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Jakeypooh · 10:43 PM

So I got this in the mail yesterday (a 15PB) and as soon as I made my first post here my cursor is moving erratically even when I'm not using it and sometimes when I'm scrolling down it will jump back a few pages as if i kept one finger still and moved the other left or right, but I'm not. I know this isn't normal what is the problem?

Even right now as I type my mpouse is moving to the left of the posying box in weird short erratic movements... appearing then disappearing showing up in random spots...

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 10:33 PM

Ummmm..... my mouse is moving invoulentarily.... and not responding very well... what could be the cause of this?

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 10:36 PM

Wow this is really a problem... it is still doing it... what is up with this? I'm really kind of nervous about it.

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 10:39 PM

I'm actually using the trackpad not a mouse...

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 10:55 PM

Ok... so I'm on my other computer now... It really seemed there for a while like there was someone moving the mouse around for me... I unpluged my PB from the internet and it continued... Anyone know what the deal was?

v.noir · Sep 9, 2005, 11:22 PM

1. Use Software Update from the Apple menu to update everything that needs it
2. See what happens if you plug in a mouse? Go to System Preferences on the Apple menu and try changing some of the trackpad options from there, notably 'ignore accidental trackpad input', and 'ignore trackpad when mouse is present'. Keyboard & Mouse settings are on the second row of buttons in System Preferences, marked 'Hardware'.

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 11:27 PM

I've used a mouse before while playing owlrd of warcraft... and I've messed with all the trackpad stuff... for a while there it just seemed like I was hacked or something as the cursor was all over the place...

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 11:30 PM

It's doing it again really badly.....

v.noir · Sep 9, 2005, 11:31 PM

And did it still jump around?

Try messing with the preferences as detailed above, and try software update too - i seem to remember some kind of trackpad update, and as your computer is new, it might not have the latest software...

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 11:34 PM

Ok so when a mouse is in and it's ignoring the trackpad the cursor is fine... do I have a defective trackpad?

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 11:45 PM

If this is a serious problem it won't make a very good impression on a new mac user... this is ridiculous.

giggs11 · Sep 9, 2005, 11:52 PM

1. Posting another reply every 5 mins won't get your answer any faster.

2. Have you tried cleaning the trackpad? If there is some foreign substance on it, it could cause a problem. Just use a slightly damp cloth, no need for anything fancy. Have you also tried the normal stuff like rebooting?

v.noir · Sep 9, 2005, 11:52 PM

I agree. Well, if it's fine when it's ignoring the trackpad, at least you know where the problem lies. Could give Apple a call?

Jakeypooh · Sep 9, 2005, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by v.noir

I agree. Well, if it's fine when it's ignoring the trackpad, at least you know where the problem lies. Could give Apple a call?

I tried rebooting but it worked for a while then came back.... I also have tried cleaning it with a dry tissue, a damp cloth and a dry cloth... still the same old problem...

And I apologize for the urgeny... I got a 2500 dollar machine in the mail... I really want it to work.

v.noir · Sep 10, 2005, 12:01 AM

Well, aside from software update and calling Apple, I really have no idea what you could try next. Surely someone else out there knows how to solve this? Come on guys!

Jakeypooh · Sep 10, 2005, 12:07 AM

I just finished installing the new drivers... it's a no-go... the problem persits.

rparke1 · Sep 10, 2005, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jakeypooh

I just finished installing the new drivers... it's a no-go... the problem persits.

heh, do you have sorta loud music on when this happens? ive heard of people complaining about this and it was from vibrations from something near the powerbook.

Jakeypooh · Sep 10, 2005, 12:26 AM

No music...

benwhanlee · Sep 10, 2005, 02:02 AM

try the procudure here to see if it helps:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301047

if not, take it in for service. they'll fix it.

vinster · Sep 10, 2005, 02:48 AM

Yes, try #3. I've had the trackpad on my 1.67 15" PB behave erratically and putting the top part of the palm of your hand directly on the trackpad re-calibrates it. Plus, a new computer (or new style of computer to you) takes time to get used to.

JKT · Sep 10, 2005, 03:20 AM

Static electricity will also effect the trackpad - try rolling up your sleeves if you have any and discharging your self by touching something metal and grounded before using it.

Jakeypooh · Sep 10, 2005, 10:46 AM

Well. I bought it from apple online.... but do you think if I took it in to the apple sotre they would do anything about it?

Jakeypooh · Sep 10, 2005, 10:47 AM

And I didn't actually buy it... my dad in chicago physically ordered it.

cSurfr · Sep 10, 2005, 05:39 PM

Take it to an Apple retail store and talk to a genius. They will get the machine fixed for you.

brent0saurus · Sep 11, 2005, 07:47 PM

WAIT! DON'T DO ANYTHING YET!!!!! Wait to take it in until the new powerbooks come in. Use your mouse for now and then when the new powerbooks come out you can bring it in and they'll replace your present powerbook with the new ones. I know i had a major problem wiht my powerbook not starting up, i brought it in to Apple, they did lots of tests and then just gave me a new one (but it was too long ago to wait for the new powerbooks). If you really can't deal with it then just go bring it to the apple store now. Plus, who knows when the new Powerbooks are coming out.
Just a thought...it might be actually kind of dangerous because they might be like, "why did you wait until now to bring it in?" but who knows. maybe you can say that you always used your external mouse?? again, it's just a thought.

Helmling · Sep 11, 2005, 08:16 PM

What kind of mouse? I had conflict between an MS mouse and the trackpad on my Dell laptop from work.

Kyros · Sep 12, 2005, 02:36 AM

I'd just bring it to an apple store, they will fix it for you.

Kvasir · Sep 12, 2005, 06:42 AM

It sounds like something similar that happened to my old 667MHz TiBook when it was about six months old. I don't know the root cause of it, but Apple repaired it (on the TiBook that ment a whole new top case, as the trackpad was integral to the case) - no charge, warrenty covered it all, and no problems getting them to acknowledge the issue and deal with it promptly.