[criddell]

This has bothered me for a long time. Why are PC trackpads so awful? Why don't PC makers just do what Apple does with their trackpad?

[AdmiralAsshat]

I believe they're trying. Microsoft has a "Precision Trackpad" spec for this purpose:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/10/pc-oems-ditch-the-cu...

[gjjrfcbugxbhf]

Or even what phone manufacturers do with their screens. The problem isn't ability though it's cost. The market for laptops is seriously cost competitive and customers don't know if a trackpad will be good or bad until after purchased (with the exception of a few brands like apple).

[lai]

I think it's patented.

[lobster_johnson]

Isn't a trackpad essentially a touch screen? Non-Apple phones to that just fine. There's the tactile feedback, but even the old-style physically-moving trackpad would be better than what vendors have today.