The previous driver R212017 did have 3-button touchpad assignations, and worked well.
It is not clear why Dell felt the need to update with a driver of reduced functionality.
This has created an additional problem, since rolling-back the driver, or re-installing the older one, does not work; the touchpad stops operating..
So would appreciate if someone from Dell were able to solve the mess they have created by either issuing an updated - 3-button - driver, or advising on how to successfully re-install the previous driver. If the latter is the solution then the previous driver should be made available.
Is there any reason why the new driver was issued? Possibly take it off the support site would be the best option
Yes, the previous driver version did have a 3-button interface. However, when i programmed the middle button to do a double-click for me, all of a sudden I started having issues when using the right side of the touchpad for scrolling -- it just didn't stop scrolling until I clicked on the touchpad (there is an option to "lock" scrolling as well and I did try it with on and off). I also had another issues with that driver. It only started working ok once I completely disabled the middle button.
The new driver indeed removed the middle button, but I think there was still a dropdown that allowed you to change the middle button functionality. The issue with the new driver that I have under windows 7 -- sometimes it crashes when you open mouse control panel and the mouse speed defaults to medium level (probably windows default driver) and you have to reboot to get it back.
Overall these drivers are much worse compared to synaptics. I wonder if we can get a direct latest Alps version somehow.
I did download the Toshiba version of the Alps touchpad and it does have more function, but what I really miss about the Synaptics driver is the capability to program the buttons to run keyboard macros. Any version of the Alps drivers can not do this. Maybe it's a copyrighted thing, but my Kensington Expert Trackball can do it and the Synaptics touchpad on my M90 can do it. Anyhow, it looks like it is something Dell would have to convince (and pay) Alps to write into a driver. My guess is that will never happen. Bottom line is I'm disappointed with the limited capabilites of the Alps Electronics touchpad.
I'll divert from my own thread to add that the really, truly limited capabilities of the fingerprint reader are a shame. I guess it's all about advertising. "We have a fingerprint reader!", it just doesn't do anyting other than extend the boot time of the system a really, really long time. How about letting me use it to protect a single document and not just booting the system. Arrrg - Worthless
If running keyboard macros is the only feature you miss -- give it a try to http://www.autohotkey.com/. If that tool can "see" the third key -- you'll be able to assign any keyboard macro to it.
anikolayev, thans for pointing me to AutoHotKey. It looks like it will be a very useful tool. I have it running in the background right now and it does see and remap the mouse buttons fine. I know I'll find other uses for it. I use SolidWorks in my line of work and the automation will help tremendously. Thanks
nhiorns
1 Message
0
February 10th, 2010 13:00
Hello
The previous driver R212017 did have 3-button touchpad assignations, and worked well.
It is not clear why Dell felt the need to update with a driver of reduced functionality.
This has created an additional problem, since rolling-back the driver, or re-installing the older one, does not work; the touchpad stops operating..
So would appreciate if someone from Dell were able to solve the mess they have created by either issuing an updated - 3-button - driver, or advising on how to successfully re-install the previous driver. If the latter is the solution then the previous driver should be made available.
Is there any reason why the new driver was issued? Possibly take it off the support site would be the best option
Regards
anikolayev
2 Posts
0
February 11th, 2010 11:00
Yes, the previous driver version did have a 3-button interface. However, when i programmed the middle button to do a double-click for me, all of a sudden I started having issues when using the right side of the touchpad for scrolling -- it just didn't stop scrolling until I clicked on the touchpad (there is an option to "lock" scrolling as well and I did try it with on and off). I also had another issues with that driver. It only started working ok once I completely disabled the middle button.
The new driver indeed removed the middle button, but I think there was still a dropdown that allowed you to change the middle button functionality. The issue with the new driver that I have under windows 7 -- sometimes it crashes when you open mouse control panel and the mouse speed defaults to medium level (probably windows default driver) and you have to reboot to get it back.
Overall these drivers are much worse compared to synaptics. I wonder if we can get a direct latest Alps version somehow.
Rick-in-NC
3 Posts
0
February 11th, 2010 15:00
I did download the Toshiba version of the Alps touchpad and it does have more function, but what I really miss about the Synaptics driver is the capability to program the buttons to run keyboard macros. Any version of the Alps drivers can not do this. Maybe it's a copyrighted thing, but my Kensington Expert Trackball can do it and the Synaptics touchpad on my M90 can do it. Anyhow, it looks like it is something Dell would have to convince (and pay) Alps to write into a driver. My guess is that will never happen. Bottom line is I'm disappointed with the limited capabilites of the Alps Electronics touchpad.
I'll divert from my own thread to add that the really, truly limited capabilities of the fingerprint reader are a shame. I guess it's all about advertising. "We have a fingerprint reader!", it just doesn't do anyting other than extend the boot time of the system a really, really long time. How about letting me use it to protect a single document and not just booting the system. Arrrg - Worthless
anikolayev
2 Posts
0
February 12th, 2010 06:00
Rick,
If running keyboard macros is the only feature you miss -- give it a try to http://www.autohotkey.com/. If that tool can "see" the third key -- you'll be able to assign any keyboard macro to it.
Rick-in-NC
3 Posts
0
February 15th, 2010 02:00
anikolayev, thans for pointing me to AutoHotKey. It looks like it will be a very useful tool. I have it running in the background right now and it does see and remap the mouse buttons fine. I know I'll find other uses for it. I use SolidWorks in my line of work and the automation will help tremendously. Thanks
mknmike
1 Message
0
October 10th, 2010 14:00
Does anyone have any links for downloads? I just want to use the middle touchpad button as a left click, that's all. Pretty simple.
Thanks DELL
DELL: May I suggest you do a better job with fewer products?