Pain in fingers from new MBP keyboard?

Be cautious with your keyboard cover, which by the way I don't think is the solution for your issue: Do not use palm rest or keycap covers on a MacBook Pro with Retina display - Apple Support

I appreciate the suggestions provided to help mitigate my symptoms. There are several workarounds that I can utilize to alleviate the discomfort I’m experiencing (the USB connected “old school” keyboard is working out pretty well so far… time will tell).

Leaving my physical symptoms aside, the primary reason I posted here was to add my voice and experience to the thread in hopes of raising awareness of the potential drawbacks of Apple’s current laptop keyboard design. I use the word “potential” fully acknowledging that I have no proof at this point in time that my symptoms are directly linked to using the new keyboard or not. It is a hypothesis of mine (and some of the others who have posted here), one that I feel would be of interest for Apple engineers to investigate further. With their stated aim towards continually improving design for future iterations, Apple may well have been caught “off guard” in this instance, not realizing that their focus on typing efficiency and reduced cover “latch” clearance, might lead to unintended ramifications leading to repetitive strain? By studying the phenomenon further and establishing quantifiable metrics that would prove or disprove our hypothesis, Apple would then have the data it needs to work on a redesign, or disregard the issue entirely.

Comparing to an old Macbook Pro about 2010. Units of measurements are uT. No peripheral devices.

What is the serious medical condition you are suggesting I might have that I cannot put my fingers on a trackpad for more than a few minutes before feeling pain. I think the problem is the trackpad and not my fingers! I don't have problems with anything else.

Marcall wrote:

I use a simple EMF detector app on my iphone. It may not be 100% accurate but it goes from a reading of 45 to over 4000 when I put it near certain parts of my macbook keyboard.

45 to 4000 what? What is the scientific evidence that there is a causal relationship between EMF radiation and hand pain? The information I'm able to find indicates an extremely low likelihood of such a relationship (see PMIDs 28900736, 15784787 and 16520326 as examples). Rather than self-diagnose based on an iPhone app, take Grant's advice and see a doctor.

Thanks Grant, I will do some research on the Carpal Tunnel info but it really seems like its the trackpad. I may be wrong and appreciate your input. Obviously, I am not the only person who is having a similar problem and my purpose in responding was to let the original poster know that others are experiencing the same problem. I think it is important to remain open to different possibilities.

IdrisSeaBright,

Thanks for your response and advice. The measurement was 4000+ uT.

There was no proven evidence years ago that cigarettes were bad for you either. So I don't always go by proven scientific studies. I go with my experience.

Personally, I keep these devices a foot or so from my body when possible and use a wired headset when I am on a call on my iPhone if its any more than a couple of minutes. I also find long-term use of my new MacBook really hurts my eyes, which I didn't experience on my previous Apple laptop. It is a real shame as I really love the new machine.

I think if there is a problem with these devices, Apple needs to have feedback.

I don't expect or want you to have the same view. The purpose of my post was to share my experience which backs up that of the original poster.

Marcall wrote:

There was no proven evidence years ago that cigarettes were bad for you either. So I don't always go by proven scientific studies. I go with my experience.

Studies showing the dangers of cigarette smoking go back to about 1600.

Self-diagnoses based on preconceived notions could cause you not to get the medical help you really need. But, they're your hands.

Best of luck.

The surface of the trackpad on these MacBook Pros (and all MacBooks for several years now) is made entirely of GLASS, a well known insulator.

Theories about transfer of electricity through such an Insulator are contrary to modern Physics.

Well Grant, I don't know much about physics but I know that there are an awful lot of people affected by this. There are hundreds of posts online about it and there is clearly a problem.

Another interesting post on the Apple boards indicating how widespread this problem is.Hands go numb, tingle from trackpad

Hopefully, Apple are not in denial, or hiding something and come up with a solution soon.

I think you are putting the blame in the wrong place. It is not Apple's responsibility to adapt to your personal issue. If you were to suffer from ankle discomfort because of the force necessary or the position of your car accelerator would you expect Ford or GM to redesign their cars because you have discomfort while millions of other drivers do not suffer discomfort? If a product causes you discomfort, stop using the product and get a product designed more to your needs.

The link you provided refers to a similar thread started in 2012 so don't hold your breath while waiting for "Apple sort out this problem before many people have injuries.".

Thanks very much for that link, I've just sent Apple my product feedback.

Thank you your direct response. I was not going to sue. But I am seeing this complaint in quite a few places now. Do you think that you have some modifications in store in the future.

Marcall wrote:

The EMF's coming off it are also really high compared my older macbook.

What have you used to measure these EMFs?

I use a simple EMF detector app on my iphone. It may not be 100% accurate but it goes from a reading of 45 to over 4000 when I put it near certain parts of my macbook keyboard.

What MacBook are you comparing this to?

What are the units of your measurements?

Any peripheral devices connected while you are making those measurements?