I have this issue all the time. I do have to say the red dot thing in the middle of a think pad is brilliant. I love that. If only apple would add a red dot mouse
After owning several thinkpads... I think the trackpoint is better than a trackpad, but trackpoint drift is so common on so many models that I hesitate to call it brilliant.
Use a different tip on it, I set acceleration off on mine and use the fastest speed.
I think it's seen as way too much of a "corporate laptop" thing for Apple to ever add it.