MacBook Pro Trackpad Experience?

Hi there,
I'm an avid MacBookPro User, and last year abandoned my mouse in favour our purely using the trackpad. I'd now like to start using an external monitor and keyboard and am wondering what the best solution for a similar experience is? I've read the Magic is not as good as it will not sit right in front of the Mac Keyboard, and has to be placed to the side... Iss Wacom Bamboo the answer? I love the being able to type, keyboard shortcuts, and use thumbs..
any help and advice much appreciated. thanks
Kieran
PS: This is the kinda thing I would love >>

The Trackpad has the same profile as the BT keyboard and is designed to site beside it (left or right).
It is totally the wrong shape to site in front and will be awkward to use.
For precision work I use a Wacom Intuous 4 tablet.  I'm not familiar with the Bamboo.

Similar Messages

  • MacBook Pro trackpad constantly clicking

    I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro 5,1 15'  2.53 GHZ-4GB Ram. Running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4 (11E53)
    My Macbook Pro trackpad is stuck constantly left clicking
    some right clicking
    moving around by itself
    not always responding completely to touch.
    In text boxes when typing it constantly erases text
    Pretty much unusable when this is happening.
    It will happen as long as it wants to and start working normally again with no rhyme or reason I do not see anything in particular that seems to trigger it.I did not just start this thread without searching the net and here. I am just looking for some opinions on if I should take it in for repair or if there are any other things I can try that I may have missed.
    Here is a list of what I have tried so far.
    Reset PRAM and NVRAM.
    Checked battery for bloating (even though that would not cause this problem would only cause it to stick had to replace once already).
    Booted into safe mode (logged into seperate admin account I never use problem started again in safe mode after about 30 seconds of using trackpad).
    checked trackpad screw (was fine but tried loosening it and tightening slightly to see if it helps.
    Turn off, Remove battery, hold power for 5 seconds, replace battery and boot.
    Using external mouse exhibits the same behavior (tried both USB and different wireless mice) This makes this problem seem more likely software not hardware
    One thing I have not tried is deleteing the plist files for the trackpad I read that fix somewhere although I can not find the link now. If and when it decides to stop again I will try that next. I am A+ certified not ACMT but I can replace anything on it if needed so please mention anything you can think of even hardware. I would rather not restore the OS as I have about 300GB of data and transferring it to one of my servers  or external drive would be a pain, time consuming, and I have read it does not solve these types of issues.
    Please help
    Sincerely,
    Frustrated but still happy Apple user.

    Well after some further investigation it seems I may have had some malware. I receive a lot of packages and this one seem to have slipped by my spam filter. It's called Mal/JSRedir-J of course I also forgot to re install Sophos Antivirus after I did some software development work and was running strictly through my citrix server which is very secure. *Slaps self in face*.
    I am running a thorough scan now but that trojan popped up. I was able to install Sophos after a reboot before it started acting up barely got my password in on install before cursor started flying around the screen.
    So far so good. Hopefully it stays that way, and maybe this will help someone else. Virus is not always the first thing to come to mind when I think MAC, and this is my first infection in 4 years

  • Firefox 4 doesn't allow MacBook Pro Trackpad features to work, for eg. zooming in and out by "pinching"

    I downloaded Firefox 4 and immediately noticed I could not zoom in and out by using the two finger "pinch" action used on MacBook Pro trackpads.
    I reverted to Firefox 3.6 and it works just fine.
    Could you please advise me how to rectify the fault on Firefox 4
    Thank you

    Some gestures have been removed in Firefox 4.
    You can restore the zoom feature by changing the values of the related prefs on the <b>about:config</b> page.
    browser.gesture.pinch.in cmd_fullZoomReduce
    browser.gesture.pinch.in.shift cmd_fullZoomReset
    browser.gesture.pinch.out cmd_fullZoomEnlarge
    browser.gesture.pinch.out.shift cmd_fullZoomReset

  • HT203146 My Macbook Pro trackpad is unresponsive. Are there key commands which I can use to open my computer?

    Macbook Pro trackpad will not click so I am unable to log in. Are there any suggestions to fix this? Can I use keystrokes to log in and potentially solve the problem?

    Try SMC and NVRAM resets:
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
    Then try a Safe boot:
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
    Ciao.

  • HT203171 Macbook pro trackpad not responsive, opening apps on it's own, moving screens on its own, help!

    Hi, I've been having a few issues with the trackpad, mostly with clicks lately. Today the cursor went rogue and started opening all sorts of programs and files, moving to different screens and opening things there, generally going crazy and not responding when I tried to use it. I rebooted several times before it decided to stop on its own -- I'm not sure the reboot had anything to do with it. I took a video of it with my ipod, but it's too big to upload here. Any suggestions before I open cocktail and and run repairs? Thanks for any help you can offer.

    My Macbook Pro started to experience the very same erratic behaviour. At first I noticed that it would happen if the MBP was on a flat tabletop surface. If I placed the MBP on my lap, the magic pad seemed to operate properly. It was very consistent. Since this is a capacitative surface, I tried an experiment. I placed the MBP on a tabletop surface where it's exhibited the malfunction. Then I used my other hand on the flat surface areas near the magic pad while using my right hand to manipulate the cursor. It appears that touching the casing with my other hand seemed to calm down the erratic behaviour. When I used only one hand, the erratic behaviour returned.
    I'd searched several forums to no avail. No one seemed to have a solution or an explanation so I just lived with it.
    However, by coincidence, I was experiencing what I believed was an unrelated issue. One of my USB ports was no longer responding to devices plugged into that port. While searching for a solution for the USB port, I stumbled across a post where the user suggested resetting the SMC. I'd never heard of that before this post. In his post, he mentioned that erratic Magic Pad behaviour could also be caused by the SMC.
    He instructed to
    1. Attach the MagSafe power cord
    2. Power off the MacBook Pro
    3. Press the L-Shift/Control/Option and Power button at the same time and hold.
    4. Release them all at the same time
    5. Then power on the MacBook Pro
    Not only did my USB regain functionality, but it appears to have resolved my erratic Magic Pad behaviour. It now operates as it had done when new.
    For reference, I'm using a MacBook Pro 13" with the Intel I3 processor and Lion.
    I hope that helps somebody else as it did for me.

  • HT203171 macbook pro trackpad troubles - any other tips?

    recently my trackpad started acting up: two-finger scrolling and two- and three-finger tapping are not being detected properly. i recorded some of this in a video:
    http://youtu.be/L-fWYcrmTQg
    though it cannot be seen in this demo, general use of the cursor is also a little haphazard--it occasionally jumps around the screen all willy nilly, see.
    i've been digging around these forums and beyond getting the trackpad replaced, i'm not having any luck finding a solution. are there any other tips?
    13" Macbook Pro 2011 with OS 10.7.2

    My Macbook Pro started to experience the very same erratic behaviour. At first I noticed that it would happen if the MBP was on a flat tabletop surface. If I placed the MBP on my lap, the magic pad seemed to operate properly. It was very consistent. Since this is a capacitative surface, I tried an experiment. I placed the MBP on a tabletop surface where it's exhibited the malfunction. Then I used my other hand on the flat surface areas near the magic pad while using my right hand to manipulate the cursor. It appears that touching the casing with my other hand seemed to calm down the erratic behaviour. When I used only one hand, the erratic behaviour returned.
    I'd searched several forums to no avail. No one seemed to have a solution or an explanation so I just lived with it.
    However, by coincidence, I was experiencing what I believed was an unrelated issue. One of my USB ports was no longer responding to devices plugged into that port. While searching for a solution for the USB port, I stumbled across a post where the user suggested resetting the SMC. I'd never heard of that before this post. In his post, he mentioned that erratic Magic Pad behaviour could also be caused by the SMC.
    He instructed to
    1. Attach the MagSafe power cord
    2. Power off the MacBook Pro
    3. Press the L-Shift/Control/Option and Power button at the same time and hold.
    4. Release them all at the same time
    5. Then power on the MacBook Pro
    Not only did my USB regain functionality, but it appears to have resolved my erratic Magic Pad behaviour. It now operates as it had done when new.
    For reference, I'm using a MacBook Pro 13" with the Intel I3 processor and Lion.
    I hope that helps somebody else as it did for me.

  • Macbook Pro trackpad and keyboard freezes after attempting sleep mode

    I bought this computer on April 2008. It has the latest OS X 10.5.6 and it did not accept the trackpad firmware. I tried to install and the software said "this computer does not need this update".
    This has been happening a lot when I am using Skype while talking to someone with video and sound. The computer tries to go on sleep mode because I am not typing or touching it - it thinks I am away because I am just talking and watching the person on the other side.
    I touch the computer to avoid getting on sleep mode and with that it freezes the trackpad and keyboard. I continue to listen and see the other person and they continue to see me and hear me, but I cannot move the "mouse" cursor on the screen or type anything. Neither can I force to quit anything. The only thing that works is to close the computer and open again, that forces the computer to go into sleep mode then I can make it wake up again by opening it and touching any key on the keyboard.
    This have been interrupting Skype calls and a study I am conduting. I have to keep touching the computer trackpad to not let it sleep ever. I am concerned is something with the battery or maybe it needs some kind of firmware.
    This is very recent, just started happening this week (March 2009). I have not added any new software or any hardware to the machine.
    What can I do to make the trackpad and keyboard stop freezing when the computer tries to sleep?

    this is in the wrong category. I added a new message to the right category: MacBook Pro but I don't know how to delete it from here.

  • MacBook Pro trackpad help - please?

    Hi!
    I know there are some answers to this out there but I can't understand them. Can anyone tell me, in very simple terms how I can make the 2-finger scroll work on my trackpad? I bought the MacBook Pro about 4 months ago and migrated my things from my iBook which was about 4 years old. If you can literally give me step by step instructions, that would be amazing.
    Many thanks!

    If you have done a migration assistant, some user library files could be messing some things up. Create a new user account on the computer (Apple logo at top left - system prefrences - users and groups - then click the plus at the bottom left.....if the plus is greyed out hit the padlock and enter your password) Create a new user account. Then have a look at the trackpad prefrences in there......are they normal?!

  • Issues with Macbook Pro Trackpad

    I have a 15" Macbook Pro i5 2.4 Ghz, 4GB ram, 500 GB HD (Early 2010) Running Snow Leopard. My trackpad will begin moving on it's own at random. It also decides to right click on it's own at times. It's totally random though, at times it happens frequently, the next day it may not happen at all. Any about what causes this? And how I can fix it?

    see if anything in here provides a fix: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

  • What is the cost to replace a MacBook Pro trackpad?

    I have an early 2011 15" MacBook Pro. Recently, my trackpad suddenly stopped working one night. The pointer would move around the screen without me touching the computer, and the click would only respond about half the time. So, in an attempt to save money, I bought a replacement trackpad and googled how to replace it. I successfully replaced the trackpad, only to have the cheap replacement crack in the top right corner. On top of that, it still doesn't work. It's no longer moving on its own, but now it's just extremely hard to navigate around the screen. However, I'm assuming this may have something to do with the cracked glass.
    My question is - how much is it for Apple to replace the trackpad? I was trying to save money, but I would rather pay a little extra to have the replacement done right. I'm no longer in warranty, and unfortunately, Apple support wants to charge me $19 to ask this question.
    Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

    Make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar and they will examine the MBP and give you a quote.  You mat accept or reject it.
    Understand that we are all users here and NOT representatives of Apple.
    Ciao.

  • Macbook pro trackpad problems

    I have been having trackpad problems on my macbook pro (bought in 2010) for the past couple of days. Not only does it move erratically by itself, but the left click does not respond as it should. Whenever I use the left click, it works as a right click, and I have made no changes in the trackpad options. I have done a battery check through the shift and battery click option, and the response for battery came normal. I have also done a PRAM/NVRAM reset, but the problem still persists. Do I need to replace my battery? Please leave any suggestions. Thanks

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.
    1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.
    2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.
    3. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.
    4. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.
    5. Reset the System Management Controller.
    6. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.
    7. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.
    8. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.
    9. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.
    10. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.
    11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

  • My MacBook Pro trackpad is not working

    My Macbook Pro was purchased in September 2009. The trackpad is not responding to clicks on the computer. The cursor is present and you can click the trackpad just fine, but it will not select what I click. It's very frustrating. It worked fine, but then all of a sudden it isn't. Help me with this issue please ASAP!

    My Macbook Pro was purchased in September 2009. The trackpad is not responding to clicks on the computer. The cursor is present and you can click the trackpad just fine, but it will not select what I click. It's very frustrating. It worked fine, but then all of a sudden it isn't. Help me with this issue please ASAP!

  • Migrating from iBook G4 to MacBook Pro -helpful experiences?

    Hi everyone
    I'm switching to a MacBook Pro and would welcome the voice of experience from people who have made a similar switch from an iBook. This morning I went into my local Apple Store to ask advice and the guy I spoke to was really uncertain and suggested that I pay £79 (or whatver it is) to joing One to One and let the Apple store do it. However, I'm sure that there must be an easier (and cheaper) was to accomplish what I need - which is to basically transfer files, music, photos, email, accounts, and settings to the MBP.
    I would love to hear from anyone who has achieved this with as much detail as you can spare about how you did this.
    Many thanks

    I did it three years ago, switching from a G4 to an Intel-based MBP. I have a couple of suggestions:
    1. Cloning your hard drive won't work as such, because the G4's OS won't boot on the Intel machine. What some have done, though, is to clone and then re-install OS 10.5 on the new machine. While that may work, it will most likely also result in your having some applications on the machine that won't work and may cause mischief.
    2. Migration Assistant/Setup Assistant should work fine. Firewire is not required -- you can use Ethernet (speed is dependent somewhat on cable quality) direct connection between the two machines, or Firewire 800, or (if you are very patient) wireless networking for the transfers. If your old machine has an older version of the OS, you may have to upgrade it first for this routine to work properly. If you use Migration Assistant or Setup Assistant, be prepared for some potential confusion over computer names and user names. A number of people (including me) have "lost" their home directory contents as a result of this. (If it isn't where you expect it, look for a new user created by the process and log in there.)
    3. The most conservative approach (and in some ways the easiest) is to use an external drive or other media to copy your home directory from the old system to the new one, and then reinstall applications from original media or from the web.
    4. Don't forget to update your OS at some point -- new hardware doesn't always come with the latest SW changes.
    Good luck.

  • MacBook Pro Trackpad Secondary Click not working properly - switching apps

    I have a MacBook Pro 15" (new Core 2 Duo) with 10.4.8. On my main account, when I try and use the trackpad's two-finger-click to perform the secondary click functionality, I have a problem where instead of showing the secondary menu (same as control-click) it instead shows me the application switch screen (same as you see when entering command-tab).
    I logged in under a new user account and enabled secondary click and it works properly -- so this appears to be either a conflict/issue in a plist (though I deleted the plist for mouse and keyboard and the issue still remains) or possibly with some other application/utility that is installed.
    Without recreating my world one-by-one, any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions?
    Thanks in advance,
    Brian
    MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 15" 2.33 GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Using SOHO Notes, Yojimbo, StuffIt, and QuickSilver

    Update on the situation:
    1) Reboot in Safe Mode (shift-key down at start-up) -- secondary click still shows the application switcher.
    2) Ran Onyx -- Execute the defaults (no others) in the Automation tab and after rebooting the issue still persists.
    3) I removed the Microsoft drivers from my system and all plist files -- and reinstalled the MS drivers. On first use of the right-button on the mouse, I got the same "secondary click" response that I get with the trackpad. Before the uninstall it had worked correctly. I remember looking at the MS Mouse config options and it showed the right button performing a control-click. Now, with the preferences at their defaults from the software removal and reinstallation, I see there is an option -- and it is the default option, that the right-mouse button performs a "secondary click".
    So it isn't a trackpad or mouse issue, it is an issue that somehow the default system behavior for a secondary click has been changed from displaying the alternate menu to showing the application switcher.
    So the question is, what application or utility changed that? I was evaluating the Apple Mighty Mouse a few months ago and decided against it -- the right sensor seemed to fail often. Did that have an option to modify the secondary-click? I have Google and searched for tersm like ["secondary click" setting change modification hack, etc] and haven't seen any mention of that ability -- but clearly on my machine under my main user account, this is happening.
    I hope that helps get one step closer.
    Thanks in advance.
    MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 15" 2.33 GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

  • Macbook Pro trackpad taps but doesn't click.

    I have a 2009 macbook pro and the trackpad taps but doesn't click. I was wondering if something can be done to fix it so the click works again without taking it in to get fixed? I am currently using a wireless mouse, which is okay but just gets annoying to use sometimes. But if anyone knows of any tricks that might make the click on the trackpad work, that would awesome!

    There are no stickers involved in determining a warranty.  Check here:
    https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
    Even if your warranty has expired, the examination at an Apple store genius bar is free.  If repairs are needed you will be informed of the costs.  A trackpad repair/replacement should not bust the bank account.
    Ciao.

Maybe you are looking for