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Laptop Computer Question (Touchpad)

nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
edited December 2001 in General Discussion
My very favorite computer, and the one I use most, is a Sony VAIO PCG-150. It has a touch pad for moving the mouse cursor around. Most of the time it works pretty well, but sometimes it gets crazy, and I can't position the arrow to save my life.Can the pad wear out? Is it hard to replace?Should I consider getting a laptop with the little pencil eraser next time?
Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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Comments

  • turboturbo Member Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't know anything about your problem.But I'm glad to hear about this problem, cause I'm getting ready to buy a laptop, and it's good to know what, other options are available, I would rather have a mouse.Cause they're really inexpensive to replace.I've often wondered, about those pads.Anyhow, if you wouldn't mind, letting us know how the problem was resolved, and whether it was replaced by company, or whether you fixed it yourself.How old is your machine?
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    My machine is about 3 or 4 years old. If it is repaired, it will be up to me.My son has a similar problem with his Compaq laptop, so he just uses a mouse with it. His pad gets to where it won't work at all. Mine just goes nutso once in a while.I bought both laptops used. They cost too much new.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have been using a touch pad on a desk top for years with no problems. They are cheap to buy, so perhaps they would be cheap to replace on a lap top. Call Sony and find out. It could be a software problem too, but it sounds like hardware to me. I HATE the "pencil eraser" pointing devices. I would search for a touch pad on any laptop I bought.
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  • DaRoostaDaRoosta Member Posts: 270 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You should be able to get a replacement touch pad, but it may also be the sensor. Sometimes it just needs a thorough cleaning. I don't have first-hand experience with these, but I've heard rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip works. I've never tried it and wouldn't try it until I got a second opinion, but it seems like it would work to me. I would hate to be the demise of your machine.I would suggest using an external mouse whenever possible. The touchpads are nice, but replacing an external mouse will most likely be much less expensive and you won't have so many problems. I have the little eraser head on my laptop and can't stand it. A new laptop is on the horizon for me...definitely with the touchpad.
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  • BullzeyeBullzeye Member Posts: 3,560
    edited November -1
    Nunn:The jumping pointer phenomena could be caused by a number of different things, including defect, driver problems, or accumulation of grime on the sensor.Althought its not totally unheard of, I'd tend to rule out the third because there are usually no openings near the touchpad that could allow grime to clog up the sensor.Did the jumping pointer happen from the moment you got the laptop, or did it start to happen randomly?Is there any particular movement on the pad that causes it to become erratic? Did you drop the laptop or spill anything on the touchpad?Try going to the Start Menu, Settings, then Control Panel. Double click on the System icon. Click on the Device Manager tab up at the top, and look for Mouse on the menu below.If there is an exclamation point next to the picture of the mouse, you have a driver problem.As for static mini-trackballs (pencil eraser mice) vs. touchpads, the choice is really unimportant. In the long run it is far easier and less troublesome to stuff a regular mouse and a mousepad in your laptop bag and just find a flat surface to use it off of.Many less driver problems, and also less headaches with trying to move the cursor around.
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    No exclamation points. The problem seems to present itself after I have been using the computer for a while, as though things may be getting hot.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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  • concealedG36concealedG36 Member Posts: 3,566 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nunn, try this link http://www3.compaq.com/support/parts/ and enter your system's serial #.You can order replacement parts from Compaq, if necessary. I would reinstall the device driver first, though, to make sure you're actually having a hardware problem. Good luck!
    Gun Control Disarms Victims, NOT Criminals
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  • Matt45Matt45 Member Posts: 3,185
    edited November -1
    Nunn-I used a company laptop at my previous job and had difficulties with it too long to list. One of the problems I did overcome with it was the purchase of an "optical" mouse that has no "balls" (The rest of the class needs to stop snickering right now!) Uh, well-at any rate I'll quit there.OK, OK!The mouse without any balls also needs no pads. (There, I said it.)
    Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!!
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    Actually, a mouse sans balls is on my short list of things to buy next. Thanks.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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  • edharoldedharold Member Posts: 465 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    While you're putting on your neutered mouse, why not also go wireless. They are great for a lap top if you carry it around.
    "They that would give up liberty to obtain safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"Benj. Franklin, 1759
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  • Richie RichRichie Rich Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    nunn, Ihate laptops!!!Ihave to use one for work and I have compac armada 1750 and in 2 years have gone through 5 and as we email my new replacment one is in my service van waiting for me to config it. You should as already stated be able to change out the pad but I do prefer the touch pad verses the other one. good luck Rich
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