Symptom
- The pointer moves as you type, or the cursor does not move when you use the trackpad.
Solution
The PowerBook and iBook computers, depending on the operating system they are running, may have an advanced palm rejection feature, which is designed to minimize accidental trackpad input while typing.
Turning on this feature on prevents the pointer from moving as you type. If you need to use the trackpad and the keyboard at the same time, turn this feature off.
Follow these steps if the pointer moves as you type:
- 1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
2. Choose View > Keyboard&Mouse. (Some versions of the operating system may have this called Mouse.)
3. Select the Trackpad tab.
4. Select the option called either "Ignore trackpad while typing" or "Ignore accidental trackpad input".
Figure 1 Trackpad tab of Keyboard&Mouse preferences
When this option is selected, the pointer will not move if you accidentally brush the sides of the trackpad with your wrist as you type. To use the trackpad immediately after typing, touch the middle section of the trackpad.
If the cursor does not move while using the trackpad, verify that only one part of the finger is touching the trackpad or deselect this option.
For other troubleshooting steps for a nonresponsive trackpad, see technical document 17228, "PowerBook: Jumpy or Erratic Trackpad" and 58389, "PowerBook and iBook: Trackpad Does Not Respond".