Apple Debuts Desktop Trackpad, Rechargeable AA
Do you want to use a trackpad on your desktop?
You would think that one of the luxuries of using a desktop over a laptop was that you could use a mouse rather than a trackpad, but Apple doesn't see it that way.
Today Apple unveiled the "Magic Trackpad," which is essentially desktop version of the multitouch trackpad found on all of the company's current MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops, but with 80 percent more real estate.
For those with very limited space on their desks (as in, not even enough room for a mousepad), this could be a good solution. It even supports more multitouch gestures than the Magic Mouse.
The Magic Trackpad sells for $69, same as the Magic Mouse and Bluetooth keyboard. It'll work on Windows too with the right drivers.
Interestingly enough, Apple's figured out that users of its Bluetooth keyboard, Magic Mouse and now the Magic Trackpad go through a lot of AA batteries. The company is now offering its own rechargeable batteries with a low-discharge, much like Sanyo's Eneloops.
The battery charger boasts a very low standby power draw, so that's a selling feature for those who just like to leave their chargers plugged in all the time.
The charger along with 6 batteries is $29.
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- rechargeable ,
- magic ,
- trackpad ,
- charger ,
- multitouch
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Look very nice on pictures. Not sure why would anyone prefer touchpad over a mouse.
I think that Microsoft Ark is better than apple mouse.
Sanyo's Eneloops with charger cost much less than $30, why does Apple wants to overcharge for products that they do not manufacture.
I ordered one yesterday and it arrived this morning. Can't wait to try it out (need to wait for some jobs to finish running before I can have a play).
I've grown to love the trackpad on my MacBook Pro and have wanted something similar on my desktop for ages now. I gave the magic mouse a try but it's absolutely terrible, one of the worst mice I've ever used. I don't plan on using this trackpad as a mouse replacement but as a suplementary tool. I really miss having access to a lot of the gestures when I'm using my desktop and I've been interested in one of these since they were first rumoured. I'm also very excited to give it a try with TenOneDesign's Inklet and Pogo Sketch - just waiting on confirmation that they support it before buying.
In my opinion Apple really do make the best trackpads by a considerable margin. They also make the worst mice. On my desk I will now have an Apple keyboard, Apple trackpad and a *Microsoft* mouse.
"Do you want to use a trackpad on your desktop?"
NO
The biggest surprise here is the use of standard AA rechargable batteries. You can buy those from anywhere.
It's a bit unusual of Apple to issue a product that is not 100% proprietary from the size, shape, voltage, connector, etc, that the Apple store sells for a stupid price.
A taste of things to come or a total accident?
Ok now these are completely useless for the fact most apple products are hip and cool and come with internal batteries you can not remove because that would not be hip or cool
Apple fanbois will line up at the stores to buy this useless gadget.
Oh yeah...This will make photoshopping a lot easier.
/s
Every time I read the word 'magic' I just smile and think of marketing people.
Magic!? A bit strong no?
Look very nice on pictures. Not sure why would anyone prefer touchpad over a mouse.I think that Microsoft Ark is better than apple mouse.Sanyo's Eneloops with charger cost much less than $30, why does Apple wants to overcharge for products that they do not manufacture.
Why does Apple want to overcharge for products they don't manufacture? Does Apple manufacture anything? I thought everything they sell is farmed out of China? They do know that by putting the Apple name on a product they will get better than average sales.
And a trackpad for a desktop? Isn't that going backwords? I rarely use the trackpad on my laptop and instead use a wireless mouse.
I just want to know if the Apple controls will work in Windows.
I don't run Mac OS but I do like their user interface stuff, so I'd like to buy one of these, if it works in windows!
I ordered one yesterday and it arrived this morning. Can't wait to try it out (need to wait for some jobs to finish running before I can have a play).
Your Jobs is running? Well you better go catch him!
ha ha? the apple guys know what i'm talking about...
Yeah so while you can use this mouse in Windows only basic functionality is supported. No pinch, rotate, or zoom and no swipes.
FAIL
Everyone knows the iBattery is a magical and revolutionary product!
..anyone tried the wacom bamboo? That sounds nearly the same as this except with the bamboo you can use a pen also...
The concept is accurate, but not for a desktop, I see this thing positive if you could merge it with the keyboard (a small one) and then you get a keyboard and a mouse over your lap. What for? easy.. control your PC from the couch. And I don't mean this be cause i'm lazy, no.. I'm thinking about all these new LCD/LED 42" or more TVs with a HTPC to run DVDs and bluray movies, surf the web.. I think this is a new step for a PC as an family entertainment option rather than a console.
..anyone tried the wacom bamboo? That sounds nearly the same as this except with the bamboo you can use a pen also...
I have an older Pen only WACOM. The new ones actually look good.
I used this as during a tech preview (I get the joy of supporting Macs users at work). I must say I was pretty impressed with this product...
...won't get me to replace my wacom though.
The best application I see for the Magic Trackpad is for HTPCs. It's a lot easier to use a trackpad on the couch than it is a mouse. If you had a Mac Mini hooked up to your TV you could use the Magic Trackpad and a bluetooth keyboard and have a very compact and easy to use package.
It's not really something I would want with a normal desktop but it does have a few useful applications.
I just want to know if the Apple controls will work in Windows.I don't run Mac OS but I do like their user interface stuff, so I'd like to buy one of these, if it works in windows!
The article is already saying it, it will work on Windows with the appripriate drivers, and the link in the article says it will have the same features as if you were using it with OSX.
In my opinion, Apple's trackpad is way better than any others on laptops, but thats thats where this thing belongs...But it could be fun if it can be use as a tablet like Wacom.
In later news:
Shelly strips down the Apple Fairy Magic Princess scroll wheel, retailing at $50.
The article is already saying it, it will work on Windows with the appripriate drivers, and the link in the article says it will have the same features as if you were using it with OSX.
As posted above, many features DO NOT work with WINDOWS.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4273
a wireless trackball device would be nice
Apple fanbois will line up at the stores to buy this useless gadget.
Yes, because their Apple shrine to Jobs wouldn't be complete if they didn't buy every single Apple product made.
As posted above, many features DO NOT work with WINDOWS.http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4273
Thanks for the correction nukemaster, my bad :-/
It looks like you wouldn't actually be able to relax and use this thing, you'd have to hold your arm up while using it. I don't see how this would have any practical use for a home user due to that alone. The only thing I can think of is maybe CAD or art.
The concept is accurate, but not for a desktop, I see this thing positive if you could merge it with the keyboard (a small one) and then you get a keyboard and a mouse over your lap.
I've been using a Logitech Cordless MediaBoard with my HTPC for 2+ years now. It's a near-full-size keyboard with a trackpad instead of a numpad - perfect for surfing and emailing from the couch and still costs less than Apple's trackpad. Logitech also makes the smaller bluetooth Dinovo Edge, but it is much more expensive.
just exactly how many "gestures" do you need to click on an icon? A programmable key writing pad is more suitable for CAD, not this thing.
APPLE ... APPLE ... APPLE... again again again...
A company that spend more in marketing than in its products...
Just to find idiots buying what they so on TV
The batteries are probably rebranded Eneloops anyway. Apple will find a way to claim invention of rechargable batteries somehow.
Lastly, about the trackpad: looks like Apple is running out of ideas. Seriously?
hahaha i cant help but to laugha nd shake my head apple is a joke they keep releasing things hoping they will catch a break, this is the stupidest crap i have seen, it reminds me of those infomercials were there like buy onw now for 1,000 dollars and we will throw in 10 batteries for and extra easy payment on 29.99! freaking joke!
... and how it works with FPS'es?