>When I start up, about 80% of the time I have a pointer problem. I >can't move it where I want, it snaps back and is v. difficult to deal with
Try installing Trackpad Climate Control. This is an extension for all first generation tappable trackpads (190, 1400, 2300 - or a 5300 if you've done an upgrade) that is supposed to eliminate jumping and undesirable movements from your pointer when using the trackpad. You can get it here: <http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English-North_American/Macintosh/PowerBook/Other_PB_SW/Trackpad_Climate_Control.sea.bin> This screwy behaviour occurs because of the mechanism the trackpads use to track finger movements. Without going into too much detail, humidity causes the trackpad to think you might be touching it someplace you aren't. This occurs when your trackpad is subjected to very high levels of localized relative humidity - as when your palms are just the _slightest_ bit damp (after you've washed your hands, or if it's a little warm over the keyboard), when you actually get beads of water on the trackpad, or plainly whenever the trackpad gets damp or wet. This software acts as a buffer between the trackpad's hardware and the software controlling the pointer - it tends to decrease the sensitivity of the trackpad while increasing the accuracy at the same time. It works terrifically for me, being someone who doesn't have to wear gloves in January. And, personally, I haven't _noticed_ any actual decrease in responsiveness to my finger movements - for me, the only noticeable affect is the elimination of jumping and jerkiness. The software was written for System 7.5 (released about that time anyway) but it works fine all the way up to 8.6 at least, which is what OS I'm running on my upgraded 5300. Of course, if this doesn't work for you, you can work around it by using an external mouse.... > >I've seen this a number of times, and have always put it down to a faulty >pad, someone told me that they cause the problem when they cleaned their >keyboard and track pad with a screen wipe while the machine was on. Well, that would make sense, since they probably got moisture on the trackpad. Most times I've seen it, though, it's not been a faulty trackpad... Peace, Drew -- <http://homepage.mac.com/alk/> "There are of course many problems connected with life, of which some of the most popular are `Why are people born?' `Why do they die?' `Why do they spend so much of the intervening time wearing digital watches?'" -- Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
