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Can I replace the button trackpad with a glass multi-touch trackpad?

On a pre-unibody MacBook, the trackpad is part of the top case (if I'm not mistaken, they are inseparable?), but I was wondering it the newer multi-touch glass trackpad can be fitted or somehow hacked onto any pre-unibody model. With the arrival of Lion, very restricted access to gestures is a serious disadvantage!

I have thoroughly researched this on Google but I cannot find a solution, not even a software-based one. Even the top utilities like BetterTouchTool and MagicPrefs do not fix this.

Thanks for any help or insight.

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Unfortunately, the trackpad, as you said, is inseparable. Even if you did somehow manage to attach the new glass ones, the hardware to make it click down would be missing, and its connection interface is completely different.

While on the unibody systems, the trackpad is actually removable and it connects directly onto the logic board, the pre-unibody trackpads connect through the keyboard and upper case. It would unfortunately be impossible.

The closest solution to your problem would be to buy a Magic Trackpad. They work wonders! :)

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I upgraded the trackpad on my white 2008 macbook. The trackpad from the earlier macbook pros can be fitted in there. Unfortunately you have to disassemble the topcase assembly and the silver trackpad doesnt match the white case. Still. I have full multitouch.

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That's still pretty great news robignorant!

Can you provide any further details, something more specific than "The trackpad from the earlier macbook pros can be fitted in there"? Maybe an Apple part number or which specific MBP model you meant?

And what do you mean exactly by "the silver trackpad doesnt match the white case"? In color only I assume (no big deal for me, it would be a worthwhile tradeoff), but in the event you mean that the silver Trackpad doesn't quite fit in the white topcase, and you somehow squeezed it in forcefully, I'd like to know about it.

Also, was the white Trackpad easily separated from its topcase, or did that require some special technique to accomplish?

Finally, the silver multi-touch Trackpad you used had the exact same connection interface as the white one you removed? This seems to go against other reports I've read (including TommyJames' above), so it's quite interesting if that's the case.

Again, thank you for this encouraging news and anytime you get a chance, please provide some extra info cause I'd love to get this done as well! I cannot get myself to imagine using a laptop with a Magic Trackpad on the side.

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If youd like more info contact me directly. Rob.ignorant at yahoo dot com id be more than happy to help you out.

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Mine was a late 2007 MacBook and I used the trackpad from the old style MacBook Pro (pre unibody)  the trackpad is silver and is physically the same size as the original white one but on the underside of the trackpad you'll see there are more circuits and connectors.  The only part you'll need is the trackpad itself, not the keyboard just the little trackpad. Push your old trackpad out from bottom and through the top using light heat and an exacto with the battery removed. Push the new one on and connect the connectors.  (one connector will be unused, but it is obvious) 

This is the trackpad you need. You'll have to carefully disassemble it once it arrives so that your left with JUST the trackpad. The metal frame and mouse buttons aren't needed. With some heat from a hairdryer and little finess you can remove the trackpad with very little trouble.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Apple-Ma...

Don't try to replace the mouse button on your laptop with the silver one, don't even try to remove the button for that matter. It's pressed into the keyboard frame and will never click properly if you remove it. 

Also tp ensure proper clicking make sure you align the trackpad properly, you can always pull it out and try reseating it but don't connect the cables until your sure the trackpad is properly seated.  

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