Dislike MousePad on Netbook

Have I ever mentioned that I REALLY dislike using the mousepad which comes on most notebooks and my netbook specifically? I find it very counter intuitive and I am constantly doing things which I don't intend to do. There is a new product -- a "mouse ring" which I am seriously considering for use when I have to place the netbook on my lap and work with the built-in mousepad. Really frustrating here at the Tech-Ed conference where I have to work on my lap. Otherwise, the netbook is working well, especially the 8 hour battery life with the 9 cell battery.