Is the trackpad on the latest MacBooks one piece with the body or can water pass through the sides?

[jordysak]

I heard that apparently the click is not really a click as in a mechanical one, but rather there are vibrators underneath that cause the haptic feedback..
hence I wanted to ask if I wanted to substitute the trackpad, can I just do that or would I need to replace the whole base?
I’m asking this because my hands are often wet-ish (not like dripping water but still) , as I don’t normally wipe them fully and I’m afraid this could damage the trackpad or something if even some little water passed through..
or for example if a wet wipe (tissue+water) would make water go inside via the sides of the trackpad

 

[Apple_Robert]

Make sure your hands are dry before using the Mac. Problem solved.

You are doing your best to give yourself an ulcer over a new computer. Try not to worry about every little thing and use your Mac responsibility.

 

[jordysak]

L

Make sure your hands are dry before using the Mac. Problem solved.

You are doing your best to give yourself an ulcer over a new computer. Try not to worry about every little thing and use your Mac responsibility.

Lol I always over-worry in the first few weeks after a new purchase , but seriously .. would wet-ish hands be something that could be harmful to the Mac?

 

[Apple_Robert]

L

Lol I always over-worry in the first few weeks after a new purchase , but seriously .. would wet-ish hands be something that could be harmful to the Mac?

I suppose if some water got down inside it might trigger a water sensor and or possible cause an issue down the line, depending on the amount and type of liquid.

 

[JLH81]

Just DON'T bring liquids near your computer - problem SOLVED!

 

[leons]

still.......an interesting questin!

 

[motulist]

Computers are way less susceptible to water damage than most people think. You could spill a tablespoon of water directly onto a trackpad or keyboard and the vast majority of times there would be no permanent damage. The trackpad or keys might stop working until the water evaporates, but then it'll be fine.

And this isn't just true of recent computers, this has been true for several decades. On the hand, if you spill anything besides plain water on it, that can easily mean very bad news.

Bottom line: wet hands from the sink are totally safe, at most it'll cause the trackpad to temporarily not work for a little while.

 

[leons]

but......IS the trackpad/base area sealed or not?

 

[mj_]

It is not sealed. The entire trackpad assembly is screwed into the upper top case and held in place with nine T5 Torx screws, see https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Late+2020+Trackpad+Replacement/142561 Steps 11-13. So yes, in theory water could get into the inside through the sides.

 

[Okta]

Even if it was sealed, with enough time water will get in. Keep liquids away from your computer at all times.

 

[JPack]

It is not sealed. The entire trackpad assembly is screwed into the upper top case and held in place with nine T5 Torx screws, see https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Late+2020+Trackpad+Replacement/142561 Steps 11-13. So yes, in theory water could get into the inside through the sides.

Thanks for actually answering the question.