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Gross trackpad.

S

Stadsport

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2006
162
0
So I've had my white 2ghz C2D MacBook for about two months. It's been terrific and has no flaws whatsoever, no discoloration or anything. But the matte coating of the trackpad has worn off, and now no matter how much I clean it or what with, it quickly becomes gross again. It's basically all glossy now, and feels like I'm dragging my finger around an overhead screen, and it makes using my MacBook really unenjoyable.
Is there anything I can do about this? I've cleaned it with a microfiber cloth and Mr. Clean Magic eraser, which cleans it up great, but it still feels glossy and definitely not as good as it used to.
 
mick4394

mick4394

macrumors 6502a
Oct 25, 2006
554
0
Flyover country
I hate to tell you this, but I think you've probably ruined your trackpad. Apple trackpads have some sort of coating on them that helps your finger slide across the pad. Cleaning fluids seem to take it off. I've ruined a couple of iBook trackpads doing exactly what you've done. I've found that the best thing to clean a trackpad with is water.
 
S

Stadsport

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2006
162
0
mick4394 said:
I hate to tell you this, but I think you've probably ruined your trackpad. Apple trackpads have some sort of coating on them that helps your finger slide across the pad. Cleaning fluids seem to take it off. I've ruined a couple of iBook trackpads doing exactly what you've done. I've found that the best thing to clean a trackpad with is water.
Click to expand...

No, it was long gone before I've cleaned it. I cleaned it under the suspicion/hope it was just my grody fingers that made it shiny, not the coating wearing off.
Also, I've only cleaned it with water and my microfiber cloth and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (which are just foam microfiber sponges basically). No cleaning fluids.
 
I

icec0ld

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2006
88
5
^^ wtf are u talking about? i must be blind because i see no mention of any chemicals. all i see is microfiber and mr clean magic eraser, neither of which are chemicals.

to answer the op, there's nothing you can do. that texture you felt when you first purchased it wears away on all laptops. it's called wear and tear and there isn't much you can do about it. the keyboard / trackpad tops can be changed but apple won't change it out for you because it "feels gross" since it functions 100% properly.
 
S

Stadsport

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2006
162
0
icec0ld said:
^^ wtf are u talking about? i must be blind because i see no mention of any chemicals. all i see is microfiber and mr clean magic eraser, neither of which are chemicals.

to answer the op, there's nothing you can do. that texture you felt when you first purchased it wears away on all laptops. it's called wear and tear and there isn't much you can do about it. the keyboard / trackpad tops can be changed but apple won't change it out for you because it "feels gross" since it functions 100% properly.
Click to expand...

Is there any kind of protector or shield I can get for it? I found some on eBay but they're black and seem kind of shady since I can't find any info about them elsewhere.
 
I

icec0ld

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2006
88
5
yes i do realize it considering i use it. btw magic eraser is a VERY fine polisher and actually scrubs the surface of whatever you're rubbing it on. therefore if you're polishing it on a daily basis or a fairly usual basis, you're wrist pad / trackpad area will smoothen out considerably faster. personally i clean it once a month and let it get "grimey" (although it doesnt get that grimey) the rest of the month
 
thedude110

thedude110

macrumors 68020
Jun 13, 2005
2,478
2
Dunno about your trackpad, but are you grossly opposed to a cheap mouse? Gives a lot more flexibility than a trackpad, no?

Such that:

How portable is your laptop, or how docked is your laptop?
 
I

icec0ld

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2006
88
5
you can get a sheild. either invisible shield or best skins ever or the marware shield but keep in mind since you're putting it over the surface of the trackpad the trackpad will feel altogether completely weird (imo)

mick, no need to edit it, i read what you originally wrote and i'm not offended by what you said at all and i know some of what you originally wrote was directed towards me.
 
mick4394

mick4394

macrumors 6502a
Oct 25, 2006
554
0
Flyover country
icec0ld said:
you can get a sheild. either invisible shield or best skins ever or the marware shield but keep in mind since you're putting it over the surface of the trackpad the trackpad will feel altogether completely weird (imo)

mick, no need to edit it, i read what you originally wrote and i'm not offended by what you said at all and i know some of what you originally wrote was directed towards me.
Click to expand...

I took it out before you finished your reply. I didn't like it when I read it back, sounded like kind of a jerk.
 
S

Stadsport

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2006
162
0
thedude110 said:
Dunno about your trackpad, but are you grossly opposed to a cheap mouse? Gives a lot more flexibility than a trackpad, no?

Such that:

How portable is your laptop, or how docked is your laptop?
Click to expand...

I do have a mouse, but it widely defeats the purpose of a laptop. I'd much, much rather have my trackpad not sucking.

Are there Invisible Shields that fit MacBook trackpads?
 
S

Stadsport

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 9, 2006
162
0
it's cool guys I fixed it :3

paintchip.jpg
 
T

Twenty1

macrumors member
Feb 23, 2006
35
0
Stadsport said:
So I've had my white 2ghz C2D MacBook for about two months. It's been terrific and has no flaws whatsoever, no discoloration or anything. But the matte coating of the trackpad has worn off, and now no matter how much I clean it or what with, it quickly becomes gross again. It's basically all glossy now, and feels like I'm dragging my finger around an overhead screen, and it makes using my MacBook really unenjoyable.
Is there anything I can do about this? I've cleaned it with a microfiber cloth and Mr. Clean Magic eraser, which cleans it up great, but it still feels glossy and definitely not as good as it used to.
Click to expand...

Consider taking it to the Apple Store and having them look at it. Some earlier MacBooks had discoloration problems with the handrest and trackpad. Supposedly this has been fixed, but you might get lucky and have them replace it.
 
toddster63

toddster63

macrumors newbie
Dec 31, 2006
24
0
Sunny California Coast
I clean my trackpad with iKlear, probably once a week or so (when I clean the screen). Cleans well and doesn't seem to affect the coating on the pad--which is getting a little glossy in the center from normal usage... They will do that...!
 
SuperCompu2

SuperCompu2

macrumors 6502a
Jul 23, 2006
852
1
MA
It is a shame that all trackpads do lose that fresh Matte feeling to them. One of the ways of the business though. If everything lasted 100 years Apple would never sell any computers, because they'd never break!

I personally love the IBM trackpoint. Although only for PC lappys (Originally IBM, but now HP, Dell etc.) I find it easier and more comfortable to use. The dragging of the finger across a surface gets old, and you can't help but feel a little grossed out once that crisp gliding surface is gone.

Oh well. Good luck with the Paint Chip. At least now you have about 100 Million different trackpad colors to choose from.:D
 
gauchogolfer

gauchogolfer

macrumors 603
Jan 28, 2005
5,551
5
American Riviera
This thread is just one more reason for me to be happy with my 'aging' G4 Powerbook. Its trackpad is still as pristine as the day I bought it. Maybe the same is true for the MBPs though, I suppose.
 
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