tap the pad (or double-click the trackpad button) to open an icon.
4. To drag, position the pointer on an icon and tap the trackpad twice, but keep your finger down after the second tap and drag it in the direction you want the icon to go. (It's a down-up-down motion.)
5. For a command point, gently guide the command point with your index finger to move the pointer. Push the command point to move it faster.
6. Guide the command point in the direction you want the pointer to move. These tend to need a light touch.
7. To drag, position the pointer on an icon, press the left button on the wrist-board (it's easiest to do this with your thumb or another finger), and then move the finger on the command point to move the icon. Release the button and the command point when you've got the icon where you want it.

Adjusting Settings

8. Open the Start menu and click Settings, then Control Panel.
9. Double-click Mouse.
10. Click tab for your input device.
11. Adjust pointer speed and other controls to personal taste.

Tips & Warnings

• For either type of input device, use the left and right buttons on the wrist-board as you would left and right mouse buttons.
• Connect an external mouse to your PS/2 or USB port when working at a desk, if you prefer a mouse to the built-in input device. Adjust the Mouse control panel to match device in use.
• Replace "eraser head" tips on the command point when worn. Use extras supplied with laptop.
• Avoid moving base of the command point as much as possible, as they can break with normal wear-and-tear.
• Expect your pointer to drift on its own.
• Avoid touching the trackpad as computer starts up.
• On a Mac, open the Trackpad control panel to make changes.

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