replacing the trackpad: a farewell to schroedinger's mouse

Sorunum

The trackpad on my Macbook Pro started seriously wigging out about six months ago. I ruled out software issues and, wary of the Mac store, decided to just get a good 'ol fashioned USB mouse after disabling the trackpad entirely. Needless to say, things got weird with the cord. Some weeks later, I opted to go cordless, which I thought would be a great idea until the concept of Schroedinger's mouse entered my life, since the mouse was equally likely to exist or not exist in the same location as the laptop whenever I needed it. After another five months of doubting my own sanity every time I'd finally locate the cordless in a new and innovative location (the freezer, under the oven, etc.), I caved. My macbook's warranty was long exhausted, so why suffer any longer? Thus I ordered the replacement trackpad.

Tamirim

The repair was fine, aside from a profound personal anxiety that I would fry my motherboard with clothes-derived static. The instructions were simple enough to follow, and I cut down an old gym membership card to use as a spudger. I stripped (my clothes). I dismantled. I replaced. I reassembled. I got dressed. I turned on the computer and reactivated the trackpad driver: success!

Önerim

I learned a great trick from a friend of mine who works in electronics: before you start, take a sheet of paper and mark the relative locations of all the screws you'll remove with Xs, making sure to label their specs. Put little loops of scotch tape over the Xs and stick the screws you removed in their appropriate location. It makes reassembly MUCH easier.