Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Apple Magic Trackpad

apple.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

81–90 of 170 posts

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#81

Post by ynniv »

replicatorblog wrote: post #23
adolph wrote: post #8

I'm amazed that Apple seems so set on the AA battery format for desk peripherals that it is releasing a AA battery charger with the trackpad. I don't find AA objectionable, but Apple's marketing regarding removable batteries centers around "we can pack more battery in by eliminating the packaging."

My guess is that it has to do with the battery losing its ability to hold charge with time. It makes sense to engineer a massive new battery for the iPhone or Macbook, but these peripherals don't have the same volume or margin cushion to absorb the cost, hence off the shelf battery technology. Also, I think most people expect to change out a computer every couple years, but a mouse is supposed to last longer. If the…

Having used both, I am disappointed with the longer lifespan of disposable batteries. I hate throwing them away, but with my usage they can last almost twice as long. On the other hand, I might mind less if I had a better charging configuration.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#82

Post by daredevildave »

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 ;)

And get the BlindType guys to make the software. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9b8NlMd79w&feature=playe... Make sure to check out the stuff at 2mins in.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#83

Post by ZeroGravitas »

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 ;)

Fingerworks had a keyboard exactly like that, many years ago:

http://www.fingerworks.com/

They got bought by Apple for their multi-touch experience.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#84

Post by deno »

chunkbot wrote: post #69
deno wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you have a digital camera of some sort then you're probably already accustomed to charging batteries anyway. I think recharging batteries is less messy than buying new ones each time. You have to stock them ahead of time (storage area), and remember to restock after resupplying your device (which you'll probably forget). Don't forget that each time you have to access new batteries you'll need to fight with those p…

I'm inclined to agree with you regarding devices that you take outside the house, like a digital camera. My comment was more about desktop peripherals. To address your points: 1) A 24 pack of AA batteries somewhere near your desk should last over a year, and you should have storage area somewhere to accommodate it. 2) AA batteries generally come in easy-to-rip cardboard packs, so no fighting with the container and hu…

For devices that you keep at home any kind of batteries are really just a workaround for actual wireless electricity. Anyway my point is that most people that buy wireless trackpads probably already own power-sucking devices like digital cameras and so have invested, and are accustomed, to charging their batteries. In this case keeping additional non-rechargeable batteries wouldn't provide any benefits and would only add to confusion, as you have to be careful not to mix them.

If you are not already enslaved to your digital camera's power inefficiency then perhaps buying brand new batteries might be more comfortable.

In regard to environment your 24 pack of AAs wouldn't probably have any significant difference whatsoever and you won't live long enough to observe any. The impression, though, that rechargeable batteries are more environmental friendly will provide you with nice dopamine boost each time your device needs resupplying.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#85

Post by tialys »

stcredzero wrote: post #75

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 ha…

It's not exactly what you described, but close:

http://www.mobilemouse.com/

I have the iPhone version, and it's pretty slick even with the wifi in between. That said, I'm still a bit miffed they didn't make it a universal app. :\

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#86

Post by presto8 »

astrodust wrote: post #73
schwap wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

My ThinkPad came with three styles to choose from. The original style, which I think you're referring to, did wear down after about a year. But it's easy and cheap to get replacements (and some backups are often included). The style I like, which is wide and flat like a mushroom top with bumps, doesn't seem to wear down at all.

As for the acceleration, like with any human input device, that's something you get used to, and it can be configured a bit as well.

I love my TrackPad. I won't buy a laptop without one. Unfortunately, these days, there are fewer and fewer available...

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#87

Post by mbenjaminsmith »

pilif wrote: post #68
tomjen3 wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem with trackpads are that you have to move your hand - great for normal browsing I suppose, but it sucks when you are writing code or typing.

while in coding mode I hardly ever use the pointing device anyways, but control my environment using the keyboard alone. But while browsing or looking up documentation, I need the pointing device and then the accuracy and the gestures of the trackpad come in very handily.

I agree (using Vim or Vim bindings for all coding work), but have you used the standard wireless mouse that comes with the newer iMacs? It has some gesture support on its top surface (like momentum scrolling) that I couldn't live without.

I'm just wondering if you think the trackpad is better than their mouse. I've only played around with it at the store. Worth the upgrade do you think?

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#88

Post by pixelbath »

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…

So, Apple trackpads are better in that they are more precise? Not being a Mac user, it's hard for me to understand what advantage a trackpad like this gives over any other third-party trackpad, other than the multitouch capability.

Please help me understand why people are gushing over a $70 trackpad (even made by Apple), when most people mock similar input devices costing over $30.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#89

Post by Sidnicious »

stcredzero wrote: post #75

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 ha…

You don't have to look at a trackpad to use it.

I think that putting screens on trackpads, keyboards, or remotes (you use them to control other screens) is a horrible idea.

Re: Apple Magic Trackpad

#90

Post by stcredzero »

Sidnicious wrote: post #89
stcredzero wrote: post #75

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 ha…

You don't have to look at a trackpad to use it. I think that putting screens on trackpads, keyboards, or remotes (you use them to control other screens ) is a horrible idea.

You don't have to look at a trackpad to use it.

Looking is optional for the device I described. You'd only have to look in moments of managing greater complexity, which is the correct time.

I think that putting screens on trackpads, keyboards, or remotes (you use them to control other screens) is a horrible idea.

For a DVR, the second screen is very useful. You get context-driven visual feedback without impinging on the video content in the main screen. Someone could check on a game or look up a related Wikipedia entry without interrupting everyone else's viewing. Someone could queue the next YouTube bit without the same.

Post reply on HN