Chicago (IL) – The proud owners of the recently released MacBooks have already found a few annoying problems that are blamed on the firm’s new "iBrick" manufacturing process and the complex engineering behind it. According to various online reports, there is an issue with the new glass trackpad that occasionally seems not to be registering a “click”, although users can hear and feel the click. Steve Jobs apparently promised that Apple will deliver a software fix soon. Apple also said that the rather flimsy hinges are completely normal.

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Apple's new unibody Macbook has had a somewhat rocky launch. As TG Daily reported previously, an unknown numbers of customers have found a loose battery/HDD latch and slanted function keys on the keyboard. Issues like these are normal for any first-generation product and early adopters usually have to live with them. However, a new glass trackpad issue is much more serious: The new MacBooks feature a large glass trackpad that also doubles as a left mouse button when “clicked”. In some instances, the trackpad seems to fail registering the click.

The problem seems to mostly affect MacBook Pros, but some reports claim that Macbooks suffer from the same issue as well. This should not be a surprise anyone since the two systems are engineered and manufactured in a similar manner. Apple's support forums feature several posts from MacBook owners describing the issue. PC Pro cited a poster who claims that "every 50 clicks, the trackpad stops responding for five to clicks." Another poster wrote that the issue is driving him "insane," adding he does not "even attempt to use the machine" unless he has a mouse at hand.


Software or manufacturing glitch?

The scope of the problem is not yet known. Users who shelled out anywhere between $1299 and $2499 for their basic MacBook or MacBook Pros are now concerned that a hardware or manufacturing issue is to blame, concluding they will most likely have to bring their notebook to the Apple Store for a replacement. Apple told one blog poster that the company is “researching” the problem: "So while there’s no real solution specifically right now, there might be one in the future."

The good news here might be that it is not a manufacturing, but a software problem: A user who told MacRumors he emailed Steve Jobs about the issue and received a short but promising reply. "Software fix coming soon," Jobs apparently wrote. Readers should note that Steve Jobs, or at least someone at Apple authorized to reply in Jobs' name, is known to send occasional replies to user emails.


Loose display hinge

Besides the touchpad issue, many users also noticed that the display hinge on the unibody Macbooks is rather flimsy when compared to older models. Apparently, the hinge fails to keep the display in a firm position when the display is positioned at sharp angels. Apple claims this is normal since the hinge on new unibody Macbooks was designed to be less stiff than in the older models.

Kinda Crappy

Nov 06, 2008 12:44     

I was at the local frys the other day playing with the new mac book. The new glass track pad's click doesn't work very well. Instead of the whole pad being a true button it is actually more like a hinged lever. This makes pressing down at the bottom of the track pad easy while pressing down at the top of the track pad(by the lever underneath) much harder. It's a good idea but a very inconsistent experience as it was implemented.

Mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

iBroke

Nov 06, 2008 12:50     

Thats a lot of cash for a poor user experience...
hank report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

No, can't be...

Nov 06, 2008 13:17     

Apple doesn't have issues... Their great minds only produce the best products with no defects, bugs, or security holes. Just ask any mac user...
Action Jackson report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +19

absolutely sad

Nov 06, 2008 14:11     

"Apple also said that the rather flimsy hinges are completely normal." these are all exterior problems. how do you not notice this Apple? Software can always be fixed, but what are you going to do for your loyal fan base that will pay your ridiculous sum for your products?
Jonas report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

@Jonas

Nov 07, 2008 07:36     

"what are you going to do for your loyal fan base that will pay your ridiculous sum for your products?" Tell them to buy next year's model.
Waethorn report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +6

Apple

Dec 14, 2008 13:31     

We at Apple appreciate your concern but with the question as to why our product is crap the answer is because we designed it that way. So all is normal. Thank you and thank your for the $1299-$2499 you have spent.
IFLATLINEI report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0