MacBook Neo trackpad jumpy compared to MacBook Pro?

Short answer: Although it may be possible that your new Neo may have a defective trackpad, most likely what you are experiencing is the differences between the trackpads employed with the Neo vs. the MacBook Air/Pro models. The Neo is equipped with mechanical multi-touch trackpad; whereas the latter models come with a Force Touch trackpad.

A bit longer answer:

A mechanical multi-touch trackpad, means it has an actual physical clicking mechanism underneath.

• It physically depresses and clicks, even when powered off.
• Still supports standard macOS gestures (scroll, pinch, swipe).
• Click can be registered anywhere on the surface, not just the bottom edge.
• No pressure sensitivity (no “Force Click”).
• Slightly louder and less refined feel compared to higher-end Macs. Translation = Does not feel as precise as the more costly Mac laptops. This is the trade-off to keep the Neo's cost down.

Apple’s Force Touch trackpad, which is completely different internally:

• No physical click mechanism at all
• Uses haptic feedback (Taptic Engine) to simulate a click
• Supports pressure sensitivity (Force Click)
• Adjustable click firmness and silent operation
• Uniform feel regardless of where you press

These Force Touch trackpads, that Apple has been using since 2015, are considered the "golden standard" by many when compared against other laptop manufacturers.

Wishfullracer wrote:

Very helpful, thank you. Saved me a lot of trouble, I'll just have to deal with it, get use to it.

You apparently went to Best Buy to check out another Neo for comparison. What was the result? Did the BB display model's trackpad perform the same as yours (jumpy and erratic)? If it performed differently and was smooth as opposed to jumpy, there is clearly an issue with your Neo's trackpad. This is not something you should have to "deal with" nor "get used to". Return your current Neo and get another while you are still within your 14-day return window.

I would at least make a Genius Bar reservation and have the unit evaluated for free by Apple. This is the first I have heard a negative comment in regards to the trackpad on the Neo (aside from it being a physical click as opposed to a haptic click). Your initial post only mentioned the jumpiness and erratic feel of the trackpad and not it's clicking feel.

If it's defective, have it taken care of. Again, this is not something to should have to deal with nor get used to.

Hard to say if it's an issue.

If you think it is, then it is.

Can you visit an Apple Store and put your hands on another one to find out if there's a difference?

Change Trackpad settings on Mac - Apple Support

Apple has a fourteen day, no-questions return policy. You might consider taking advantage of that and then buy another if you discover it to be a real issue. Otherwise it would become an issue to be handled under warranty.

Returns & Refund - Shopping Help - Apple (SA)

Was your trackpad physically jumpy? Or jumpy on the screen? I actually got a replacement because the keyboard on my first one felt wonky. While the keyboard is much better, I'm now wondering if my trackpad has an issue on this one- but mine issue is physical, so far no issue on on the screen with the very few things I have done.

You're welcome.

Please update us after your visit.

You're welcome!

Glad to hear you got it taken care of to your satisfaction. Thanks for the follow-up.