Fix on way for trackpad problems
Apple boss Steve Jobs has confirmed a software fix for problems with the new MacBook trackpads is in the works. That appears to rule out worries that the issue was down to a hardware flaw.
The problem is with the glass trackpad which is part of the recently-released MacBook and MacBook Pro range. Unlike traditional laptop trackpads, it doesn’t have separate ‘mouse’ buttons; instead the entire pad acts as a button which you can tap to ‘click’.
Some users have reported problems, the most common version being that the pad freezes after about 50 clicks and is then unresponsive for the next 10 clicks or so. While some have theorized the problem is simply users resting their thumbs on the pad by mistake, others insist the issue still arises when the pad is used correctly.
No doubt Apple staff will have feared the possibility that the problem was down to faulty hardware. Putting that right would have been a logistical nightmare, particularly if it meant taking stock off shelves before Christmas.
However, the typically concise Steve Jobs has indicated it is a software glitch. In what appears to be a genuine reply to a customer e-mail on the issue, he simply wrote “Software fix coming soon”.
There’s some speculation the problem is down to the system not being set up correctly to recognize a ‘pinch’, possibly by not requiring both fingers to be in motion.
The problem may also be down to the default settings. One person affected by the problem says it can be fixed by going into System Preferences, choosing the Trackpad section, and then slightly increasing the setting for trackpad speed.
Whatever the issue, it’s a problem Apple really needs to solve as soon as possible. Letting it linger will only give ammo to opponents who argue that Macs are more about style and good looks than performance.
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February 16th, 2009
Hi, i just experienced a problem with my trackpad… i have the new macbook leopard OS with the most recent updates…. what happens is that the mouse starts to move in the wrong direction and uncontrollably insane… even after shutting down the computer several times.. and then out of no reason it works again… im not sure how long this will keep on going…. any comments?