Why is my Magic Trackpad sometimes very choppy?

Question

Why is my Magic Trackpad sometimes very choppy?

I have recently started having problems with my Magic Trackpad. I love the thing, but it is now jumping around so much that it makes it close to unusable. I may even have to switch back to a...gasp...regular mouse!

Here is what I have done to try to fix the problem:

Restarted my mac
Disconnected the Bluetooth pairing
Replaced the batteries (currently at 95%)
Moved further from my MBP
Moved closer to my MBP

I have a 27" LED display hooked up to my 13" MBP but otherwise nothing else.

Anyone have any ideas???

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Jun 20, 2011 8:40 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

musicandlight

Level 3

700 points

Jun 20, 2011 8:43 AM in response to snifflesniffle

It is likely a microspcopic amount of sweat or finger oil or something like that.

I also tried all the things you did to no avail and then I simply wiped off the trackpad and all was well!

Also, try moving your finger to another area and see if the jumpy part smooths out, which is another indication that the area you've been using needs a simple wipe with a dry cloth.

HTH

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Answer 2

Jun 20, 2011 9:35 AM in response to musicandlight

Wow, I didn't even think about that. Let me give it a shot!

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Answer 3

Jun 20, 2011 9:42 AM in response to snifflesniffle

Ok, so I think I narrowed down what is causing the problem. I was on wifi and was experiencing alot of choppiness. When I switched to wired and shutoff the wireless, no more problems. Switched back on and the problems came right back. I guess there is some interference with the wifi in this building. =(

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Answer 4

captfred

Level 7

26,422 points

Jun 20, 2011 9:48 AM in response to snifflesniffle

This from the linked article:

Certain external monitors and LCD displays: Certain displays may emit harmonic interference, especially in the 2.4GHz band between channels 11 and 14. This interference may be at its worst if you have a portable computer with the lid closed and an external monitor connected to it. Try changing your access point to use 5 Ghz or a lower 2.4 GHz channel.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365

So, if you have control of the router, try a lower channel number.

Regards,

Captfred

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