The Keyboard Nipple That Never Moves

The iconic red pointing stick on many business laptops does not actually move. Instead, it acts as an isometric sensor, meaning it reacts solely to the pressure you apply rather than the distance your finger travels.

Because the nub does not shift position, you can control your cursor without ever lifting your hands from the typing position. It detects the direction and intensity of your force to move the pointer across the screen. IBM introduced this clever piece of engineering in 1992 to keep business professionals productive on the go. Today, it remains a beloved, high-precision tool for those who prefer not to use a traditional touchpad.