I just assembled my FW16 laptop and checked that I could get to the BIOS screen ok. The trackpad wasn’t responding but I assumed that it wasn’t meant to at that level, and I could navigate and set options just fine using the arrow keys and enter (though the only thing I changed as the audio setting from Windows to Linux). I then tried to install Ubuntu LTS 24.04.1, and although I booted the ISO ok the trackpad was still not working (the cursor just sits in the lower right-hand corner and does not move or respond to clicks). I could still try to navigate with the arrow keys etc., but at this point I’m convinced I didn’t seat the trackpad correctly or something. Any advice would be welcome!
The problem eventually got fixed by unplugging and plugging back in the mid plate cable, apparently fixing a bad connection. Just in case this ever happens to anyone else …