Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick
Executive Summary
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is a compact, open-source pointing stick mouse designed for ThinkPad fans and users who prefer the TrackPoint style of navigation. It is available for preorder at $69.99 CAD ($51 USD) and features a 3D-printed design, allowing for customization options. The device is powered by QMK firmware and has a high-performance pointing stick that provides a precise cursor experience. The Ploopy Bean is a unique product that caters to a specific group of users who value the TrackPoint style of navigation. Its compact design and open-source nature make it an attractive option for those who want a customizable and portable pointing stick mouse. With its high-performance pointing stick and QMK firmware, the Ploopy Bean is a notable product in the market. The Ploopy Bean's design and features are a result of the company's focus on creating products that cater to specific user needs. The device's 3D-printed design allows for customization options, making it a great choice for users who want a personalized product. The QMK firmware provides a high level of customizability, allowing users to tailor the device to their specific needs. In addition to its design and features, the Ploopy Bean has also garnered attention from the community. Users have expressed their enthusiasm for the product, with some stating that it is exactly what they have been looking for. The device's compact design and high-performance pointing stick make it an attractive option for users who want a portable and precise navigation solution.Architecture & Design
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick has a compact design, measuring 84mm x 64mm x 16mm (3.3" x 2.5" x 0.63"). It features a 3D-printed case, which allows for customization options. The device has a red pointing stick near the middle, surrounded by four customizable buttons. The pointing stick has a wider-than-average range of motion, allowing for up to 11 mm of movement in each axis. The Ploopy Bean is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, which has a Cortex M0 core and operates at 125MHz. The device has a USB-C port for power and data and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The magnetic sensor chip used in the device is the TMAG5273, which has a 1,000Hz polling rate and 20,000 samples per second. The device also has a 12-bit resolution and weighs 52g (1.8oz). The Ploopy Bean's design files, including electrical, mechanical, and firmware designs, are released under open-source licenses. The firmware is released under the GPLv3 license, while the hardware design files are released under the OHL CERN v2-S license. This allows users to modify and customize the device to their specific needs. The device's QMK firmware provides a high level of customizability, allowing users to tailor the device to their specific needs. The firmware is open-source, and users can modify it to create custom layouts, macros, and other features. The QMK firmware also provides a high level of compatibility, allowing the device to work with a wide range of operating systems and devices.Performance & Thermal
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick has a high-performance pointing stick that provides a precise cursor experience. The device's pointing stick can detect touches as small as 3 microns, making it highly sensitive. The device also features high-resolution drag scrolling, which provides a precise scrolling solution. The Ploopy Bean has a 1,000Hz polling rate, which ensures that the device feels snappy and responsive. The device's switches are Omron D2LS-21 subminiature switches, which have a crisp actuation and are rated for 20 million clicks. The device's magnetic sensor chip has a 12-bit resolution, which provides a high level of precision. The thermal performance of the Ploopy Bean is not publicly disclosed. However, the device's compact design and low power consumption suggest that it should not generate excessive heat. The device's 3D-printed case also allows for good airflow, which should help to dissipate heat.Market Positioning
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is priced at $69.99 CAD ($51 USD), which is competitive with other pointing stick mice on the market. The device's compact design, high-performance pointing stick, and customizable buttons make it an attractive option for users who value precision and portability. The Ploopy Bean is targeted at ThinkPad fans and users who prefer the TrackPoint style of navigation. The device's open-source nature and customizable design make it an attractive option for users who value flexibility and customizability. The device's QMK firmware and high-performance pointing stick also make it a great choice for users who want a precise and responsive navigation solution. The Ploopy Bean's market positioning is unique, as it caters to a specific group of users who value the TrackPoint style of navigation. The device's compact design and open-source nature make it an attractive option for users who want a customizable and portable pointing stick mouse. With its high-performance pointing stick and QMK firmware, the Ploopy Bean is a notable product in the market.Verdict
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is a unique and attractive product that caters to a specific group of users. Its compact design, high-performance pointing stick, and customizable buttons make it an attractive option for users who value precision and portability. The device's open-source nature and QMK firmware provide a high level of customizability, making it a great choice for users who want a tailored navigation solution. The Ploopy Bean's market positioning is unique, and it is a notable product in the market. The device's compact design and open-source nature make it an attractive option for users who want a customizable and portable pointing stick mouse. With its high-performance pointing stick and QMK firmware, the Ploopy Bean is a great choice for users who want a precise and responsive navigation solution. Overall, the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is a great product that is worth considering for users who value precision and portability. Its compact design, high-performance pointing stick, and customizable buttons make it an attractive option for users who want a tailored navigation solution. With its open-source nature and QMK firmware, the Ploopy Bean is a notable product in the market that is sure to attract attention from users who value customizability and flexibility.Specifications
| Case Dimensions | 84mm x 64mm x 16mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 52g |
| Magnetic Sensor Chip | TMAG5273 |
| Polling Rate | 1,000Hz |
| Samples per Second | 20,000 |
| Resolution | 12-bit |
| Microcontroller | Raspberry Pi RP2040 |
| Core | Cortex M0 |
| Operating Frequency | 125MHz |
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Price | $69.99 CAD ($51 USD) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick?
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is a compact, open-source pointing stick mouse designed for ThinkPad fans and users who prefer the TrackPoint style of navigation.
What are the key features of the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick?
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick has a compact design, a 3D-printed case, a red pointing stick near the middle, and four customizable buttons. It also features a high-performance pointing stick, QMK firmware, and a magnetic sensor chip.
What is the price of the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick?
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is priced at $69.99 CAD ($51 USD).
What operating systems does the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick support?
The Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Is the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick customizable?
Yes, the Ploopy Bean Pointing Stick is customizable. The device's 3D-printed case allows for customization options, and the QMK firmware provides a high level of customizability.