Do I need the touchpad update?

[Paulie420]

Hey guys, still enjoying my PBP and having a blast with a few different distros.

Manjaro is still by far the best; I certainly wish there was a decent Ubuntu option. What is your favorite Ubuntu distro for PBP? - I even liked the close-to-Ubuntu Armbian.....

But for THIS question:

I got my PBP two weeks ago, so its one of the more recent deliveries... I've been told in other posts to update my touchpad firmware. However, since my PBP is a recent delivery do I still need to do this? Or... how do I check to see if my touchpad is on the most current firmware?

And, is this an upgrade that people have a lot of issues with? The touchpad *IS* the weakest point of this laptop, however with taps as opposed to clicks I have learned it enough that it isn't REALLY in my way. It sucks a little bit, but... I can get around the desktop using it.

I live in terminal alot so.... and/or I can always just use an external. However, if doing the update will help it be a little smoother - without much risk or downside; I think I am capable of doing the update.

I can search the wiki, but if you know where the info is about it, too that would be helpful.

Thanks for any details - I just wonder since mine is so new, maybe its already updated. THANKS.

[KC9UDX]

I'd say only update that firmware if you find a reason to. If you are having trouble with the touchpad, then yes. Check your OS's mouse/touchpad settings first in any case.

I find that the touchpad operation is very highly dependant on the operating system. Debian seems to handle it much better than Manjaro, and NetBSD does even better.

[bcnaz]

I'd say only update that firmware if you find a reason to. If you are having trouble with the touchpad, then yes.  Check your OS's mouse/touchpad settings first in any case.

I find that the touchpad operation is very highly dependant on the operating system.  Debian seems to handle it much better than Manjaro, and NetBSD does even better.

I 'think' the newer PBP's come with the 'updated firmware', but if that does not work for you, 
  you could try Jack Humbolts (not certain of the spelling) firmware update.
  Many forum members do prefer his firmware version over the Pine64 version.

I have been happy with the factory firmware on both my ISO and ANSI PBP's  but I remember seeing a
lot of posts late last year and early this year on the forum.

[Paulie420]

I'd say only update that firmware if you find a reason to. If you are having trouble with the touchpad, then yes.  Check your OS's mouse/touchpad settings first in any case.

I find that the touchpad operation is very highly dependant on the operating system.  Debian seems to handle it much better than Manjaro, and NetBSD does even better.

I 'think' the newer PBP's come with the 'updated firmware', but if that does not work for you, 
  you could try Jack Humbolts (not certain of the spelling) firmware update.
  Many forum members do prefer his firmware version over the Pine64 version.

I have been happy with the factory firmware on both my ISO and ANSI PBP's  but I remember seeing a
lot of posts late last year and early this year on the forum.

Thanks for both of your replies - but especially, bcnaz has been very helpful on multiple posts. I appreciate that, kind sir or lady. Furthermore, I'll do some forum searching about Jack Humboldts firmware.. I hadn't heard of that yet. 

If anyone has a link to how to check what firmware is on there currently, that would be helpful - but I'm also capable of reading the wiki and finding out; if you got it in front of you, please send a link... but don't go hunting for ME.

The trackpad on my PBP is certainly the weak point on the whole laptop, however it functions... and I can dial in settings in OS to speed it up/invert it the way I like - regardless of all that tho, it is the weak point on a Pinebook Pro IMO.