Difficult to Rename Files (Finder windows keep Refreshing)

Has anyone else noticed how difficult it is to rename files in a folder? It is almost as if Leopard's Finder keeps refreshing (or building thumbnails) or something. Here is my scenario:
- Browse to a folder (in my case a folder with large files)
- Hit enter on a file and start renaming the file
- After 1-2 seconds, finder jumps out of edit mode by itself (as if the page somehow refreshed)
- Hit enter again and keep on editing
- 1-2 seconds later, jumps out of edit mode again.
- Leave the window for 20-30 seconds
- Then hit enter, then it is easy to rename the file.
- Thereupon, immediately try to edit the next file, and bam, it exits edit mode after 1-2 seconds (almost as if the previous file rename triggered a 'refresh this entire view' event)
It is incredibly annoying to attempt to rename a bunch of files with Leopard.

Ah - I cant seem to get into the habit of "get info" to rename my files. It seems counter productive.
Is there any other workaround / fix to make the finder stop jumping me out of renaming a file?
It is incredibly annoying. I will get a few characters typed in, and it will jump out of editing... and then to add insult to injury, the folders is updated and the file jumps to its new alphabetical location in the list - So I have to go find the partially named file to finish the job.
People ask me if I like Windows or Mac. I say both have benefits and weaknesses. Renaming files is one of my Mac's weaknesses - it seems. It shouldn't be - it is a basic part of an operating system.
Help!

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Difficult to Rename Files (Finder windows keep Refreshing)

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