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Apple investigating problems with MacBook Pro's glass trackpad

A new buyer of Apple's uninbody notebooks emailed Steve Jobs about issues he was having with the unit's new glass trackpad and hinge, and reports getting a prompt reply via the telephone addressing his problems.

The main issue he reported was the new trackpad's failure to register every physical click, a problem AppleInsider noted in its in-depth review. The Apple representative that called back reported that the company is looking into the complaints, but has no immediate resolution.

The user also complained about the display hinge on the new model, which now has a more precise feel but less friction, allowing the lid to fall shut by gravity when held at an angle, such as when laying in bed. A video in our review of the new MacBook Pro highlights this new design change over previous 'Aluminum' PowerBook and MacBook Pro models.

The representative that called the user back reportedly described that the new hinge is functioning as designed, and that the display lid is intended to be less stiff.

The return call highlights Apple's efforts to retain its highly rated level of customer service. As the user reported, "So yeah. I emailed Steve Jobs and Apple called me back. The answer isn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, but I think the delivery of the answer may in fact outweigh that disappointment."



82 Comments

icarbon 196 comments · 17 Years

is it just me, or does the display hing issue sound like a major bummer?

Also, who says, "they called me back and told me I was screwed, but since they were so nice to call, I'm cool with it"?
Not reasonable -- these are unfortunate issues, I don't think they are dealbreakers (at least not for me), but I would prefer if they weren't the case.

sflocal 6138 comments · 16 Years

Quote:
Originally Posted by iCarbon

is it just me, or does the display hing issue sound like a major bummer?

Also, who says, "they called me back and told me I was screwed, but since they were so nice to call, I'm cool with it"?
Not reasonable -- these are unfortunate issues, I don't think they are dealbreakers (at least not for me), but I would prefer if they weren't the case.

I prefer the newer hinge then the older stiff ones. Do I lay in bed with the keyboard perpendicular to the floor and the display at full tilt? No. But I suppose some people do. I like that it requires much less effort to close the display but it is not "loose". It does hold its position. Maybe this individual taps his keyboard harder than most people causing the vibrations to slowly bring the lid down?

I'm really curious about the glass trackpad issue. On paper, it sounded like a really cool concept but since I never used it, I wonder what Apple will do about it. I think Apple really wants to stay on top of this and not drop the ball. So while the initial phone call did not help, the fact they are answering promptly and looking into it would get a good rating from me. Compare that to other companies that would most likely as you to post a forum message and cross your fingers.

solipsism 25701 comments · 18 Years

The display hinge on my MacBook is fantastic. I really like the much greater angle that it can be bent back compared to the previous MacBook design.

However, I have been experiencing the trackpad issue of not registering every click. It's quite annoying and it's my only complaint of the new MacBook.

virgil-tb2 1416 comments · 16 Years

Quote:
Originally Posted by iCarbon

is it just me, or does the display hing issue sound like a major bummer?...

It's only a bummer if you are slouching really low with the laptop up in the air on your knees. You gotta figure that the percentage of users that do that is small.

timgriff84 910 comments · 16 Years

So the lid closes and the mouse doesn't work but he's fine as they called back quite quick! Is it me or is this guy really easily satisfied?

Haven't seen the new MacBook yet so I don't know what angle you need to get to buy I guess that could be a bit of an issue, especially if it weakens over time. Not like having a stiff hinge was ever a problem.

Mouse click I can see being a huge thing if it is true. My mighty mouse really really annoys me every week when it stops recognizing right clicks, not to mention the ball now only recognising scrolling up.