Replace W540 Keyboard with W541 Trackpoint Buttons

Question

Could someone from Lenovo let the forum know if it will be possible to replace the W540 Trackpad / Bezel / Keyboard assembly with the new one from the W541 which has integrated physical Trackpoint buttons.  This would make a very big difference to me and I suspect a lot of other W540 owners who use the Trackpoint. I am the current owner of 5 Thinkpads and have been a loyal customer since the 600 series. The increased pressure necessary to generate a less reliable click on the Trackpad has greatly exacerbated a problem with the top joint of my right thumb - I have had to retrain myself to use my left thumb to do all clcking.  The problem was nowhere near as bad on the old Trackpoint buttons - where I could use them with my right thumb for several hours with no symptoms, I can now manage only minutes. 

Answer 1

i too am EXTREMELY frustrated with the trackpoint.  I also agree as to WHY the USB 2.0 instead of four (4) USB 3.0s. I have been a trackpoint fan since the late 80s which triggered my purchase of an IBM T21 still working having a Windows 98se operatring system.  My next was a T42p having a Windows XP Pro ServPk 3.  My third is a W500 for which I purchased a Microsoft Windows 7 Pro Operating System.  My fourth is an x220 having a 500 GB solid state Hard Drive (upgrade from the 160 GB SSD as supplied).  The fifth is the W540.  It has high end upgrades of all components including a 1 Terabyte SSD I purchased and installed myself.  I installed the 500 GB it came with in my W500. I read about the trackpoint problems with the W540 before purchasing but had no idea how SERIOUS the problem is until I purchased one!  This Lenovo forum is LOADED with complaints and appropriate requests by dedicated Lenovo users to replace the Keyboard with a USABLE trackpoint.  I am not surprised!  I am a Professional Engineer having had my own consulting business for 15 years.  I took a course in customer service during which I was informed of the results of NOT FIXING A PROBLEM FOR A CUSTOMER.  It has a probable devastatilng affect on future sales, etc. Personnally I have always found your customer service acceptable...better with some techs than others probably depending on experience.  It is extremely important you fix the problem with the trrackpoint ASAP AT NO COST TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.  I haven't had the W540 very long but it's only fair to be upfront that it will be my last if IBM-Lenovo fails to fulfill a MAJOR NEED of it's otherwise dedicated customers.  All else failing issue a recall and credit the owner toward a properly engineered replacement.  My big questions for IBM-LENOVO are WHAT WERE YOU THINKING and WHAT WAS THE MOTIVE?  Lastly I also concur with the USB Port error (WHY USB 2.0 since 3.0 ports are backward compatible).  A minor problem for me personnaly is the inclusion of the number pad.  It throws the trackpoint and the keyboard as typed on off center.  However both of those are minor in comparison the nearly 'useless' trackipoint.