2005 PowerBook G4s (#3): Slower trackpads, workaround; Brighter screens; more
Slower trackpads, workaround Yesterday we first reported that the new "scrolling" trackpads included on Apple's 2005 PowerBook G4 systems are considerably slower (at the fastest setting) in terms of cursor speed than the trackpads included with previous models.
We've since received a number of corroborating follow-up reports, with most readers reporting the slow cursor speeds as a minor detractor from the otherwise well-working new trackpad.
According to several reports, Apple is using a new manufacturer for the trackpads in its 2005 PowerBook G4s. Previously, the trackpads were manufactured Synaptics Inc.
Some users have reported success using MouseZoom, a preference pane which speeds up mouse cursor movement in Mac OS X, to improve the usability of the new trackpads.
Brighter screens, keyboards Several readers note that both the screens, and the backlit keyboards are brighter on the new PowerBook models.
While lamenting the slow trackpad speed, Thom Deevers notes the more intense screen and keyboard lighting:
"I own a 1.25 GHz (previous generation) PowerBook and just purchased the 1.5 GHz (new generation) PowerBook. The trackpad speed is noticeably slower. If I didn?t have previous experience with it though, it would be no big deal. I do prefer the faster tracking of the old model."
"I have also placed two PowerBooks (old and new) next to each other and the new PowerBook's screen is a lot brighter; and I mean a lot! The keyboard lighting is also a lot brighter. I prefer the brighter screen and keyboard but at night in dim light the display on the 1.5 is a tad on the too-bright side."
Mac OS X build version is 10.3.7 7T62; Install DVD with iLife MacFixIt reader Jason notes that the new PowerBooks ship with OS X 10.3.7 build 7T62.
Jason also notes that both Mac OS X 10.3.7 and iLife '05 are included on a single DVD with the new machines:
"The Mac OS X Install Disc 1 is a 6.69 GB DVD. It includes all of the iLife '05 applications, which can be installed by running the Install Bundled Software Only Application. (It's not a separate DVD, as is the case with the Mac mini.) The Mac OS 9 install disk includes a new installer that let you select which language version of Mac OS 9 you want to install. When installing the English version of Classic you end up version 1.8.3, build 168.9, Sep 20 2004 15:55:50. The version number matches that on my PowerMac G5 2X1.8GHz."
Developer Note for 12" model Apple has posted a Developer Note for the PowerBook G4" (2005) running at 1.5 GHz.
Of particular note is a section describing the new SMS (sudden-motion-sensor) hard drive protection mechanism:
"The Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) helps to detect an accidental drop or fall by sensing a change in position and accelerated movement of the 12-inch PowerBook G4. In the event of a drop, the Mobile Motion Module instantly parks the hard drive heads to help lessen the risk of damage to the hard drive on impact. When the Mobile Motion Module senses that the PowerBook position is once again stable, it unlocks the hard drive heads and the system is up and running within seconds."
Problems with Kensington Trackball One MacFixIt reader reports a connectivity issue with an external, USB trackball manufactured by Kensington.
He writes:
"Got my new PowerBook G4 (2005) 17" this morning. I cannot get my Kensington trackball to see the MouseWorks extension which is clearly installed and visible inside the Extensions folder inside /System/Library. The control panel says that the extension is either not installed or not running. The USB connection is good as the cursor moves. But I cannot program the buttons. The same trackball and software and system has worked perfectly (with other Macs). Kensington said to install a previous version of the software but that didn't work either."
If you are having similar difficulties with any external USB devices and the new PowerBooks, please let us know.
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may have a darker screen simply because it's older. Also, if the screen's too
bright, press the F2 key to darken it. Or donate your new PowerBook to me :-)
Ha ha, I meant use the F1 key. ;-)
You know what I'd really like to know is what a new 1.67MHz 15" PB owner thinks of the machine over all. I'm pretty sure I'm going to pull the trigger on getting one, but would still like to know pluses and minuses from an actually user before the purchase.
I just got my 15-inch PB today, and I must say it is very nice. I don't have a
problem with the trackpad at all. This is my first PowerBook, so I can't
compare to previous models, but the trackpad seems to be no more or less
sensitive than any other Intel based laptop I have used previously. I am able
to adjust the speed from the system preferences, so it is possible to up the
speed which I don't find necessary.
The screen is very bright - much brighter than my older Sharp laptop and
brighter than any external display I have around. I actually turned the
brightness down a bit from the factory setting.
Thomas
I would like to add a question to the previous commentator's as to how
people are perceiving the keyboard on the new 15" laptops. Are they
different from the previous generation's? As many readers will recall, the
keyboards on the previous generation machines were prone to "popping"
noises due to the adhesive used. I sent 3 keyboards back and have yet to
have this problem fully resolved.
I received my 17" PowerBook yesterday morning. I love the keyboard. It feels
larger than the TiBook's. It's fantastic. It's got a much better feel than my
TiBook's keyboard.
Regarding the trackpad, I think the speed is fine. I love the scroll feature,
however, I don't quite like the fact that sometimes you have to click more
than twice to indicate a click. I'm not sure what's up. Maybe it's because
there's a new setting to ignore accidental traqckpad input. however, I'm not
sure if that's been there before. I rarely use the trackpad. I much prefer my
one button mouse. However, like I said, the new scroll function makes
working with the trackpad a lot more bearable.
Andrew
The Trackpad prefpane's setting for "ignore accidental trackpad input" has been there for a while, at least through OS 10.3.0, and I suspect before that.
Trackball speed: if you read yesterday?s article you will see that some people reporting a speed reduction had already set it to maximum in the preferences. As we now know, Apple is using a different manufacturer to make a trackpad with enhanced capabilities for the new PowerBooks. Unter the circumstances, differences in performance might be expected.
---
Don't anthropomorphize computers.
They hate that.
- by scotty321 February 8, 2005 8:45 AM PST
- Regarding the Kensington trackball, your best bet may be to simply AVOID
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(9 Comments)Kensington's software altogether and simply install USB Overdrive instead,
which is located at: http://www.usboverdrive.com
For years, I've been avoiding 3rd-party mouse drivers and just depending on
USB Overdrive instead. I've been much happier this way.
Good luck!
Scott