Apple releases fix for quirky MacBook glass trackpads
Apple has released a software update to address an issue where trackpad clicks would randomly go unrecognized on its latest notebook offerings: the MacBook (Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008).
"This firmware update addresses an issue where trackpad clicks may not be recognized on MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) computers," the company said.
Installing the update
You can download and install the update from the Software Update mechanism built into Mac OS X.
Alternatively, you can download the update manually and follow a two part process: installing the firmware update [Download - 923KB] application onto your hard drive and using the firmware update application to update your trackpad's firmware.
Installing the update manually
Ensure that your computer is plugged into an AC power source before you start. Then:
Close any open applications.
Download the MacBook, MacBook Pro Trackpad Firmware Update 1.0. The download will place a disk image that contains an installer onto your desktop. If you downloaded the update via Safari, Safari will notify you that an application is contained in the image. Click OK to continue.
If "Open safe files after downloading" is checked in Safari preferences, the disk image file will mount by itself. If that preference is not enabled in Safari, double-click the disk image to mount it.
Double-click the trackpad firmware update disk image to open it.
Double-click the TrackpadFirmwareUpdate.pkg file.
Read the introduction, then click Continue.
After reading the licensing agreement, click Continue.
To agree to its terms, click Agree.
Click Install to install the update application in /Applications/Utilities.
You will be asked for your administrator password. Enter the password and click OK.
After the software is successfully installed on your hard drive, an Installation Completed Successfully message appears. Click Close to start the updater application.
Read the onscreen firmware update installation instructions, then click Update to proceed. Note: The firmware update application may appear behind the installation window.
You will be asked again for you administrator password. Enter the password and click OK. A progress bar will appear while the update is being applied. The trackpad will not respond during the update. Do not interrupt the update or shut off power on your computer while the update is in progress.
When the update is complete, you will see "The update completed successfully" in the Status field of the updater application. Click Quit.
Once you've completed the above steps, your trackpad should be updated. You do not need to restart to recognize the benefits of the update.
AppleInsider readers are encouraged to report on their experiences with the update in the forum thread for this article.
"This firmware update addresses an issue where trackpad clicks may not be recognized on MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) computers," the company said.
Installing the update
You can download and install the update from the Software Update mechanism built into Mac OS X.
Alternatively, you can download the update manually and follow a two part process: installing the firmware update [Download - 923KB] application onto your hard drive and using the firmware update application to update your trackpad's firmware.
Installing the update manually
Ensure that your computer is plugged into an AC power source before you start. Then:
Close any open applications.
Download the MacBook, MacBook Pro Trackpad Firmware Update 1.0. The download will place a disk image that contains an installer onto your desktop. If you downloaded the update via Safari, Safari will notify you that an application is contained in the image. Click OK to continue.
If "Open safe files after downloading" is checked in Safari preferences, the disk image file will mount by itself. If that preference is not enabled in Safari, double-click the disk image to mount it.
Double-click the trackpad firmware update disk image to open it.
Double-click the TrackpadFirmwareUpdate.pkg file.
Read the introduction, then click Continue.
After reading the licensing agreement, click Continue.
To agree to its terms, click Agree.
Click Install to install the update application in /Applications/Utilities.
You will be asked for your administrator password. Enter the password and click OK.
After the software is successfully installed on your hard drive, an Installation Completed Successfully message appears. Click Close to start the updater application.
Read the onscreen firmware update installation instructions, then click Update to proceed. Note: The firmware update application may appear behind the installation window.
You will be asked again for you administrator password. Enter the password and click OK. A progress bar will appear while the update is being applied. The trackpad will not respond during the update. Do not interrupt the update or shut off power on your computer while the update is in progress.
When the update is complete, you will see "The update completed successfully" in the Status field of the updater application. Click Quit.
Once you've completed the above steps, your trackpad should be updated. You do not need to restart to recognize the benefits of the update.
AppleInsider readers are encouraged to report on their experiences with the update in the forum thread for this article.
Comments
Not had a missed click at since I installed it.
FWIW, it never asked me to close any open apps and it still installed successfully.
That's just a precaution suggested by the author. In the worst case another application could crash the Mac and leave the update half-done. That would be bad.
Advice: Don't use this trackpad in a quiet room, you might wake people up or induce an arrhythmia.
The firmware update went well and seems to have fixed all of those problems though the cursor freeze one was rare enough that it will take a day or two to be completely sure. But so far so good.
I see a butchered, copy-pasted Technical Support article with just enough changes to disguise its origins. What happened, AppleInsider? Couldn't get the link tag working?
Haven't you noticed thats what AppleInsider often does? Takes press releases and sticks random parts in quote marks...
This is Web 2.0 journalism!
Haven't you noticed thats what AppleInsider often does? Takes press releases and sticks random parts in quote marks...
This is Web 2.0 journalism!
To be honest, I gave up on AppleInsider for a long time over crap like this. I've only recently started reading again, because I find some of AI's unique content interesting. But copy-pasting a support article at the expense of providing a link to it is not just plagiarism or lazy, but actively asinine.
Most extensive user guide for installing EVER.
I was thinking the same thing. Lift your right index finger, click the button, go for tea, wash your hands LOL.
But... now it's all fixed and I can't believe how perfectly it works - the glass feels even more silky smooth than before!
P
Just another example of the inferiority of a device that is nothing new, no innovation.
Remind me again of how many problems are showing up with this latest wave of Apple garbage?
Oh, and copy/paste FTW!