Magic Trackpad and 10.5.8 drivers?

Doesn't seem so, which is a pity, since I really want this thing, but I don't want to switch to Snow Vista and all it's Windows-like antics...

HM?
Bad thing! I want to use this Trackpad, too! But also I use 10.5.8! 😟

I can't believe that I didn't check this most basic question before I ordered the Magic Trackpad from the Apple store!! It just arrived today and I can't use it! I don't wanna buy a new Mac!

I'm looking to see if I can use it on my XP desktop.

Though, it seems odd that Apple would write compatible drivers to allow Macs running Windows XP (now a nine-year-old OS) via Bootcamp -- but won't allow PowerMac G4s on 10.5.8 to run the Trackpad which is just a Bluetooth device (and they have been around for years).

I hope someone comes up with a solution.

I've been able to make a force-install of the v1.0 Magic Trackpad update.

The installer checks OS for 10.6.4 version, and when found to be below, would force-stop. After repackaging it, it will still check (and warn) but it will proceed with the install. It's running successfully on 10.6.3; 10.5.8 etc on a mixture of MacPro's and MacBook Pro's (also one iMac)

I've blogged the how-to as well as provided the finished .pkg file.

Joel Samuel @ JGS.me.uk
http://jgs.me.uk/post/934693437/magicfix

(Use it at your own risk etc etc.)

does not work on MINI G4 10.5.8, will crash it completely.

Recovery method used or backup restore required?
Thanks for letting me know, created a 'Known Bad' list.

i installed in my imac 10.5.8 and now dont boot i restarted the ram but nothing any help

Reset Firmware
Resetting your firmware will reset all firmware settings back to factory defaults. Things like the boot rom, power management, etc. are found in the firmware. To do this hold down the following buttons on your keyboard at boot up: cmd opt+OF. Once in open firmware type these commands:
reset-nvram (hit return)
reset-all (hit return once more, the system should reboot)

FYI on Mac Pro dual Xeon 2.6 with 10.5.8 it also hung on boot after install so definitely not safe. My solution: update to 10.6.3.

Don't install modified package unless you are willing to deal with potential problems.

I'm trying CmdOpt+OF but I can't get into Open Firmware. Any help?

Very disappointed to receive the new trackpad I waited so long for and learn it won't work under 10.5.8. I run GIS software on XP and Windows 7 under Parallels, and can't risk tampering with my system configuration- BTDT, lost days of productivity putting it right and got in trouble with my boss.

C'mon Apple, you've got the cart before the horse, requiring an OS upgrade to use a new peripheral! Sounds like a marketing decision, not a technical one. My Macbook Pro already works with its onboard trackpad - why can't it do the same with an external one? Skip the new gestures for the older OS if you have to... just make it work for us!

Just found this software, says it works on 10.5 but needs a licence.

www.jitouch.com

I tried this on a 10.5.8 MacBook Pro and it failed horribly - had to do a full restore from TimeMachine backup. Thank goodness for TimeMachine.

Not sure how JGS could have such an opposite result (he says he got it to work on a 10.5.8 system but doesn't say exactly which one). The instructions are pretty straight forward and easily accomplished, but the results are far from desirable.

SO - BEWARE - AND HAVE A FULL BACKUP BEFORE ATTEMPTING!!!

Maybe JGS will give us some more info about what sort of system(s) he got this to work with 10.5.8???

Wonder if it matters what devices were already installed on the system this is attempted on? I tried on my existing MacBook Pro and also on a completely virgin 10.5 install and both failed horribly with the result that the system cannot boot at all. Just keeps giving error messages about things crashing too fast or just crashing. If anyone is able to look at the system log file for the bootup let me know and I will send it.

-Bob

So I just received my Magic Trackpad which I plan to use with my iMac, which currently has 10.5.8 but my copy of snow leopard is on its way. I knew 10.5.8 is not supported "officially" so I ordered 10.6.

Being anxious to play with my new trackpad, I tried to pair it just for the heck of it. No dice

But after playing with it for a few minutes, I WAS able to get it paired and "kind of" working. Multitouch doesn't work (including right click), but just plain point and click works. You cannot adjust the sensitivity of the trackpad and its not sensitive enough IMO but it does work

For those interested in trying it:

Turn on trackpad
Open Bluetooth from menu bar, choose Setup Bluetooth Device
Click Continue, choose any device, once it finds your trackpad, choose passkey options
Select Do Not Use Passkey with this device, click ok, continue with the set up like normal
It will ask you if you want to use this as an input device, choose yes
Once finished, trackpad will still not work.
Open bluetooth in the menu bar, chose Magic trackpad, and then click connect
It should work.

Again, it is limited functionality. But I just though I would share.