Trackpad too big. Lots of accidental inputs. 13'' MBP TB

[SteveJUAE]

OP wrote:
"Anyone else find the trackpad way, way, way too big?"

I did.
That's why I bought a 2015 model instead.

I don't use ANY "gestures" -- in fact, the first thing I do with a MacBook is to disable ALL gestures. I want only "left click" and "right click". ALL others are disabled. I'm getting too old to remember stuff like that.

I didn't care for the appearance of the oversized trackpad esthetically, either.

Edit:
In future MacBooks, perhaps Apple ought to compromise. Perhaps a trackpad larger than the 2015's but smaller than the 2016's …?

I think it's quite amusing that some seem to imply your are not embracing change if you dislike the new larger trackpad or shallower throw KB

The mechanisms behind may be new/different but that does not mean the KB travel had to be so short or the trackpad size increase, for example

These input devices are subjective and personal preferences. The glove fits comfortably or it does not and little to do with adopting technical innovation.

There is plenty of comment out there by many, both for and against. What is notable is amount, where previously it was far less IMO and biased towards common acceptance of Apple supremacy in Trackpads and to a lessor degree good KB's

To imply someone is a luddite for not accepting the new KB or larger trackpad is just rhetoric

 

[Sanpete]

I think it's quite amusing that some seem to imply your are not embracing change if you dislike the new larger trackpad or shallower throw KB

The mechanisms behind may be new/different but that does not mean the KB travel had to be so short or the trackpad size increase, for example

These input devices are subjective and personal preferences. The glove fits comfortably or it does not and little to do with adopting technical innovation.

There is plenty of comment out there by many, both for and against. What is notable is amount, where previously it was far less IMO and biased towards common acceptance of Apple supremacy in Trackpads and to a lessor degree good KB's

To imply someone is a luddite for not accepting the new KB or larger trackpad is just rhetoric

Ha, it was someone complaining about the new trackpad who made it an issue of the good old days vs the new, i.e. change. The ability to adapt to change that can work better for most people is a good thing, and the inability is indeed a problem.

But we feel your pain. Luddite!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Anyone else find the trackpad way, way, way too big?

Every time I have the laptop on my lap, I inadvertently hit the trackpad while I'm typing, causing emails to close, send early, tabs to switch... it's crazy town.

Had a 15'' rMBP for years beforehand and never once had that problem.

On my 13'' MBP TB it's a daily occurrence and super frustrating.

Why didn't you return the Mac?

 

[happyslayer]

I found that turning off tap-to-click helps this... and I changed my typing style to be more correct and not rest my hands on the laptop at all while typing. (As we are supposed to.) I have, however, gotten very used to this large trackpad and find that I miss it when using my daughter's 2014 MBP to update it and such. Also, most of my customer's Windows laptops feel like the trackpad is absolutely minuscule!

The one thing I do find annoying though, is Force Touch on the laptop. It makes it very hard to drag and drop files and the like. I finally turned that off as well.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Ha, it was someone complaining about the new trackpad who made it an issue of the good old days vs the new, i.e. change. The ability to adapt to change that can work better for most people is a good thing, and the inability is indeed a problem.

But we feel your pain. Luddite!

Thanks for even more rhetoric ............................not

 

[Sanpete]

Thanks for even more rhetoric ............................not

Well, the only part that isn't true is the last word, which I added only to amuse you further. You're welcome.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Well, the only part that isn't true is the last word, which I added only to amuse you further. You're welcome.

Apology accepted

 

[joejoejoe]

generally, this is ridiculous.

i should not have to change my sitting, posture, and typing habbits because apple decided to make a trackpad bigger.

apple used to hold ergonomics in the highest regard. no longer so.

all of you saying that we need to type better or disable tap to click are using the same logic as the "you're holding it wrong" logic of the iphone 4 with antennagate.

 

[Sanpete]

generally, this is ridiculous.

i should not have to change my sitting, posture, and typing habbits because apple decided to make a trackpad bigger.

apple used to hold ergonomics in the highest regard. no longer so.

all of you saying that we need to type better or disable tap to click are using the same logic as the "you're holding it wrong" logic of the iphone 4 with antennagate.

The point remains that for most people the larger trackpad can work better than the smaller one. The point isn't that it works better for everyone, or even that you should change. But you shouldn't expect Apple to cater to you over others.

 

[Ma2k5]

When laptop first came out I remember some manufacturers tried the touchpad in a variety of different locations and with actual physical buttons.

Now we have one of the best if not the best trackpad ever designed and people find a complaint.

I have an idea, just take the trackpad off completely and use a Bluetooth one next to it. Oh the old dongle complaint about requiring extra stuff and Apple making more money off it.

What about those old "chicklet" keyboards, maybe we need those back too. And I'm really getting tired of retina displays because all that detail just bothers my eyes.

I before e except after c.

The best track pad was pre-2016 MacBook Pro's for many - simply because the use-case of such a large track pad is so miniscule and with it, brings a plethora of issues. They already had a larger than usual track pad previously, but it was universally accepted as perfect and just the best damn track pad (okay, some people have a point as the pre-force touch ones were better, and I can see why due to some issues, but let's just talk on the size aspect).

In regards to the old chicklet keyboard, ask yourself, why did apple invent this new keyboard experience. Was it for form or function. It was clearly for form (make it thinner) and they tried their best to keep up function. Generation 1 of the butterfly wasn't great, generation 2 tried to improve up on it - but in my testing, the issue compared to the chicklet style keyboard was, that they are very prone to getting stuck. Sometimes it isn't difficult to "unstuck" the key, but it happens often enough that I wish I just had the old chicklet keyboard again. Similar to the previous trackpad size, it wasn't a keyboard anyone had any issues or problems with. A lot of people test the keyboard simply by doing a typing test, seeing that their typing test is good and are falsely led to believe they are used to it. It is one of the most uncomfortable keyboards for pro-longed use. I can type at around 125-150 wpm on a butterfly keyboard v2 but god damn is it far from what I would choose as my preferred keyboard.

Apple touching things which were not just good, but pretty darn perfect. I am not one who resists change, but when the reason for change isn't executed well/fully (as has been the case at least on these two cases), you can't just say that we are refusing to adapt.

Your retina screen argument is rather silly and I am not going to even make any points on that issue. One valid criticism in terms of screens though I would say is the matte/glossy option - as they are providing laptops for pro's, it would have been a nice touch if they still gave that option.

 

[Sanpete]

It was clearly for form (make it thinner) and they tried their best to keep up function.

Yes, that's a fair way to put it, and it's been true of MBP keyboards for a long time.

I and many others haven't had any trouble with keys sticking or discomfort, but it's easy to see how the shallow travel will cause discomfort to some. There have long been complaints about laptop keyboards in that regard. The point about being unable to adapt isn't that anyone should or must, only that for those who do, it can work out better than before, as it has with previous changes that have caused people grief. If it doesn't work for most people, then that's a problem for Apple, of course, but in this case most people seem to like the changes well enough, even if more than usual have reason to be unhappy.

I sure agree about the matte screens. I wish there were enough demand to make it practical for Apple to offer that option.

 

[t.portis]

Yes, that's a fair way to put it, and it's been true of MBP keyboards for a long time.

I and many others haven't had any trouble with keys sticking or discomfort, but it's easy to see how the shallow travel will cause discomfort to some. There have long been complaints about laptop keyboards in that regard. The point about being unable to adapt isn't that anyone should or must, only that for those who do, it can work out better than before, as it has with previous changes that have caused people grief. If it doesn't work for most people, then that's a problem for Apple, of course, but in this case most people seem to like the changes well enough, even if more than usual have reason to be unhappy.

I sure agree about the matte screens. I wish there were enough demand to make it practical for Apple to offer that option.

Love the new large size trackpad. I am faster developing documents and presentations than with the 2015 MBP (provided by employer). I find it difficult to go back to the smaller trackpad now.

 

[Ma2k5]

Yes, that's a fair way to put it, and it's been true of MBP keyboards for a long time.

I and many others haven't had any trouble with keys sticking or discomfort, but it's easy to see how the shallow travel will cause discomfort to some. There have long been complaints about laptop keyboards in that regard. The point about being unable to adapt isn't that anyone should or must, only that for those who do, it can work out better than before, as it has with previous changes that have caused people grief. If it doesn't work for most people, then that's a problem for Apple, of course, but in this case most people seem to like the changes well enough, even if more than usual have reason to be unhappy.

I sure agree about the matte screens. I wish there were enough demand to make it practical for Apple to offer that option.

I as well as others have been guilty to forcing myself to be happy or adapt to Apple stuff due to cost of investment though - when you get emotionally attached to shiny premium toys (be it laptops, phones or even cars) you kind of brush of imperfections - it's a known psychological thing us humans have unfortunately. There are some good forum posts showing how irrational people can be (one that comes to mind is a UI lag issue, which can be bypassed by always being in full screen mode and they scolded the user for not adapting to a full screen mode to bypass the lag issue. That was gold!). I'm sure I've been guilty of it sometime down the road too, but maybe not as extreme as that .

At one point though it does get too much (which is why although I enjoyed my 2014 rMBP, I bought and returned my 2016 rMBP). I guess it would be more interesting to see if people where given the option of a chicklet keyboard and a normal sized trackpad, what would have people chosen?


Sometimes we like to always believe Apple must have a reason for x or y or that it is good innovation that we need to get used to like other innovations which people at first thought were whacky. But we must never forget that Apple can and has made mistakes many times in the past.

 

[Swisspo]

Am I the only one who has zero complaints with the new track pad or the keyboard? I actually really like both and prefer it highly to my old 2014 MBP.

 

[Ma2k5]

Am I the only one who has zero complaints with the new track pad or the keyboard? I actually really like both and prefer it highly to my old 2014 MBP.

You won't be the only one no. But if I was a betting man, I'd bet more people have issues with this one, compared to the previous one.

 

[SteveJUAE]

You won't be the only one no. But if I was a betting man, I'd bet more people have issues with this one, compared to the previous one.

I think this is the nub and certainly my perception

 

[Swisspo]

It sure seems like more people have issues than not. The trackpad I didn't have many worries about when I bought mine. I really only had worries with the keyboard and battery life. Knock on wood, the battery has been great & I adjusted to the keyboard really quick. I feel like I type much faster in comparison. I feel like I am typing on sponges now when I mess around on my other MBP.

 

[joejoejoe]

The point remains that for most people the larger trackpad can work better than the smaller one. The point isn't that it works better for everyone, or even that you should change. But you shouldn't expect Apple to cater to you over others.

there doesn't seem to be much evidence that the new trackpad is better for most.

this thread is full of complaints. there are other threads like this full of complaints, and many have returned their laptops because the trackpads were so un ergonomic.

i'd be happy to be proven wrong if you have data that shows most people enjoy the larger trackpad and it brought with it more benefit than pain.

like others have said on this thread, the old trackpads were regailed as the best in the indsutry. the new ones have caused a lot of problems for people. in simpler terms: that's a step backwards.

 

[Ma2k5]

there doesn't seem to be much evidence that the new trackpad is better for most.

this thread is full of complaints. there are other threads like this full of complaints, and many have returned their laptops because the trackpads were so un ergonomic.

i'd be happy to be proven wrong if you have data that shows most people enjoy the larger trackpad and it brought with it more benefit than pain.

like others have said on this thread, the old trackpads were regailed as the best in the indsutry. the new ones have caused a lot of problems for people. in simpler terms: that's a step backwards.

Agreed.

The larger trackpad is wholly useless for the majority of users, surely. People don't do tasks that require such a big trackpad, except very niche tasks in some professions, and even then, they are using a mouse anyway (and external monitor etc). It's really a poor choice.

 

[Sanpete]

I as well as others have been guilty to forcing myself to be happy or adapt to Apple stuff due to cost of investment though [. . .]

At one point though it does get too much (which is why although I enjoyed my 2014 rMBP, I bought and returned my 2016 rMBP). I guess it would be more interesting to see if people where given the option of a chicklet keyboard and a normal sized trackpad, what would have people chosen?

When it becomes too much for an individual is an individual thing. When it becomes too much for Apple is when it costs them more than it earns them, all things considered. It costs more to produce the larger trackpad, but it's something that many recognize the usefulness of, not only for niche pro applications but for everyday use. I much prefer having more space before I run off the edge of the pad when moving the cursor, having finer control, plenty of room for gestures, etc. So it may well help draw more buyers in than it alienates.

Similarly, a lot of people like the new keyboard better than the old one, and a lot of people who don't care like having a thinner machine.

if I was a betting man, I'd bet more people have issues with this one, compared to the previous one.

No doubt, but that doesn't imply it isn't a useful improvement on the whole.

It sure seems like more people have issues than not.

It's easy to get that impression here where people come to complain about things, but that can easily be misleading. It's generally a pretty small proportion of those who post here and have tried out the new MBP who complain about any particular thing.
[doublepost=1487470439][/doublepost]

there doesn't seem to be much evidence that the new trackpad is better for most.

The evidence is indirect. It's clear that you can more easily do some stuff with a larger trackpad than a smaller one, move the cursor further with one stroke, have finer control over the cursor because the space allowed is greater, make gestures without running off the edge. Most people probably do benefit from that.

The question is how many suffer more than they benefit. Relatively few compared to the number of owners and those who have tried it out complain much about it, so I think more benefit on the whole.

 

[lambertjohn]

Anyone else find the trackpad way, way, way too big?

Every time I have the laptop on my lap, I inadvertently hit the trackpad while I'm typing, causing emails to close, send early, tabs to switch... it's crazy town.

Had a 15'' rMBP for years beforehand and never once had that problem.

On my 13'' MBP TB it's a daily occurrence and super frustrating.

Shut it off. Use a mouse instead.

 

[bjet767]

Your retina screen argument is rather silly and I am not going to even make any points on that issue. One valid criticism in terms of screens though I would say is the matte/glossy option - as they are providing laptops for pro's, it would have been a nice touch if they still gave that option.

There aren't any points to be made because my only point is how there's always something that people will complain about. I've been computing since the Trash80 days and every year these just get better. Sometimes the years are better than others I just can't think of a year where things were worse than the one before.

 

[t.portis]

Agreed.

The larger trackpad is wholly useless for the majority of users, surely. People don't do tasks that require such a big trackpad, except very niche tasks in some professions, and even then, they are using a mouse anyway (and external monitor etc). It's really a poor choice.

We don't know whether the larger trackpad is useless for "the majority." If we had access to user data then we could make those assumptions. Our information is simply too limited to start talking about "most people" or "the majority." I can say I personally like it, I can say that the college professors and students I know really like it, I can say that the executives I know like it. Still, that is an extremely limited subset of the total number of owners.

 

[coolbreeze]

You should try the 15" 2016 MBP, especially on Windows Boot Camp. It's the damn worst. I've learn to just live with it.

Oh God you are so right. The 15" cookie sheet trackpad + Windows = enraging experience.

 

[Naimfan]

We don't know whether the larger trackpad is useless for "the majority." If we had access to user data then we could make those assumptions. Our information is simply too limited to start talking about "most people" or "the majority." I can say I personally like it, I can say that the college professors and students I know really like it, I can say that the executives I know like it. Still, that is an extremely limited subset of the total number of owners.

I have yet to meet anyone who likes the larger trackpad.