Apple Readying External Trackpad for Desktops?

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With WWDC going on this week, all eyes were on the iPhone 4, Safari 5 and iOS. However, there's a little something else that's garnering headlines around the blogosphere and so far, it hasn't appeared at WWDC.

Back in February, Apple filed for a trademark on the name 'Magic Trackpad' suggested the company's Magic Mouse wasn't the only 'magical' input device at Cupertino. Yesterday Engadget suggested that this Magic Trackpad might have been part of the lineup in Steve Jobs' keynote speech, but that never happened. The site did post some pictures along with the report and later added a few more images from a source who claimed to be testing the device.

This source said the Magic Trackpad supports handwriting recogition, all the functions of the Magic Mouse and possible some features of a MacBook trackpad. The multitouch Bluetooth device is aid to be aimed at desktop Macs. One Engadget reader threw together the following cardboard mock-up based on the leaked images.

It's still not clear what exactly this is; we could be looking at a simple trackpad for a desktop concept or it could be a miniature Wacom-style tablet.

More pictures here.

Jane McEntegart
27 Comments Comment from the forums
  • datawrecker
    Is that the new iCardboard??? Hope it goes for under $500.
    Reply
  • Kelavarus
    At least it's not the Magic Pad. That would just be too much.
    Reply
  • I need a wireless computer for home use. ++

    Plus, Can I get a wireless CPU? latest version? anybody

    Gee 1!!
    Reply
  • sabot00
    I thought the only reason they use trackpads on laptops is because you can't put a mouse inside a laptop.
    I think everyone agrees mouses are easier to use, more natural, and here's the killer: GAMES.
    Reply
  • nforce4max
    Screw it I rather be stuck using an Altair 8800 than any of this fancy shiny Apple crap.
    Reply
  • vertigo_2000
    I'm rich! At least I will be once I sue Apple.

    I've already patented the useless, rectangularish-shaped, brownish, paper-based, wireless device for the computer.

    I'll soon be rolling in the money. Does cold hard cash give papercuts when you roll in it?
    Reply
  • vertigo_2000
    But can it play Crysis 2?

    Someone was gonna do it! You know they were.

    Bah... whatever... red down-thumb me then.
    Reply
  • 7amood
    datawreckerIs that the new iCardboard??? Hope it goes for under $500.
    +∞
    Reply
  • Abrahm
    sabot00I thought the only reason they use trackpads on laptops is because you can't put a mouse inside a laptop.I think everyone agrees mouses are easier to use, more natural, and here's the killer: GAMES.
    Yeah no kidding. I can't stand track pads, I always plug a wired or wireless mouse into a laptop if I have the chance. Why in the world would I want a track pad for a desktop?
    Reply
  • johnb4467
    I actually far prefer a trackpad for many activities, especially with the gestures of the macbooks/pros. Reading a PDF, for instance, is much more fluid, as you just swipe three fingers down to go to the next page. Yes, I KNOW there is a page-down button, but it feels much more fluid on the trackpad (you down have to go searching for the button, etc...all the controls are on the same surface). I've actually been looking forward to a product like this for a while.
    Just for reference...I don't use either a trackpad OR a mouse -- I use a wacom tablet. Much more intuitive (and easier on the hands) than either, except for reading PDF's, scrolling webpages, etc -- trackpad is lightyears ahead on convenience there.
    Reply