The trackpad on the g6 is entirely unseen. No lines, no varying texture, no gaudy glow – no nothing. Just a sheer, continuous plane of smooth plastic – and still highly responsive. The only mark on the otherwise pristine bar is a little dimpled touch sensor, considerately allowing you to switch the pad on or off (should you want to type out an essay without your arms nudging the pad, for instance). It’s a deliciously designed feature, and a highly attractive one. The notebook itself is no beauty queen, but the uninterrupted form stands out wonderfully.
So why is the only HP computer getting this treatment the cheapest one on the lot? HP’s new “premium” laptop models – the Pavilion dv6 and dv7 – show off their trackpads, rather than sleekly concealing them. They’re high contrast. They’re bright. They pop. They scream, HELLO, I AM A TRACKPAD. HERE I AM Interface should never be in your face.
The g6′s invisi-pad isn’t perfect. It doesn’t click or have the satisfying roominess of, say, a MacBook Pro’s pad. But it’s an attention to detail that other manufacturers (and HP itself!) should look to. And not just to stick in the bargain bin.
glennc
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 9:52 AMi have been wondering why this hasn’t been done already
MattB
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 10:00 AMHave you used this for an extended period? This would be horrible!
I have a Samsung netbook, and the one commonly agreed upon weakness is that it’s hard to feel where the edge of the trackpad is. It’s such a big issue that people stick tape along the border in order to be able to use the trackpad accurately without looking down at it.
I agree that it looks great, but this is definitely a case of form over function
Pyta
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 5:50 PMThis is the worst thing in the world. There is nothing more annoying then not having tactile feedback of where the edge of the touchpad is. Please oh please dont let this catch on
Ardwych Aw
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 9:38 PMThe reason business notebooks show off their trackpads, rather than sleekly conceal them?
Because business is very conservative within certain circles. They just want tools to do the job without any ego-stroking fancy adornments.
But businesses also like to test ideas so that decision-makers don’t get fired for making too radical decisions.. such is the narrow-mindedness of most managers. HP is dipping its toe in the water and hoping for positive reviews like this one. Before long they’ll gird their loins and put the smooth pad in conservative models.
QED