Apple readying software patch for quirky MacBook trackpads
Trackpad issues experienced by users of Apple's new unibody MacBooks and MacBook Pros will be addressed in a forthcoming software update, according to an email response from chief executive Steve Jobs.
The problem, which was documented in AppleInsider's review of the unibody MacBook Pro and covered from another user's perspective earlier this week, is the new glass trackpad's tendency not to register some physical clicks performed by the user.
Having become frustrated with the glitch, one MacBook Pro owner mailed Jobs earlier this week and received a call back from Apple's customer relations department. He was told that the company was "researching the clicking issue" but as of yet could not determine a solution.
However, another customer experiencing the same problem mailed Jobs at a slightly later date and was told that a patch is forthcoming, suggesting that Apple has determined the issue can be completely rectified by a software update.
"Software fix coming soon," the Apple co-founder reportedly said in one of his traditionally terse email replies. \t
Although much of the attention surrounding the glass trackpad clicking issue has come from MacBook Pro users, several unibody 13-inch MacBook owners say they've also experienced the same anomalies.
Due to striking similarities in the design of both products, it's believed that any fix for the MacBook Pro would be deployed in the same manner for the new MacBooks.
The problem, which was documented in AppleInsider's review of the unibody MacBook Pro and covered from another user's perspective earlier this week, is the new glass trackpad's tendency not to register some physical clicks performed by the user.
Having become frustrated with the glitch, one MacBook Pro owner mailed Jobs earlier this week and received a call back from Apple's customer relations department. He was told that the company was "researching the clicking issue" but as of yet could not determine a solution.
However, another customer experiencing the same problem mailed Jobs at a slightly later date and was told that a patch is forthcoming, suggesting that Apple has determined the issue can be completely rectified by a software update.
"Software fix coming soon," the Apple co-founder reportedly said in one of his traditionally terse email replies. \t
Although much of the attention surrounding the glass trackpad clicking issue has come from MacBook Pro users, several unibody 13-inch MacBook owners say they've also experienced the same anomalies.
Due to striking similarities in the design of both products, it's believed that any fix for the MacBook Pro would be deployed in the same manner for the new MacBooks.
Comments
cmon.... software isn't the same as a real hardware button. i like the idea of a larger trackpad, but i also like dual buttons a hell of a lot more.
i hope apple brings back even small buttons on the trackpad.
is this any surprise that there are problems with not having a real button to click on?
cmon.... software isn't the same as a real hardware button. i like the idea of a larger trackpad, but i also like dual buttons a hell of a lot more.
i hope apple brings back even small buttons on the trackpad.
Actually, there is a button. The trackpad is the button. It's mechanical. It just has to act like one ;-)
Yep, the entire trackpad is a physical button.... the problem is that it isn't reacting as it should and a software fix will make it all better.
Yep, the entire trackpad is a physical button.... the problem is that it isn't reacting as it should and a software fix will make it all better.
Yeah the new trackpad is like the big button you press in a public restroom to dry your hands.
Bang on it!
Thank you! I thought I was the only one - and loosing my mind!
Better tighten it up quickly before something falls out.
Got my second Macbook Pro last night and the hinge still will not stay open when held at a angle or when you move the computer. FIX IT OR RECALL IT!
Apparently, it's meant to be like that. They designed it to be less stiff. If you don't like it, I guess you need to get a plastic MacBook, a second-hand Mac or a laptop from a different manufacturer.
What's worse is that the screen on its lowest setting is bright enough to illuminate the room keeping my gf from sleeping if I'm reading in bed, not to mention that it's too bright to read.
Furthermore, has anyone noticed how much louder the keyboard is? The trackpad's click is loud and could wake anyone up and the keys are more clankity than anything I've ever seen from Apple.
I'm sorta considering sending this one back and waiting for v2 or 3.
there is also an issue with using the trackpad with bootcamp!
Hopefully they will address that soon
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there is also an issue with using the trackpad with bootcamp!
Yeah, right-clicking in Boot Camp doesn't work for me... via multi-touch. But it DOES work in VM Ware.
Apparently, it's meant to be like that. They designed it to be less stiff. If you don't like it, I guess you need to get a plastic MacBook, a second-hand Mac or a laptop from a different manufacturer.
The aluminum MacBooks are fine too... the screen is lighter and mine has a very stiff feel to it.
As for the trackpad, I'm really happy with it so far. clicking it feels as natural as it did with my previous Macbook. I haven't noticed much in the way of missed clicks yet but if it's something that can be fixed in software rather than faulty hardware then I'm not all that worried.
Yeah, right-clicking in Boot Camp doesn't work for me... via multi-touch. But it DOES work in VM Ware.
I'm not surprised. With VM ware, it goes through Mac OS X first and the software carries that over to the windows environment.
Apple please give us a better trackpad option *with a button* and TEST it with people before you ship! I appreciate the innovation but ideas don't always work in practice. Oh and I like a right click button - who cares if it causes apple to admit defeat and swallow it's pride - it is the defacto standard and all programs need it!
My mbp has all sorts of issues with it including the falling screen.
What's worse is that the screen on its lowest setting is bright enough to illuminate the room keeping my gf from sleeping if I'm reading in bed, not to mention that it's too bright to read.
Furthermore, has anyone noticed how much louder the keyboard is? The trackpad's click is loud and could wake anyone up and the keys are more clankity than anything I've ever seen from Apple.
I'm sorta considering sending this one back and waiting for v2 or 3.
My MacBook Pro has been working pretty good, it's the 2.4GHz one.
No trackpad click issue, in fact I'm head over heals for this new trackpad.
I isn't that Apple doesn't test, it's that manufacturers, even in the same board design, might use slightly different parts among factories or even within different time frames. Those variations in things like a transistor or resister can sometimes cause little quirks in the drivers & how they communicate with the hardware. Apple is likely updating drivers to deal with irregularities in some of the hardware to try & help reign in those variations.
Apple please give us a better trackpad option *with a button* and TEST it with people before you ship! I appreciate the innovation but ideas don't always work in practice. Oh and I like a right click button - who cares if it causes apple to admit defeat and swallow it's pride - it is the defacto standard and all programs need it!
This appears to be yet another case of form over function. The Mighty Mouse suffers from the same thing- Apple couldn't stand to see a left or right click and also gave it that tiny scroll dust ball which constantly clogs up. Apple appears lately totally obssessed with a "less is more" and "thinness" dogma in looks and therefore compromising performance in the end game.
Hopefully it all works out for the best with these pads.