Thoughts about trackpad interference.

All too often we see mention of interference causing cursors to appear out of control. Of course, there are very many potential interference sources and most of which are covered in the formal Apple guidance below.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203171

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201542

n.b. The latter, incidentally, doesn't mention Wacom tablets and pens by name but when left in the vicinity of a Macbook, they can be a source of interference. When not in use, move them well away.

But there is a one facility in Accessibility that is well worth taking note of for when you find yourself accidentally brushing against the Macbook track pad while using a mouse.

To find it, you go to Apple logo (top menu left) > Systems Preferences > Accessibility > and scroll down the left hand panel as far as Mouse and Trackpad. Clicking on that, the right hand panel changes to show additional Mouse and trackpad options. It is a fact these additional options are invaluable in themselves but for now we are dealing with interference. Although published here, the facility applies to any Macbook, Macbook Air or Macbook Pro.

As you can see, under the spring loading slider is a further option allowing you to 'Ignore trackpad when mouse is present' Once that box has been blue ticked you can freely use your Mouse without causing interference from brushing against the Track Pad.

It follows that when you no longer need to use the mouse, you simply uncheck the box.

Like (0)

Categories: