I want to cover part of my track pad

I have the 2023 14" Macbook Pro and, while typing, the cursor jumps to a new location where my text is inserted. This has never been a problem only my older MacBook Pros (2015 and older). I've traced this to the fact that the track pad being too wide. Comparing track pads, older laptops had the track pad dimentions that spanned from the left margin of the C key to the right margin of the comma (,) key. This current Macbook spans 1/2 a key farther than the above. Key location determines hand placement, so when my hands on the keyboard's "home row", the thenar arches (muscular pad at the base of thumbs) of both hands now touch the outer margins of the trackpad. Searching the internet, I see this has been a problem for at least 3 years in earlier models. I want to cover the outer margins of the track pad so my hands stop activating the track pad and reposition the currsor inadvertently. So far have not found a material that will prevetent activation. Regular (scotch) tape and electrical tape are inefective at preventing activation of the track pad. Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.10

Posted on May 17, 2024 8:34 AM

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4 replies

May 17, 2024 9:10 AM in response to redsneekers

Apple ergonomics articles point out that if you are not able to hold your wrists in a perfectly Neutral position (not bent up or down) you may soon find yourself suffering with a receptive strain injury.


Try placing your MacBook on a lower-height work surface, in an attempt to get your wrists into a neutral position. if you can not get your wrists straight, stray hits on the trackpad will be the LEAST of your worries -- you may soon no longer be physically able to type at all!


Hosts have asked us to refer problems like yours directly to Apple support for additional help:


Official Apple Support


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May 17, 2024 10:31 AM in response to redsneekers

My positioning is optimal for typing. And after 20+ years of this has not been a problem. It appears you are suggesting that I get my hands off the laptop (and therefore my thenar arches off the track pad.) by having them float above the surface. Since my positioning is optimal for typing, I guess I will try another material to cover the outer margins of the track pad, but thin enough to allow the laptop to close.

May 17, 2024 12:22 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The angles for my shoulders, elbows and wrists are optimal for comfort and function. Considering the decades of typing and considering an age of 70, my wrists present no issues. Since my last post, LDPE (plastic #4) seems to insulate my finger from the pad. Thick paper did not prevent activation of the track pad I will try the manilla. If this fails, I will cut out a section out of the next plastic container I empty. Thanks.

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I want to cover part of my track pad

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