skip to main content

Laptop Touchpad Question

17 years ago

Hello,

I had a Dell Inspiron 9400 Laptop which I loved. One of the features I loved about it is the automatic scroll which I could control by pressing the space between the left and right side pads below the main touch pad. Now I have to get another laptop, and since we live in a very rural area there are no sources for me to look at them except online.

I borrowed a new Spartan laptop, but find it has the automatic scroll feature built into the main touch pad, and I am constantly activating it by mistake. I mean if you come anywhere near the right side of the touch pad it just flies all over the place. I went to

Dell's website since I knew they had the one I liked, but now I find out that all new Dell laptops also have this same feature.

My question is does anyone out there know of any brands of laptops/notebooks that do NOT automatic scroll unless instructed to? I called Dell and they said it could be disabled, but then I'd have no automatic scroll.

Hope I've explained my problem and thanks for any help you can offer.

BarbB

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

zep516
17 years ago
What about a mouse would you consider that you can connect a mouse to a laptop.
barbb
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Zep for your reply. Yes, I know I could get an external mouse, but really don't want to. I love to use my laptop in bed, and it's just easier not to have to worry about another item. I'm going to do a little more research, and since I've only had experience with the Spartan touchpad, maybe other brands are better, or maybe I can get use to it after awhile. I mean there are many people who seem to like it, or they wouldn't have made it that way.

BarbB
Related Discussions
Touchpad on Toshiba not working
Q
Comments (8)
If the touch pad is working in Safe Mode then a driver issue would not be the cause, and as you have indicated it's possible a 3ed party program is interfering. Norton Anti Virus does not run in safe mode and all of it's many drivers are not loaded in that mode. You could try from regular mode- disabling Norton and see, however this sometimes is not conclusive, because you are usually only disabling active scanning an a Norton driver or service is still causing issue. Norton's a constantly changing program with all it's up dates so it's alway's something to consider as with any Anti Virus when something works in safe Mode but not regular mode. One of the best ways to troubleshoot this issue is to use MSCONFIG, that's what that programs for and it may help to identify the issue, as described in the link provided. Here is a link that might be useful: msconfig-utility
...See More
Physical Switch to turn off touchpad, who knew?
Q
Comments (13)
Jerry I bought an Acer convertible laptop/tablet and the finger control does not work well at all, it did a first but not now. I am off to buy a mouse today. I couldn't even find a way to turn it off without goggling. LOL I installed the classic shell so I could set it up and customize it . After I do that I am going to use the W 8 start screen and learn it. It is is quite a change working without a right click and I keep reaching for a mouse. I did Google a bit and found a way to right click, takes two hands. I haven't found a way to toggle between the shell and w 8 start page yet. Will work on that after I get a mouse.
...See More
Help with my laptop touchpad button
Q
Comments (2)
I don't know much about that, but I think it is possible to disable the individual buttons and TouchPad. It is usually done with a keyboard combination. You might check out the manual for the model number, if you don't have it go to the manufacturer website they usually have them in pdf format, or Google your model number.
...See More
How to get USA code back on laptop question
Q
Comments (3)
hmmm, I mentioned my son because he pretty much keeps my pc up to date when he visits. I have forgotten to mention this problem to him before, so I'm trying to fix it myself. The printing isn't a problem, just what I am viewing. I will click on the Link (from an email) to view a PDF and it's looks like it's written in the wrong "code". At this point I have gotten a list of "codes" I may pick from to apply to my link, so it is readable to me, but I can't seem to pick the correct one. I was hoping that someone on here knows enough about coding that they could put me in a direction of the codes used in most American emails. If I'm using the wrong words, I apologize. This seems to be a simple matter of clicking on the correct box, like most PC problems. I will try to post an image, shortly.
...See More
mikie_gw
17 years ago
My toshiba scrolls on right edge and that edge is adjustable several ways to maybe find a way to your liking.

I adjust mine in Synaptics Properties, Settings. Has a little practice setting even. Scrolls with a finger drag along the edge.. and that speed is adjustable, and finger pressure is adjustable on the edge too so I have to press down slighly harder to actrually scroll.
barbb
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Mikie,

Thanks for your input. I have just purchased an Asus notebook and although it has the same built in scroll zone as I guess all of them do now, the tech told me it's easy to disable. I so loved the way my old Dell did the scroll, I was hoping that others had the same feature, but afraid this is the way it'll be from now on.

I'm on this Spartan now, and every time I use the pad I have to be so careful since the very slightest touch sends the thing flying.

Anyway, thanks again, Mikie, and I'm looking forward to my new machine.

BarbB

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: The Gadget Garage

The best charging stations and organizers for your phone, tablet and laptop

0

THE HARDWORKING HOME A Hidden Charging Cabinet Corrals and Juices Family’s Electronics

By Becky Harris

The Hardworking Home: Laptops, phones and tablets now have a safe space in this kitchen, keeping the countertops uncluttered

MOST POPULAR How High Should You Mount Your TV?

By Matt Clawson

Today we look at an important question to consider when locating your television: How high should you set it?

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Settle on a Shower Bench

By By Any Design Ltd.

We help a Houzz user ask all the right questions for designing a stylish, practical and safe shower bench

Houzz Interview: Rebekah's Weekend Farmhouse Retreat

By Becky Harris

DIY Projects: Choosing a Dining Room Table

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz interview: Kim Johnson’s eclectic home

HOME OFFICES Ideabook 911: A Professional Office at Home

By Becky Harris

HOME OFFICES A Desk for Every Home Office

By Samantha Schoech

To keep your work energized, a great desk is key. One of these 17 styles — from modern to vintage, sleek to salvaged — will work beautifully

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1