Apple releases a tablet: Introducing the Magic Trackpad

Apple releases a tablet: Introducing the Magic Trackpad

It might not have been announced at WWDC like many had expected, but Apple’s Magical Trackpad has finally found its way into their online store.

It’s exactly what everyone expected it to be—a giant laptop trackpad— and it’s being sold for $69.00. The Magic Trackpad is literally the re-embodiment of your laptop trackpad, complete with a giant button. It’s curious that Apple’s decided to introduce a trackpad, but the multitouch capabilities is something that I’ve been yearning for on my Mac Pro since the advent of the iPhone. You’re now going to be able to do everything that you can on your laptop trackpad, on your desktop machines.

The device has roughly the same footprint as Apple’s keyboard lineup and it will sit nicely beside it on your desk. The Magic Trackpad also connects to your computer via Bluetooth.

Is there a use for one of these things in your workflow? I’m seriously considering opening up my wallet for one of these right now.

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About Joshua Schnell

Man, Myth, and Legend, Joshua is the Editor-In-Chief, and founder of Macgasm. He produces two podcasts, Macgasm TV, and The AppOrchard, and can be heard on CBC Radio once every couple of years.

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4fthawaiian

Had a good discussion with the guys in the NOC about this. We run the gamut of workflow input weirdness, from a guy who uses his Wacom (you're not alone, Brian! -- PS, this is the fastest I've ever seen a human use a computer) to the old-school Logitech mouse guys, to the weirdo with the track ball, and, of course, the tribe of Magic Mouse users, which includes me (they're supplied by work :) ). The upshot is that it's not really a game changer for most of us. It's such a huge paradigm shift that it's not really attractive.

It's just an extension of the Magic Mouse. I love the idea of not moving my hand around and around, but I think it'd be far too big an adjustment for far too little gain.

Still.. Gotta love Apple pushing the boundaries as always :)

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Nate

If your not a designer, then this is probably cool - definitely seems better than a mouse. However any designer not using a Wacom tablet loses credibility with me. Sorta like an artist trying to draw with nothing but oversize Crayola crayons. Looks nice though.

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andre corbin

I would love to get one...I use two mice. A wireless Logitec MX Air and a wireless Logitec trackball...I'd replace the aging trackball with the magic trackpad.

Wacom's offering isn't too bad either. However, the USB is the only drawback for me. Whereas, Apple's magic trackpad is bluetooth.

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Joshua Schnell

Bluetooth is pretty huge. The more I can do away with cords the happier I'm going to be.

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andre corbin

...will def get one for my Mac Pro

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Brian Sakowicz

Not a chance. Despite Apple's claim that it's the first multi-touch pad designed for the Mac, I've had a Wacom tablet for the past year that's got multi-touch and pen input as well. Apple's is pretty, that's for sure!

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Joshua Schnell

Haha, I have a Wacom tablet that I never use. That's the one reason why I'm skeptical about this Trackpad. It could very well end up collecting dust on my desk. On the flip-side, it could also replace my mouse, so I'm pretty torn about it.

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Trackbacks

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