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The IBM Trackpoint was patented in 1996. At least in Europe the maximum duration of a patent is 20 years.

When I had a Thinkpad I loved the Trackpoint. In fact I've been considering buying a clicky keyboard with integrated trackpoint from Unicomp. But combined with import tax and shipping their already steep prices become something hard to justify to pay for a keyboard.

Considering that the patent is runnning out soon - does this mean we are going to see a wider adoption of trackpoint technology? Do people actually like their trackpads?

Personally I'd like to see Trackpoints become the default mouse replacement instead of trackpads. But I have a feeling this is not going to happen. Why not? How can we let manufacturers know that we want Trackpoints in the full range of products, when a Trackpoint right now is a premium product feature?