10-08-2007, 02:10 PM

This is something that happens on a daily basis, and it is driving me insane.

Whenever I go to a type field on OSX, every once in a while it will fail to notice the first key that I press.

For example, let's say that I was on apple's website and decided that I wanted to navigate to "mac-forums.com." Easy enough, correct? Not so much. When I move the cursor to the address bar, there is a possibility that when I begin to enter the address, I will end up with "ac-forums.com," rather than "mac-forums.com." For some reason, the first keystroke is not recognized. Needless to say, this is very aggravating.

I've done some troubleshooting, and here are my findings:

* It is not application specific - at first, I thought it may have had something to do with Firefox. However, I've encountered the problem in iChat, Finder, and Spotlight search as well.

* It is not hardware related - This happens on any key, so it is not a loose piece on the keyboard.

* It is not a system resource issue - I have a C2D macbook, and 2GB of ram. Moreover, this occurs when I only have one application open.

* It just started recently - I don't remember having this problem until fairly recently. There are a few applications that I have installed around the time this began: Adobe Creative Suite Web Premium, Handbrake, Roxio Toast 8, and Steermouse. Think any of these may be the problem?


How can I fix this? This seems like one of those irritating issues that can only be resolved with a fresh installation of the OS. I may just wait it out until Leopard, and hopefully it will be fixed.

Thanks in advance.

10-08-2007, 02:14 PM

What happens if you log into a new user account?

10-08-2007, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by cwa107

What happens if you log into a new user account?

I only have one account

10-08-2007, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by vicariousgeorge

I only have one account

Create a new one, just for testing purposes (you can always delete it later). This way, you can determine whether it's a user-specific setting issue or it's the whole OS.

That would be my first thought before I'd go to reinstall the OS.

10-08-2007, 08:54 PM

Is it a wireless keyboard? If so, maybe try changing the batteries. That's all I can think of...

10-09-2007, 05:18 AM

I had that lag on my PB. I know what you are saying, although I don't have a specific solution, all I did was run my maintenance scripts, cleaned out old cache files, etc. Also, I checked to see what was running (activity monitor) and start-up under System Preferences->User accounts, and got rid of start-up items I did not use.

10-09-2007, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by powermacj7

I had that lag on my PB. I know what you are saying, although I don't have a specific solution, all I did was run my maintenance scripts, cleaned out old cache files, etc. Also, I checked to see what was running (activity monitor) and start-up under System Preferences->User accounts, and got rid of start-up items I did not use.

Where can I find these maintenance scripts?

10-09-2007, 10:14 AM

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11582

10-09-2007, 12:18 PM

Okay...this little problem has inspired me to join the forum. I have been annonyed by the very same issue. I'm downloading OynX as I type and will let you know if it cleans up the problem.

10-11-2007, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by achristo

Okay...this little problem has inspired me to join the forum. I have been annonyed by the very same issue. I'm downloading OynX as I type and will let you know if it cleans up the problem.

Tried it and it didn't work. Any other ideas out there???

10-12-2007, 11:30 AM

When you have moved the cursor are you actually clicking (one left click will do) before typing? The first key stroke or click 'confirms' your position (if that makes sense).

The same thing often happens when a dialog box pops up - if you don't click on one of the buttons immediately, when you position the cursor over the button you need to click twice - once to bring the button 'alive' and then once again to activate it.

10-12-2007, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Sawday

When you have moved the cursor are you actually clicking (one left click will do) before typing? The first key stroke or click 'confirms' your position (if that makes sense).

The same thing often happens when a dialog box pops up - if you don't click on one of the buttons immediately, when you position the cursor over the button you need to click twice - once to bring the button 'alive' and then once again to activate it.

While I appreciate the response, it is most likely wrong. When I click in the dialog bog, text field, address bar etc, the position is "confirmed." After that, it will occasionally fail to recognize the next keystroke. Had this been the method of "confirming" that you suggested, it would happen every time as opposed to intermittently. This is most definitely a problem in the OS rather than some intentional occurrence.

Regards

10-15-2007, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by vicariousgeorge

While I appreciate the response, it is most likely wrong. When I click in the dialog bog, text field, address bar etc, the position is "confirmed." After that, it will occasionally fail to recognize the next keystroke. Had this been the method of "confirming" that you suggested, it would happen every time as opposed to intermittently. This is most definitely a problem in the OS rather than some intentional occurrence.

Regards

I can confirm that the 'confirmation' within the text entry box is correct for me also. This annoyance of missing the first character happens on a fairly regular occurrence for me. Just today it has happened a few times.
Maybe an upgrade to Leopard will fix it. I hope so!

10-15-2007, 10:51 PM

it happens to me often as well, i always assumed (and still do) that it is just system lag. if it's bugging you THAT much, try a fresh install. i would advise reinstalling the OS every few months too keep it running tip top

10-15-2007, 11:11 PM

could it be that part of your palm is occasionally resting on the trackpad?

are you a light typer? I have problems with a few keys, mainly o t and e, mainly o, but I notice that the keys can be depressed, and still not register if you are light enough. for me, I just got to give each keypress that little bit extra oomph. plug in a USB keyboard, and it is fine sailing, until I unplug it