Disable touchpad while writing

I'm now running Linux Mint 17.2 "Rafaela" on my Amilo SI1520, but even though there is a specific option to disable the touchpad while writing (you can find it in Preferences > Mouse & Touchpad) this solution wouldn't work.

The workaround is easy though, and can be accomplished by using the command syndaemon:

syndaemon -d -i 1

This disable the touchpad while typing on the keyboard, and will enable it again 1 second after the last key has been pressed. The -d option makes the command run as a daemon.

If you only want to disable tapping and scrolling (but not the mouse movements) when you type, just add the -t option:

syndaemon -d -t -i 1

To avoid having to type the command every time you logon, simply put the command above as a new entry in System > Preferences > Startup Applications

Ubuntu Tip: Disable Synaptics touchpad while typing

Finally!!
If you are like me, and can't help but involuntarily touch the touchpad while typing on the keyboard, here is the solution (thanks to ubuntugeek.com):

1. Open a terminal and type: sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_synbackup
2. Type gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
3. Look for the section called: Section “InputDevice” / Identifier “Synaptics Touchpad”
4. Just above the line that says "End Section" type this line: Option “SHMConfig” “on”
5. Save, close all the windows and restart Gnome (Ctrl-Alt-Backspace)
6. Open the sessions manager: System -> Preferences -> Sessions
7. In the Startup Programs tab click the "New" button
8. Type "Syndaemon" in the name field and "syndaemon -i 1 -d" in the command field
9. Close and restart Gnome (Ctrl-Alt-Backspace)
10. Voila!