Solution: Making your iBook/PowerBook ignore the trackpad
Solution: Making your iBook/PowerBook ignore the trackpad
We previously noted that several MacFixIt readers have are unable to make their PowerBook or iBook ignore the trackpad when a USB mouse is connected. This option is normally accessible by turning on the function "Ignore trackpad if mouse is present" in the "Mouse" pane of System Preferences.
Vernon Rooze offers a passive way to temporarily disable the trackpad that doesn't require any Terminal commands. This workaround is also reversible. Just make sure you have a USB mouse or a Jaguar CD handy.
"Although many people may not realize it, the trackpad in Apple's iBooks and PowerBooks are still ADB devices. The system requires a specific kernel extension to use an ADB trackpad or mouse. The extension is located in:
/System/Library/Extensions/AppleADBMouse.kext
"An easy way to disable this kernel extension is to change the ownership of this file from system to a specific user. Once you've located the AppleADBMouse.kext file, do a Get Info to pull up the Info window for the kernel extension. Click on the discreet arrow to reveal the Ownership and Permissions settings.
Of course your external mouse will be unaffected, as it resides on the USB bus.
Feedback on this issue? Drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.Resources