Ploopy has launched the Bean, a high-sensitivity external trackpoint device featuring 3-micron touch detection, 1000Hz polling rate, and customizable buttons via VIA software. The open-source, 3D-printed design allows for easy repairs and modifications, with all design files and documentation freely available. While innovative for trackpoint enthusiasts, it's a niche product with limited mainstream appeal.
Background
Trackpoints, also known as pointing sticks, are small joystick-like input devices commonly found on business laptops, with IBM/Lenovo's ThinkPad series being the most famous example. Open-source hardware refers to physical objects whose design is made publicly available so that anyone can study, modify, and distribute the design.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- May 8, 2026 at 01:24 AM
- Score
- 5.0 / 10