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Tracking Issues With Apple's New PowerBooks

Tracking Issues With Apple's New PowerBooks

by , 2:05 PM EST, March 16th, 2005

The troubleshooting gurus at MacFixIt have put together a special report that details the most widespread issues reported with Apple's new PowerBook G4 models, as well as some workarounds.

The most common problem lies with the new trackpad, with many users reporting problems with tracking speed and clicking. Another problem involves oversensitive ambient light sensors.

The special report also notes that the new screens and back-lit keyboards are much brighter on the new models, as well as various other notes.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: Powerbook g4 trackpad gets wedged in 10.3.8 ;-(

Unfortunately, since updating to 10.3.8, I've been seeing trackpad/mouse pointer freezes on my PB G4!! Generally while running iChat. Very annoying!!! Fortunately there is a workaround - put it to sleep and wake it up - but this really should not be happening!!!

Ugh. 10.3.9 anyone??

Close Name:coaten Posts: 3071 Joined: 10 Oct 2001
Subject:

Pfft... no problems with the one I tried.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Should have used SYNAPTICS!

Dumb Apple, "fixed" something when it wasn't broken. Now the usually Rolls Royce Powerbook quality has more of the feel of a $599 (Plus Rebates) Packard Bell Machine. I hope Steve Jobs is not so egotistical to drop Synaptics on the iPod to make his "in house" solution line as rumor has it. A similar event with the iPod could really hurt Apple's margins. Stevie ought to remember the Mac OS lesson of the 1980's, its really only a short walk from the clubhouse to the outhouse.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Track Pad Woes

I never had any problems with my 17" G4 Pwoerbook 1.04 GHz and upgraded to the newest 17" G4 Powerbook 1.67 GHz and the trackpad is so flakey. I have to out my entire palm over it almost every 15 minutes. There has to be a better fix! I am very frustrated and unhappy with Apple about their 'solution'. This is an expensive computer and should work accordingly. I have given up using the two finger scrolling feature as the trackpad hangs up so often. I am seriously gonna get a mouse and forget the trackpad but want Apple to know that this marks a sad day for them in my eyes!

Close Name:Guest
Subject: iBook G4 1.2GHz

Intermittantly my trackpad has been working erratically. It will abruptly stop working and not be ablt to click. I've had to work around it with an external mouse. Does it take a long time to get it fixed? Would I need a new trackpad and clicker?

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

Same prob with 10.3.9 and it may start when ichat in operation but i've seen problems when safari has a bunch of tabs open too. Could this be a low memory or some other issue that isnt hardware realted?

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