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Apple Magic Trackpad

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Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#71

Post by irons »

robgough wrote: post #55
bombs wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The iPod didn't support Windows when it was released. Maybe Apple are doing the same thing here; I'm sure by not supporting Windows, they're able to get a better product out much quicker.

Fair point. It would be nice if they would at least commit to bringing Windows support in the future. I can't imagine this would affect actual sales though, just another of example of when Apple's secrecy can be irritating for some of us.

For Apple to commit to anything in advance, let alone Windows support for a brand-new peripheral, would be evidence of takeover by pod people, and thus not nice at all.

Windows support for the original iPod arrived two years later.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#72

Post by yobb »

pilif wrote: post #36

Back in the days, I always preferred the Trackpoints the IBM ThinkPads used and I never quite liked the trackpads. I'm even going as far as to say that I'm quite the trackpad hater - they never felt precise to me and required way too frantic finger movement to be really comfortable for me. But when I moved to Apple hardware, I basically was stuck with the trackpads, but this time around, it was different. The bigger…

I echo your sentiments completely. Side note, I bought some kind of multi-touch mini Wacom tablet for my Windows desktop to try to emulate the Mac trackpad experience, but it is complete garbage compared to the precision of the trackpad on my Macbook. It just doesn't feel the same.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#73

Post by astrodust »

schwap wrote: post #58
lutorm wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How is this different from any other pointing device? The only one I know where you didn't have to move your hand was the Touchstream LP ( http://www.fingerworks.com/ST_product.html ), but then typing was difficult at best.

The Trackpoint (little nub) mouse on some laptops doesn't require you to move far if at all from the home row.

The thing that always infuriated me about these little nubs was not only do they tend to have very strange acceleration profiles, but they would quickly wear down from a smooth bump into something all jagged and rough, pock-marked like the surface of a meteorite. Track-pads just get buffed more shiny, from what I've seen.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#74

Post by duck »

Vitaly wrote: post #66

next step is to make a one giant trackpad with keys printed on top of it. os if you touch it its a key press and if you drag it its a mouse movement. now only need to figure out how to mouse click ;)

That is actually a sweet idea... and it could easily be handled with modes like vim. If someone builds one I will buy it.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#75

Post by stcredzero »

What I want just a bit more than this: an iPad app that emulates the Trackpad and does just a bit more.

For starters, a command-key could reconfigure it into a numeric keypad. Then incorporate custom per-app controls. (There are already iPad apps that do this.)

Such an iPad app would have the promise of the Optimus OLED keyboard. It would be much better, since high fabrication costs wouldn't be a barrier. It would have the potential to be a game-changer in terms of PC productivity.

Imagine integration with Eclipse for such a device. For example, when you execute your app in debug mode, it could configure itself as a debug remote. When you switch to an editor window, it could display editor macros and shortcuts.

Alternative: a 5" or 7" multitouch LCD device with a similar form factor to the Trackpad that doubles as a universal remote.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#76

Post by rythie »

napierzaza wrote: post #38
robgough wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would replace my mouse at work with this in a heartbeat, but I'm a .net developer by day and need those windows drivers. (I use an MBP at home) I think they're missing a huge opportunity here by not providing those drivers. Obviously an opportunity they have decided they don't care about, I just wish they did.

Maybe if enough people ask? Or the product is generally popular enough? The iPod and the iPhone are only so popular because they embraced PC in all its ... glory. Hopefully they're already working on this.

Given Windows is suggested as an option on their machines, maybe they will write a driver. Either way I'm sure someone will write one for Linux.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#77

Post by irons »

hexis wrote: post #41

Does anyone know if this will have some sort of way to trigger a "middle click", like when one clicks on the scroll wheel? As far as I've seen with Apple mice, they've never had support for middle click.

The Magic Mouse supports a three-finger click, which is interpreted as a middle click.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#78

Post by perplexes »

Looks like they're bringing out their version of the iGesture pad: http://www.amazon.com/Fingerworks-IGESTURENUMPAD-iGesture-Pa.... Apple acquired Fingerworks in 2005, which is how they got the multitouch technology used in iPhones, MacBooks, and now the Magic Trackpad.

The thing I'm wondering: My iGesture pad still works, and still has way more gestures than the Trackpad. For example - twisting clockwise with four fingers is "close" (it presses command-w for you), which is pretty natural. Will the Magic Trackpad be able to handle this with software updates, or will we have to hack it to do the things its predecessor could do 5 years ago?

Also, be sure to check out all of the crazy multitouch products Fingerworks had before they were acquired. My favorite was the insane keyboard at the bottom of http://fingerworks.com/.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#79

Post by Malic »

I have some doubts that this will be comfortable to use for hours at a time. The Magic Mouse is bad on the wrists because of it's low profile. I have to wonder if the same will happen here. I suppose a bit of experience with using it is what it will take.
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