Magic Trackpad
Encyclopedia
The Magic Trackpad is a multi-touch
trackpad produced by Apple Inc. Announced on July 27, 2010, it is similar to the trackpad found on the current MacBook family
of laptops, albeit 80% larger. The trackpad is fully compatible with Macintosh
computers running Mac OS X Snow Leopard versions 10.6.4 and higher with a software update, as well as Windows 7, Windows XP
, and Windows Vista
in Apple's Boot Camp with an added device driver. It is also capable of performing in a basic capacity when paired with a Windows
computer or a Macintosh without the necessary software.
of laptops, but 80% larger. It connects via Bluetooth
and runs on two AA batteries. The trackpad is designed in the same style as Apple's Wireless Keyboard
, and when put next to one, sits flush to it. Usage can be compared to the multitouch trackpads found in Apple's MacBook and Macbook Pro laptops. Additionally, the entire pad can be clicked; pressing on the device puts pressure on it and the surface it is resting on, pushing down two circular feet at the base of the trackpad, registering a click. The trackpad's required software update also added inertial scrolling and three-finger drag gestures to certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
reviewer Scott Stein wrote: "Apple's $69 Bluetooth device is minimalist and not particularly cheap"; "We're not sure we'd ditch our mouse and use the Magic Trackpad, but it's a compact solution for the touch-addicted." Macworld
also praised the trackpad's design similarity with the Apple Wireless Keyboard: "The Magic Trackpad is the same height and angle of inclination as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, making them a good fit, in terms of size and style."
Multi-touch
In computing, multi-touch refers to a touch sensing surface's ability to recognize the presence of two or more points of contact with the surface...
trackpad produced by Apple Inc. Announced on July 27, 2010, it is similar to the trackpad found on the current MacBook family
MacBook family
The MacBook family is a range of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple Inc. that merged the PowerBook and iBook lines during Apple's transition to Intel processors. The first model released under this family was the MacBook Pro, which was announced on 10 January 2006 at the Macworld Expo...
of laptops, albeit 80% larger. The trackpad is fully compatible with Macintosh
Macintosh
The Macintosh , or Mac, is a series of several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. The first Macintosh was introduced by Apple's then-chairman Steve Jobs on January 24, 1984; it was the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a mouse and a...
computers running Mac OS X Snow Leopard versions 10.6.4 and higher with a software update, as well as Windows 7, Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
, and Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
in Apple's Boot Camp with an added device driver. It is also capable of performing in a basic capacity when paired with a Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
computer or a Macintosh without the necessary software.
Description
The device's design is similar to the trackpad found on the current MacBook familyMacBook family
The MacBook family is a range of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple Inc. that merged the PowerBook and iBook lines during Apple's transition to Intel processors. The first model released under this family was the MacBook Pro, which was announced on 10 January 2006 at the Macworld Expo...
of laptops, but 80% larger. It connects via Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
and runs on two AA batteries. The trackpad is designed in the same style as Apple's Wireless Keyboard
Apple Wireless Keyboard
The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a wireless keyboard built for Macintosh computers and the iPad. It interacts over Bluetooth wireless technology and unlike its wired version, it has no USB connectors or ports. Both generations have low-power features when not in use.-History:On September 16, 2003,...
, and when put next to one, sits flush to it. Usage can be compared to the multitouch trackpads found in Apple's MacBook and Macbook Pro laptops. Additionally, the entire pad can be clicked; pressing on the device puts pressure on it and the surface it is resting on, pushing down two circular feet at the base of the trackpad, registering a click. The trackpad's required software update also added inertial scrolling and three-finger drag gestures to certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
Release and reception
Announced on July 27, 2010, early reviews of the trackpad lauded its design but not its price. CNETCNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
reviewer Scott Stein wrote: "Apple's $69 Bluetooth device is minimalist and not particularly cheap"; "We're not sure we'd ditch our mouse and use the Magic Trackpad, but it's a compact solution for the touch-addicted." Macworld
Macworld
Macworld is a web site and monthly computer magazine dedicated to Apple Macintosh products. It is published by Mac Publishing, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California...
also praised the trackpad's design similarity with the Apple Wireless Keyboard: "The Magic Trackpad is the same height and angle of inclination as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, making them a good fit, in terms of size and style."
Operating system support
- Apple's Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0 includes the required software to use Magic Trackpad. This update also installs a Trackpad System Preferences pane for configuring the Magic Trackpad on Intel-based Mac desktop computers that support Mac OS X v10.6.4 and later.
- Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista using Boot Camp tools under Mac OS X.
- Basic functions available on a WindowsMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
computer or a Macintosh without the necessary software. - Hacked/extracted from Boot Camp native Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 drivers, 32-bit and 64-bit (not supported by Apple)
- UbuntuUbuntu (operating system)Ubuntu is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution and distributed as free and open source software. It is named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu...
Maverick Meerkat 10.10
See also
- Apple MouseApple MouseThe Apple Mouse began as one of the first commercial mice available to consumers. Over the years Apple has maintained a distinct form and function with its mice that reflects its design philosophies.-Features:...
- Mighty MouseApple Mighty MouseThe Apple Mouse is a multi-button USB mouse manufactured and sold by Apple Inc. It was announced and sold for the first time on August 2, 2005, and a Bluetooth version was available from 2006 to 2009...
- Magic Mouse
- Apple KeyboardApple keyboardThe Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple first for the Apple line, then the Macintosh line of computers. It is available in both wired and Bluetooth models.- Layout :...