randomosity

I feared the trackpad. I am not the biggest fan of the trackpad. I gather that my namesake, the CTO at Synaptics is responsible for some of the biggest breakthroughs as the trackpad gained laptop cred during the 1990’s and so I feel a little loyalty if only by association. However, my favourite means of input is the TrackPoint - the little red nubby (that becomes less red real fast) that the IBM ThinkPad is most closely associated with. This is a very personal area. I know many users that could just not get used to using a single finger on an ultra-sensitive tiny joystick. The cursor and they could not become friends with the TrackPoint in the equation. Random survey indicates most people still carry a mouse with them and connect it - this is the case for TrackPoint as well as trackpad users. I am glancing around the coffee shop right now and frankly I am the only one relying on the built in tracking device. There’s a lot of users with big mice and small mice, but mice nonetheless. There is even a user carefully balancing one on the arm of an easy chair - that can’t possibly be comfortable.
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Mitch Ratcliffe at ZDnet is conducting a longer term comparison between a new MacBook Pro and a Lenovo X60 as part of a series of articles looking at broader user experience with two OS platforms. I normally would not cite an article from the more mainstream eNews media as they often strike me as being removed from the average users experience and entirely submerged in the manufacturer’s marketing messages. In fact, Ratcliffe notes up front that he may take Lenovo on a as a client during the span of his series of articles. Well, at least he’s honest. So why am I citing this article?

Ratcliffe has presented a better eNews article. He has started from scratch in looking at the way in which manufacturer’s address the total user experience. Today’s article focuses on unpacking the two machines and appreciating the experience that this creates. He notes immediately that the Apple packaging itself replicates the experience of carrying the laptop away from the store, with a slim box and a carrying handle. This compares with Lenovo which packs a smaller, lighter machine in a larger, non-descript box that “makes the ThinkPad appear clunkier when it’s not.” Moreover the MacBook is ‘framed’ and the packaging itself focuses on the product itself, presenting it as an object of a certain desire. The ThinkPad unfortunately, with loose fitting wrappers that fit all ThinkPad shapes and sizes presents the computer in a generic way…packed in a pile of uninspiring packing material to be thrown away. In contrast, the Apple box is one that begs to be kept (even displayed). I wonder if the folks at Lenovo are listening? I wonder if they do care about these things? I certainly can’t tell from my past experience with my ThinkPads, but will admit that I am typing this on my X32 which is my weapon of choice, despite not having established a personal or spiritual relationship with the machine’s manufacturer.

Although its clear that not everyone notes these salient little details, I appreciate that some are struck less consciously by this attention to detail and this is where Ratcliffe is going with this artile. It is meant to look at the all important first impression. Ratcliffe’s choice of words are well chosen and I look forward to reading his subsequent articles which will hopefully continue to explore som of the less discussed aspects of the user experience beyond simply usability.

Thinkpad Z60

So. I finally stumbled upon a ThinkPad Z60 on display. My initial impression is unfortunately somewhat negative. It is the most flimsy feeling ThinkPad ever.

If there is one thing that strikes the user of a ThinkPad is the bulletproof nature of the construction. It may not even be as rugged as it feels, but it feels solid in the users hands. The screen hinges solidly, the case doesn’t flex and when it’s closed – it’s a brick.

The Z60 lacks these attributes. The whole chassis flexes; the new ThinkPad, volume and power buttons seem crude, uninspired and cheap. Speed is fine and it has the right looks. It actually looks much better than I expected (if you can avert your eyes from those buttons). The price is nice, but it does not feel like a ThinkPad. Over time, the plastic pieces on my ThinkPad have suffered, but overall, the units are extremely durable.

I have yet to see the new X or T60s to see where the design of the higher end laptops has gone. I hope that the ThinkPad can still be my laptop of choice, but I have to admit I don’t think I would buy a Z60. It’s not the laptop for me.