Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Question for BlackBook owners

daneoni

daneoni

macrumors G5
Original poster
Mar 24, 2006
12,039
1,959
Im kinda worried about the trackpad on my BlackBook i've seen flickr images of trackpads that have gone smooth or very oily the center. Thus far all laptops i've owned (Mostly Pro laptops) never developed smooth/oily patches but like they say there's a first time for everything.

I've tried to get trackpad covers but most of the ones i've gotten so far have been *****. They either don't respond well to finger movements or they scratch/peel off

Just curious. All blackbook owners do you have smooth/oily trackpads and if so, how long have you had you're laptop?
 
Had mine for about 15 months. The trackpad is really shiny/ oily looking. I hate it really. I was actually looking for a replacement.

I had a 12in PB before this for several years. It never happened to that track pad, so I think it is the plastic, or something.


daneoni said:
Im kinda worried about the trackpad on my BlackBook i've seen flickr images of trackpads that have gone smooth or very oily the center. Thus far all laptops i've owned (Mostly Pro laptops) never developed smooth/oily patches but like they say there's a first time for everything.

I've tried to get trackpad covers but most of the ones i've gotten so far have been *****. They either don't respond well to finger movements or they scratch/peel off

Just curious. All blackbook owners do you have smooth/oily trackpads and if so, how long have you had you're laptop?
Click to expand...
 
Unfortunately, I can also confirm the shiny trackpad.

We have a Blackbook for exactly a year now and the center of the trackpad is a shiny circle within the matte finish.
 
I'm pretty diligent about cleaning my trackpad, and after about eight months there's only a small discolored patch in the middle. It doesn't feel new, but it's still so much better than my roommate's brand new HP trackpad! :p
 
Bakkalohriat said:
I'm pretty diligent about cleaning my trackpad, and after about eight months there's only a small discolored patch in the middle. It doesn't feel new, but it's still so much better than my roommate's brand new HP trackpad! :p
Click to expand...


What's the best way to clean the trackpad?

I've only had my blackbook for a few weeks and I want to keep the trackpad as clean as possible!
 
I use the Applepeelz trackpad cover. I have used two of them since receiving my MacBook in July 2006. I removed the first one about a year after placing it on just to see if there would be residue. No residue or stickiness anywhere.

I'm pretty pleased with the product. Their site address is www.applepeelz.com

ETA: I have the black MacBook.
 
Power Support Track Pad Film - available at the Apple Store

I used this on my Blackbook, which I had for 11 months. It had a great feel and I never had a problem, even using two finger scrolling. When I sold my BB this December the track pad looked like new.
 
stvfisher said:
What's the best way to clean the trackpad?

I've only had my blackbook for a few weeks and I want to keep the trackpad as clean as possible!
Click to expand...

Personally, I either use Wal*Mart optical lens cleaner (I also use that to clean just about everything) or a very sparing application of rubbing alcohol. Likewise for the keyboard/wristpads.
 
You can use some Sandpaper and file off the pads of your fingers so you won't have any grip. It will prevent your finger from taking the texture off as easy.
 
Three products recommended here, one of which I will buy.... now to determine which is the best....
 
Hopefully Apple used a more resilient paint/plastic?
 
It's not an issue with BlackBooks, all laptop trackpads will get worn off eventually. On my old Dell laptop, I have managed to wear off the "non-stick" surface of its trackpad, leaving a hole where the smooth "sensor" film shows.

I'm dithering about whether to get a trackpad protector, or even a full trackpad+palmrest one. I love the texture of the BlackBook. Which is one of the main reasons I got it instead of white. So I'd feel quite silly if I started wrapping my BlackBook up. Then again, keeping a BlackBook pristine....
 
The one thing I hate about the BB is that since its black...all the grime from your hands ends up on the trackpad and the keyboard. Its nasty
 
I've had mine about four months and rub it down with a Magic Eraser every other day or so. Sometimes I spritz it with a some of that iKlear. It still looks new and I can't make out any wear on the trackpad at all--even at an angle in the light.
 
stvfisher said:
Can this be replaced by Apple Care?
Click to expand...

Slam your macbook shut real hard continuously till your top case starts cracking than get Apple to replace the top case which includes the trackpad. The top case cracking is a known issue and apple will happily replace a cracking top case.
 
I have a white MB, but I bought a roll of adhesive contact paper from an art store. The whole roll cost me about 4 bucks. I cut out pieces for the button and trackpad. It never peels off but I replace it every 3 or 4 months just to make sure there's no gummy residue build-up - No problems whatsoever - wipes off super easily and when I sell my MB in 6-12 months it'll be pearly white and without any trackpad wear.
 
I've had mine since July and it has a somewhat shiny trackpad. In no way is this unique to the BlackBook though. It happened on my white MacBook, all of my friends' MacBooks as well as our PowerBooks. It's pretty much normal wear and tear of the portable. Don't worry about it, there are more important things. It's like scratches on the back of an iPod. It's going to happen and you get used to it. These are tools we use endlessly,; it's pretty unreasonable to expect them to stay in perfect condition, but there's no fault in trying.
 
f1 said:
Slam your macbook shut real hard continuously till your top case starts cracking than get Apple to replace the top case which includes the trackpad. The top case cracking is a known issue and apple will happily replace a cracking top case.
Click to expand...

He may sound crazy, but this is actually a really good idea. I was thinking of buying a new top case for 100 dollars, and then soon after noticed a crack. I brought it back to the apple store, and my mb is as good as new.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back