New MacBook 2.4 - Erratic Trackpad

I would also add that though this problem is a slight annoyance, the new macbook is a thing of beauty, with innovative features, an aesthetically impressive form, a powerful CPU and GPU, and great software that makes the overall purchase one with which I am very pleased. I have no doubt that ultimately this problem will be resolved. If that is the only thing stopping you from getting the computer, I would caution that you are being overly cautious. Even from a person who is experiencing this problem, i would not recommend buying a PC if you were already planning on switching to mac. Even the keyboard is wonderful 🙂

Hey, I'm having the exact same issue you described. It seems to happen most often after I've typed something and try to resume navigating with the trackpad. In any case, it's annoying me. Can you post how your genius trip goes tomorrow? I'm going to be doing the same by the end of the week if this continues. I don't want to waste my time if it's a widespread software issue that apple will address soon.

I would also like to add to the 'hanging cursor' issue that I have noticed also that the *cursor disappears*. Might I also add that I do not use the 'clicking' feature of the trackpad but merely tapping of my fingers for clicks.

Here's a *possible workaround* other than just random acts: it seems if I perform a hard tap on the trackpad with my finger, it brings the cursor back to life. Still pretty annoying to do but seems to work.

Might I suggest to us that are losing our sanity, to put your 'bug tracker' hats on and try to recreate what may be causing this and report back in this thread. Is it after typing only? All applications? Other possible scenarios like palm touching pad while typing? Is there a way you have found that gets the cursor mobile again? etc. My hat is going on right now so perhaps knowing a cause or workaround will save us some time and angst and perhaps if we are waiting for an update.

Also, here are similar threads BUT please stick to this one (sorry, my mod hat is coming into play too):

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1756643

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1755945

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8306642

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8314647

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8306141

Good Morning,
Wow, this is a real problem. This, combined with the wireless N issue, makes me want to wait for the updated Macbooks. No way I want to go spend $1300+ and then have these kinds of issues.

Thank you to people here for alerting all of us to these problems. I really hope Apple resolves them, so I can feel clear about purchasing a Macbook.

Thanks,
Matt

If this is the ONLY place you're looking, you'll NEVER feel safe to purchase a MacBook. There will always be people with problems here. That's the point!

Visit the original MacBook forum. People there have been having problems since day one as well and the MacBook ended up being the best selling Mac EVER. Not everyone is having problems.

-Doug

I just wanted to let people know that my trackpad is functioning flawlessly so why people might be having problems it is not all macbooks... People are not going to post topics labeled "new macbook working perfectly fine!!" These forums are great when you have questions, but they can also make you very paranoid too.

The trackpad problem appears to be related to the area of the surface with which the user utulizes the trackpad. Using the bottom of the finger can cause the trackpad to recognize the input as accidental. My youtube video at the following url outlines a solution to this problem. I just uploaded this at 10:09 PM on Wednesday October 22 so if you are just seeing this now give it a few minutes to process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iiz0GhEVFtU

This technique doesn't address the "click not registering" issue.

I am having the same crazy problems with my trackpad as mentioned above. Last night I took my computer (only a week old) in to the Apple store here in Tennessee and they replaced it, but the same issues exist. While at the store I tested out a few of the demos and experienced the same problems there as well. I first thought that it only occurred when I was switching applications, but now I notice that it stalls no matter what I am doing. If anyone comes up with a solution I am all ears!

Ahhh, kudos drkqn9 ! Non-Trackpad-Clickers of the MB world rejoice in your workaround of navigating with the very tips of your digits. Yes, keeping those nails short will be a high priority now. ; )
Will report back if any issues arise.
Thanks!

I'm having this problem too...I thought it was just because I was trying to accustom myself to tapping instead of clicking. It didn't really occur to me that this could be a widespread problem; I'm glad it's not just me! But other than the slightly erratic behavior, I absolutely love the new multitouch features of the trackpad.

Good Morning,
Yesterday, I went to my local Apple Store in a mall near my home (in the Hampshire Mall in Holyoke, MA). I didn't even know they were there until yesterday!

Anyway, they have several new 2.1 and 2.4 Macbooks on display. I tried all of them, and all of them have the same erratic trackpad behavior. Sometimes the cursor jumps around, sometimes the cursor does not move at all, sometimes it moves with difficulty.

This seems to be a very widespread problem. I'm still contemplating making the move to a new Macbook, but I need to know there is a realistic fix for this problem.

I know people like to say that this forum is like the "Mac Hospital" and that problems are overly emphasized here, but when so many people report the same problem, and when every Mac I have tested in the store has the same problem, I think it's a real issue and not just a matter of being in the "Hospital."

Thanks,
Matthew

Did you have a chance to discuss the issue with any Apple Store staff?

Michael,
Yes, I mentioned it to one of the staff. She acted like it was the first time she had heard about the problem.

Maybe they are spending too much time looking at the beauty of the machines, without testing the way they work.

Matt

LOL!!

That's a shame. Some of the trackpads on MBs I've seen seem to have a different mechanical feel to them when being clicked. I did have the response/no response happen to me but I think it was because my fat thumb was drooping and confusing the trackpad....