Macbook Pro sticky trackpad and pinch/zoom question

I have two questions about my new macbook pro's trackpad. First of all, I noticed that the trackpad is a bit "sticky", meaning when I initiate a new movement, the cursor doesn't start moving immediately--takes a few milliseconds--this can be somewhat annoying sometimes. Is this normal? I don't remember this on my old 2006 intel macbook. My other question involves the pinch to zoom functionality. I noticed that the back part of the trackpad (button side) is not active for pinching--there's a good 3/4" of dead space for pinching, when I watch the little video of the pinching being demonstrated in the system preferences, I notice the person's fingers are not going into that area. I just want to be sure this is normal too. Thanks very much.

I dont get either of thos problems.
There is no 'lag'/'stickyness' with my trackpad, and i can pinch/zoom and rotate on any part of it.
I find that it is often easier to leave my thumb in a static position when pinching/zooming, and move my other finger, normally my index finger.
That works for me, prehaps it will for you too.