Laptop touchpads

leeko · 10-26-2008, 10:54 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a project that will require me to find an extra laptop touchpad+buttons. It doesn't matter the make/model/cosmetics, just as long as it's compatible with linux. I plan to try to wire it to a USB connector and plug it straight into an external USB port.

I was looking on ebay, but can't find any mention of which parts are compatible with linux.

Can anyone tell me if this one works in linux?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Touch-pad-Mouse-...3A1|240%3A1318

Or if not, can anyone point me toward a source for linux-compatible laptop touchpads?

Thanks,

Lee

johnson_steve · 10-27-2008, 04:08 PM

AFAIK almost all touchpads are alpine or synaptics and both work with linux. just get one that uses usb to connect (most of them do.) and you should be able to use it with linux.

leeko · 10-27-2008, 04:57 PM

Hi,

From my reading, I thought that they all used ps/2 to connect? All the guides I've read are for wiring the touchpad to a ps/2 connector. USB would be much simpler/easier for me, as my laptop doesn't have ps/2. How do I tell which ones use USB?

Thanks again,

Lee

johnson_steve · 10-27-2008, 05:31 PM

Some are ps/2 some are usb it varies. it depends on the laptop. I think my iBook used usb for the touchpad & keyboard. if it's usb you sould be able to see it with 'lsusb' buying one like that off ebay I have no idea how to tell if it's usb or ps/2.