Laptop Touchpad Replacement
The touchpad, sometimes referred to as a trackpad, is a device located beneath the keyboard. It is used for pointing on a computer's display screen as an alternative to the mouse. It works by sensing finger movements and downward pressure. The motion is then translated into relative position of the cursor. When the device fails, operating your laptop becomes a problem.
There are several reasons for this. It could be that you disabled the pad unknowingly, in which case, you only need to enable it by holding the Fn Key together with the required function key. Other reasons include fluid spillage, wear or damage due to an internal foreign body. These may require you to replace the whole touchpad. When getting a replacement trackpad for your Lenovo ThinkPad laptop, here's what you need to know:
What is the difference between traditional touchpads and clickpads?
There are two common types of touchpads for laptops. These are the traditional touchpads and the clickpads. They both work by reading touch responses. They differ in the following ways:
- Traditional trackpad - This is a type of keypad that features click buttons. Some offer single strips (uni-brow) that correspond left and right responses while others provide separate buttons. With the uni-brow approach, users tend to click close to the center where the button is 'dead'. Those with two buttons are relatively easy to use due to the distinction.
- Clickpads - A different option when it comes to touchpads is the clickpad. Unlike the traditional trackpad, this type is buttonless and therefore less noisy. Clickpads use image-based sensors to read the touch response in a more detailed and accurate way. They are also engineered to register any accidental brushes on the pad as a mistake.
How do you replace a ThinkPad touchpad?
For replacement, you will need screwdrivers, a metal spudger, and the replacement trackpad for the Lenovo Thinkpad model.
- Detatch the laptop from the power supply, switch it off then turn it over to expose the battery.
- Unlock the sliders and remove the battery ensuring you put it in a safe place.
- Using a screwdriver, remove all screws on the underside where the battery was located and place them in a safe spot.
- Remove the plate next to the battery and the side panel as well.
- Close the laptop then flip it back up. The screen should be open when detaching the keyboard and trackpad from the base.
- Place a metal spudger between the trackpad and keyboard and use it to lift the parts. Grab the connector tab and pull it off to release the keyboard.
- Locate the touchpad ribbon wire, which should now be easy to access. Unhinge the wire to release the trackpad then pull it out of the laptop.
- Slide your new touchpad into the hinges and the keyboard into place after clamping the ribbons.
- Press the corners to secure into place then turn the laptop over again, screw back and lock the battery into its place.