Thread: Swapping Ctrl and Fn keys

hello,

have new gazelle professional laptop (june 2011) 11.04 preinstalled , have several usability questions i'm hoping have suggestions for.

1. last 2 linux laptops thinkpads. finding awkward adjusting position of fn , ctrl keys, reversed compared thinkpad. possible swap behavior of ctrl , fn keys? if so, what's best circa-2011, gnome-friendly solution remapping keys? have read thinkpads have option in bios swap fn & ctrl don't see similar in gazelle's bios. should mention have gone using gnome 2 desktop rather unity.

remaining questions touchpad-related.

2. i'm finding difficult type trackpad activated. hovering thumb/palm 1-2mm above trackpad inadvertently moves pointer -- disable touchpad while typing checked. adjusting mouse sensitivity seems have no effect on trackpad. there way more control on trackpad behavior? how people deal this?

3. using two-finger scroll trackpad have found works erratically (poorly, actually) on gazelle trackpad. seems if align 2 fingertips (the line formed between 2 points touching trackpad needs parallel keyboard). problem is, index finger quite bit longer -- line between 2 points more 45-degree angle, unless rotate whole had 45 degrees clockwise compensate. i've never run kind of fussiness trackpad before (no problems on large mac trackpad or 2 thinkpads). there way make trackpad behave better? alternate driver? magic conf incantations?

4. shouldn't able tap-tap-drag touchpad move windows/files/scroll bars around? doesn't work consistently , often, in exasperation, resort using trackpad buttons. issue seems drag fails work if second tap happens in same exact spot first tap. if tap-tap in sort of glancing/swiping action taps offset, works -- maybe 75% of time, i'd estimate. sorry complaining every aspect of trackpad seems awkward. shouldn't have think hard.

finally, future models, i'd suggest linux laptop without middle mouse button bad idea (i.e., having emulate middle-click clicking left , right trackpad buttons simultaneously going feel alien many users).

suggestions,

--david

quick followup:

> 4. shouldn't able tap-tap-drag touchpad move
> windows/files/scroll bars around?

i've realized problem happening when index finger or thumb hovering close above trackpad when i'm clicking -- not touching trackpad, mind you, hovering several millimeters above. if tap carefully, 1 finger outstretched, works reliably.

if there's way reduce sensitivity of trackpad surface have touch activate it, think lot. again suggestions.

--david

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