Jumping cursor messes up typing?

I have noticed that while I am typing that my cursor may jump to a different location so as to cause me to continue typing in the wrong area. I do have one possible solution-- I have noticed that the page up/down buttons are a little close and thought that I may be bumping the key while typing as they are very sensitive.
I have also seen some erratic behavior with the mouse pad occasionally.

Two questions:
Anyone else having these issues and have you found the solution?
If it is just the bumping into the up page key then is there a way to disable the page up key?

Macbook Pro/ 2.2ghz/ 160GB, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Mar 6, 2008 5:00 PM

25 replies

Apr 1, 2008 4:30 PM in response to Edward House

well i have the ignore accidental track pad enabled as well but i dont experience the delay so it may be something on your machine. i didnt notice if you said yes/no by just quick skimming through but do you have click enabled for track pad?

-matt

giorni

Level 1

6 points

Apr 15, 2008 1:12 AM in response to Edward House

I also have this problem - especially when writing emails in Mail. Lots of people seem to have the problem. What is the solution though, specificallyfor a 12" PB G4 which has no AppleCare cover??
Many thanks,

Edward House Author

Level 1

84 points

Apr 15, 2008 6:37 AM in response to Edward House

It has been a while now since I first started this post and have not had another problem since playing around with the keyboard settings in System Preferences.
Under System Preferences>Keyboard and Mouse>Trackpad I have everything checked accept for "Use two fingers to scroll" and "Drag lock".

Under System Preferences>Keyboard and Mouse>Keyboard, the only thing I do not have checked is "Use f1, F2, etc keys as standard keys".

Since the problem stopped I have noticed that my cursor most of the times sort of sticks or delays before working (moving). I find it very annoying but at least my jumping cursor problem seems better.

Apr 15, 2008 7:14 AM in response to Edward House

just out of curiosity do you have cold hands normally? ive noticed when my hands are cold to the touch the track pad doesnt like it very much.

-matt

Rnasch

Level 1

5 points

Apr 15, 2008 11:04 AM in response to mattathayde

No Cold hands....

I generally have my hands floating over the keyboard..... fingers slightly spread.

thus my Thumbs tend to stick out floating over the track pad changing position as I type from between 1" to 3" floating over the track pad. ...some times I rest my wrists on the sides as I type...but i really make an effort to float over the keyboard......this is especially needed because of the way the keyboard is set so far back from the front of the unit.

giorni

Level 1

6 points

Apr 15, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Edward House

After unchecking "'clicking" on the trackpad menu, the problem seems to have gone away. Luckily, since I could not do without the "two fingers scrolling" function.
Many thanks,
Robin

Apr 28, 2008 8:39 AM in response to Edward House

I just got a brand new Macbook Pro (with the gestures trackpad) and want to say that the problem you describe is REALLY BAD and really frustrating. Unfortunately I love the 2 finger scrolling and the click feature. But what I really like it the 2 finger alternate mouse button feature. So, now what am I supposed to do?

I have a bluetooth mouse for it but usually use my computer in the living room on the sofa.

IS ANYONE AT APPLE TRYING TO ADDRESS THIS FLAW?

Larry

Rnasch

Level 1

5 points

Apr 29, 2008 12:11 AM in response to lreinstein

TO my Knowledge we have never recieved any response or HELPFUL INPUT ( other than whats already listed)
My Son was typing the other day and mentioned that he felt a vibration or possibly even a electrical charge coming from the open space on either side of track pad.....I waiting for this symptom to return as Ian electrical problem could Surely be the culprit ...that is If I have an electrical problem....So far though ...NO soild feedback to solve the problem
R

giorni

Level 1

6 points

Apr 30, 2008 3:33 AM in response to Rnasch

The electrical charge can be fixed by making sure your electrical plug to the mains is earthed - ie it needs to have 3 pins. Alternatively, use a 'Siemens' plug. The latter works well in continental Europe. Don't know if you have them in the States... As I wrote earlier, I personally solved the 'jumping cursor' on my PB G4 12" by unchecking 'clicking' on the trackpad menu inside 'Keyboard and Mouse' within 'System Preferences'. I have everything else checked except 'ignore trackpad when mouse present' since I never use a mouse. Hope this helps.

Jun 6, 2008 4:41 AM in response to Edward House

My cursor also jumps around like crazy while I'm typing, often selecting and deleting sentences or jumping from field to field in mid-sentence when I'm filling out a web form. It makes it almost impossible to type effectively and is very frustrating. Yikes! It just deleted a half a sentence while I was typing this. I had to re-type it.

None of the suggestions listed in this forum have helped so far. I'm thinking of bringing my macbook pro into the Apple Store and asking for an exchange.

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Jumping cursor messes up typing?