The Ploopy Bean is a TrackPoint mouse without the point

PCWorld reviews the Ploopy Bean, a $70 CAD external pointing-stick mouse that mimics IBM's TrackPoint design with four configurable Omron buttons. The device fundamentally misses the original TrackPoint's efficiency purpose of keeping hands on the keyboard to save time during computing tasks. While featuring QMK firmware customization, the Bean's external form factor makes it counterproductive compared to integrated pointing sticks. IBM's original pointing stick, the TrackPoint, understood its purpose: to save you (a slight bit) of time and mental effort. A new peripheral seems like an homage to the IBM's tiny nub, but misses the point.