I keep looking at those and thinking about getting one, do they really feel like the old Thinkpad keyboards in use?

I have got the same Thinkpad USB keyboard and I love it. I think it is very close to the keyboard of the X230 generation of laptops. While the layout has some flaws, I actually prefer typing on this compared to the "classic" pre-cliclet keyboard built into my X220 laptop. It has a very nice tactile response and my fingers find the right keys very easily. So it's "clicky" and "precise". The trackpoint is very useful, compared to the older model of my X220 it is much easier to comfortably travel long distances on a big screen. Only the trackpoint buttons are a bit too mushy for my liking.

I think you just made the decision for it going on my christmas list, I always loved the TrackPoint on my old thinkpad, not having to move hands from keyboard was a nice win and I still occasionally use that machine if I have to do a lot of typing and need to be away from my desk.

It's crazy that I'd pick an ancient R50E (Celeron 1.4Ghz feel the speed!) over my vastly more powerful 17" Vostro but the keyboard really matters.

They feel basically like the new Thinkpad keyboards (e.g. X1 Carbon). The only weak point is the USB port which can break pretty easily when you travel a lot with your keyboard, although with enough care it should not be a problem.

Not quite up to par with my T450s keyboard, but still pretty good. I think the trackpoint is worth it.