Laptop trackpad problems

[Mike M]

I think my iBook G4 laptop's trackpad is starting to go. I've been having problems where the trackpad wouldn't work for a short time when I try to move it. While this has been happening for more than a year, it was just recently where I have discovered that it's getting worse. Right now I am using my external USB mouse. I think it's just because it's wearing out, because the surface of the touchpad is so shiny you can see a reflection easily. Would I have to get the trackpad replaced? What I am concerned is that the extended warrenty for this machine expired last fall, so I would probably have to pay big bucks to get it replaced. I don't want to have to go with an Intel machine since there are programs I have on here that won't work, and I would have to get new accesories for a MacBook since they are different in size (I actually don't really care for the MB's anyway because I heard many compaints from Macworld about them). Any ideas?

[Localonthe8s]

How long did you have it for? Sometimes age is a factor...

[Mike M]

More than three years. I got it as a Christmas present in 2004.

[Localonthe8s]

Maybe a local OC repair shop could help?

[lfmusiclover]

Yeah the trackpad is probably going up. I had a laptop do that to me a few years ago. Usually a bang on the trackpad got it working again (albeit temporarily) but I eventually had to use an external mouse because it got so bad.

[wxmancanada]

Try cleaning it with a very dry / damp cloth / kleenex...

[Gil]

Something I also learned recently: If your hands are wet, greasy, sweaty, etc. it can seriously impact the performance of the trackpad, if you try to use it. You should wipe off your hands before using.

[Mike M]

My hands are usually clean. The trackpad usually starts working again after I restart the computer, but after awhile it starts to malfunction again. How much do you think it would cost to replace the trackpad? I'm hoping not more than how much it cost to purchase this computer.

[lfmusiclover]

Considering that you could just use a mouse, too much.

yeah, its not a dirt problem your having. There's something physically wrong with that trackpad.

[Mike M]

I have a Compaq mouse in my closet that I haven't used since I bought a Microsoft mouse for my desktop. The mouse is a PS/2 mouse however, not USB. I know they make USB to PS/2 adapters, but do they make PS/2 to USB adapters? This iBook doesn't have a PS/2 port.

[Gil]

I have a Compaq mouse in my closet that I haven't used since I bought a Microsoft mouse for my desktop. The mouse is a PS/2 mouse however, not USB. I know they make USB to PS/2 adapters, but do they make PS/2 to USB adapters? This iBook doesn't have a PS/2 port.

They make adapters that usually let connect both a keyboard and mouse to USB. You can find them pretty much at any electronics store. I got one over ebay a few years ago for about $5 shipped.

[lfmusiclover]

Yeah go to Best Buy, or pretty much any electronics or computer store. They're everywhere.