Newsonaut: Turning inner space into outer space

Monday, November 2, 2026

I think I like ThinkPad

I continue to experiment with my Linux-based ThinkPad. I’m coming to grips with software, having found a nice (and free) writing app called GhostWriter. It’s not quite as nice as the IA Writer on my Mac, but it’s still pretty good. I’m using it now to write this post. (Update: I switched to Typora.)

On the hardware side, I was disappointed with the ThinkPad's trackpad. Tapping didn’t work much of the time, forcing me to resort to full-on clicks. So I replaced it with a glass one that cost $60 from Ali Express.

Replacement was impressively easy. Opening a ThinkPad involves loosening some screws then prying along the seam to unsnap it. Inside, I disconnected the battery so it could in turn be unscrewed, allowing me to get at the trackpad underneath. Then I disconnected the trackpad and removed its screws.

I put in the new trackpad, then reversed the process by connecting, screwing and snapping. It only took about 10 or 15 minutes, and I was being cautious since this was my first time doing anything like this.

I guess it’s possible to do something similar with a MacBook, but they are famously difficult to upgrade, which makes it a little too scary for me.

And yes, I’m enjoying a trackpad that responds to light taps.

Now that I've finished writing this, I’ll open Textpattern on Firefox and post. Thus I will have completed my first task, all on Linux. It’s a milestone of sorts.