I used kernel 2.6.{0,1,2} and had no problem with my synaptics touchpad,
but I use a special driver. It can be found here:
http://w1.894.telia.com/~u89404340/touchpad/index.html
Here are the relevant parts of my XF86Config-4:
Section "Module"
...
Load "synaptics"
EndSection
Section "InputDevice"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Identifier "Mouse0"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "Protocol" "ImPS/2"
Option "Edges" "1900 5400 1900 4000"
Option "Finger" "25 30"
Option "MaxTapTime" "180"
Option "MaxTapMove" "220"
Option "VertScrollDelta" "100"
Option "MinSpeed" "0.07"
Option "MaxSpeed" "0.18"
Option "AccelFactor" "0.0000"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "false"
EndSection
