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ort888 · Jul 27, 2010, 09:14 AM

Apple - Magic Trackpad - The Multi-Touch trackpad for your desktop.

It's real. $69 bucks.

I'll be interested when they combine the magic trackpad and the bluetooth keyboard to make a device you can control your computer with from the couch.

-Q- · Jul 27, 2010, 09:16 AM

That's a gizmo I would buy - although already have something similar to control the HTPC.

I'm just glad I can finally get Apple-branded NiMH batteries.

Apple Battery Charger - Apple Store (U.S.)

MacinTommy · Jul 27, 2010, 09:22 AM

I think everyone is not seeing the 12 CORE! Mac Pros.

Laminar · Jul 27, 2010, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

Apple - Magic Trackpad - The Multi-Touch trackpad for your desktop.

It's real. $69 bucks.

I'll be interested when they combine the magic trackpad and the bluetooth keyboard to make a device you can control your computer with from the couch.

I have two of these.

imitchellg5 · Jul 27, 2010, 09:25 AM

You already made a thread...

The Magic Trackpad is cool looking, but I'll definitely have to try one out before buying (I still haven't purchased the Magic Mouse for my MBP).

MacinTommy · Jul 27, 2010, 09:27 AM

I've always had a mouse for every laptop I've owned so the Magic Trackpad is cool but meh at the same time.

ort888 · 09:40 AM

So wait, do the iMacs have 2 internal HD slots now?

EDIT: It looks like it might have one 2.5" slot and a regular 3.5" slot. Interesting.

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 09:36 AM

I think I'll get one for my MacBook.

mattyb · Jul 27, 2010, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

I'll be interested when they combine the magic trackpad and the bluetooth keyboard to make a device you can control your computer with from the couch.

You mean lsomething about 10 by 7 inches and not too thick, that runs a cut down version of OSX, that could synchronise stuff with your computer and everything?

Yeah but it'd be poo if Apple did it. Nobody would buy it.

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 10:54 AM

He wants a controller, not a computer. Though knowing Apple the price would be damn near the same.

Spheric Harlot · Jul 27, 2010, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

I'll be interested when they combine the magic trackpad and the bluetooth keyboard to make a device you can control your computer with from the couch.

As you can see, they have:

Or would you prefer they make a lefty and a righty version, both preferable with the trackpad turned at a 25˚ angle to make it comfortable to use?

Spheric Harlot · Jul 27, 2010, 03:58 PM

As I wrote over in the original thread,

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

This is *exactly* what I wanted (well, actually, I wanted a touch screen) before I had to settle for a Magic Mouse (which I love, but which really suffers in comparison to the MacBook's trackpad).

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

I only very grudgingly switched to a mouse recently, when I rebuilt the studio and the laptop found a new perch up on the shelf.

I miss the trackpad, even though mine wasn't multi-touch (the two-finger zooming in Logic on the newer machines just kills me).

The Magic Mouse is the nicest mouse I've used, though. But still…

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

As you can see, they have:

He wants an all-in-one peripheral. I imagine the trackpad could go where the numeric keyboard was on the wired version.

Spheric Harlot · Jul 27, 2010, 04:01 PM

Yeah, I got that. But they left it off the wireless keyboard for a reason.

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

Yeah, I got that. But they left it off the wireless keyboard for a reason.

Yes, so you mercifully wouldn't have to buy an entire 'nother keyboard just to get a touchpad.

I know this is Apple, but its not like its impossible to release both versions. (They won't though. Not until 2 years from now when they suddenly remove both products and replace them with one integrated bluetooth keyboard)

ort888 · Jul 27, 2010, 04:18 PM

How about a 3rd party plastic shell that you could snap both into.

Problem solved.

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 04:20 PM

I imagine that'd be more functional than aesthetically pleasing, but its rather clever.

Spheric Harlot · Jul 27, 2010, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

How about a 3rd party plastic shell that you could snap both into.

Problem solved.

Not by Apple.

The Final Dakar · Jul 27, 2010, 04:47 PM

That's why he used the term "3rd party".

PB2K · Jul 27, 2010, 04:52 PM

I think its a wonderful replacement for the dreadful Apple mice, however, I have a macbookpro so I dont need it

turtle777 · Jul 27, 2010, 05:22 PM

Mine is ordered. Should get it later this week

-t

ort888 · 05:43 PM

Apple's lineup of desktops is so annoying. Can I just say that.

You have to spend 2,500 bucks just to get a system you can even open up. Ugh.

I've been wanting a desktop for a while now, and honestly none of Apple's current offerings appeal to me. Well, the towers do, but not for $2,500 bucks.

The iMac might work if I could at least change out the hard drive without suction cups and dozens of screws. That crap is scary.

The Mini is sort of appealing, but I still feel like it's way overpriced, and I don't like that you are stuck with a 2.5" drive that you can't easily replace.

I swap out hard drives all the time. It's super easy on a MacBook... why is it such a pain in the butt on a Mini or iMac?

besson3c · Jul 27, 2010, 05:35 PM

It's too bad it is Mac only, it might otherwise become universally popular.

mattyb · Jul 27, 2010, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Mine is ordered. Should get it later this week

How many Apple products DON'T you have?

besson3c · Jul 27, 2010, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

Apple's lineup of desktops is so annoying. Can I just say that.

You have to spend 2,500 bucks just to get a system you can even open up. Ugh.

I've been wanting a desktop for a while now, and honestly none of Apple's current offerings appeal to me. Well, the towers do, but not for $2,500 bucks.

The iMac might work if I could at least change out the hard drive without a suction cups and dozens of screws. That crap is scary.

The Mini is sort of appealing, but I still feel like it's way overpriced, and I don't like that you are stuck with a 2.5" drive that you can't easily replace.

I swap out hard drives all the time. It's super easy on a MacBook... why is it such a pain in the butt on a Mini or iMac?

Perhaps because taking your computer into a Mac store = more money for Apple?

Have you thought about Hackintosh?

turtle777 · Jul 27, 2010, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by mattyb

How many Apple products DON'T you have?

I actually run rather conservative CPU upgrade cycles (at least, compared to some here).

Since 1996, I owned only five different Macs for myself.

-t

ort888 · Jul 27, 2010, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Perhaps because taking your computer into a Mac store = more money for Apple?

Have you thought about Hackintosh?

Apple geniuses swap out hard drives on iMacs? For a fee I assume?

I'm starting to think more and more about hackintoshes, yes...

SSharon · Jul 27, 2010, 05:45 PM

File this in the "I don't think I'll ever buy one" category. I love the trackpad on my MBP, but I could never see paying $70 for this. I haven't used a stock Apple mouse in years either. I only wish one of the rollers didn't die in my kensington trackball otherwise I would still be using that.

tooki · Jul 27, 2010, 05:47 PM

No, they will not. But an Apple authorized service provider will.

Spheric Harlot · Jul 27, 2010, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

It's too bad it is Mac only, it might otherwise become universally popular.

It works with Windows.

Basic functionality only, of course.

Laminar · Jul 27, 2010, 06:14 PM

Am I the only one that hates working with a trackpad? Give me a two button mouse and scroll wheel any day.

mattyb · Jul 27, 2010, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Am I the only one that hates working with a trackpad? Give me a two button mouse and scroll wheel any day.

Yeah me too, I actually hate using the trackpad on Apple laptops. You just cannot get as precise using your fingers as you can with a mouse.

Atheist · Jul 27, 2010, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Am I the only one that hates working with a trackpad? Give me a two button mouse and scroll wheel any day.

I'm with you... I can't stand trackpads... love my Magic Mouse!

imitchellg5 · Jul 27, 2010, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

I swap out hard drives all the time. It's super easy on a MacBook... why is it such a pain in the butt on a Mini or iMac?

You're holding it wrong.

mattyb · Jul 27, 2010, 06:35 PM

And why is it near your butt?

downinflames68 · Jul 27, 2010, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Am I the only one that hates working with a trackpad? Give me a two button mouse and scroll wheel any day.

Originally Posted by mattyb

Yeah me too, I actually hate using the trackpad on Apple laptops. You just cannot get as precise using your fingers as you can with a mouse.

Agree. A mouse is even more precise than my cintiq, really, since you can see the cursor so well. I think the cintiq is more natural, but when adjusting CVs and stuff in cad, or splines in illustrator, the mouse is far superior.

Originally Posted by Atheist

I'm with you... I can't stand trackpads... love my Magic Mouse!

Magic mouse= massive fail. I'm not sure why Apple refuses to acknowledge ergonomics, but it really pisses me off. Ever since the iMac puck, apple's mice have been flat out garbage. Hands do NOT shape like that, which can lead to all sorts of discomfort and eventual nerve damage. You can disagree if you like but I've taken like 3 years of human factors and read a bunch of books on the subject so I wouldn't bother saying that I'm wrong.

That said, they look nice.

Laminar · Jul 27, 2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

You can disagree if you like but I've taken like 3 years of human factors and read a bunch of books on the subject so I wouldn't bother saying that I'm wrong.

imitchellg5 · Jul 27, 2010, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

Magic mouse= massive fail. I'm not sure why Apple refuses to acknowledge ergonomics, but it really pisses me off. Ever since the iMac puck, apple's mice have been flat out garbage. Hands do NOT shape like that, which can lead to all sorts of discomfort and eventual nerve damage.

Funny, I actually like the 2nd version of the puck which has more of a bulge in the middle and then a bit of an indentation for the clicker. However, you're absolutely correct about the Magic Mouse. I feel fatigued after only an hour or so of Photoshop work with my iMac's Magic Mouse. I've kept around my Mighty Mouse, because as mediocre as the Mighty Mouse is, it's a lot better than the Magic Mouse. But again, the Magic Mouse is a very well built piece of hardware and I love multitouch.

ort888 · Jul 28, 2010, 01:15 AM

Originally Posted by tooki

No, they will not. But an Apple authorized service provider will.

I called mine out of curiosity. $99 bucks. Ha.

While I understand why they charge that price, I'm not paying it.

AKcrab · Jul 28, 2010, 01:36 AM

Originally Posted by ort888

I called mine out of curiosity. $99 bucks. Ha.

While I understand why they charge that price, I'm not paying it.

Is there a price you would pay?

Spheric Harlot · Jul 28, 2010, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

Magic mouse= massive fail. I'm not sure why Apple refuses to acknowledge ergonomics, but it really pisses me off. Ever since the iMac puck, apple's mice have been flat out garbage. Hands do NOT shape like that, which can lead to all sorts of discomfort and eventual nerve damage. You can disagree if you like but I've taken like 3 years of human factors and read a bunch of books on the subject so I wouldn't bother saying that I'm wrong.

I'm with Laminar:

I'll just quote something I posted here a while ago:

Why doesn't anybody ever note that there are two basic ways to use a mouse:

1.) Rest your entire hand on the mouse. The movement comes from the upper arm. Forget precision. Apple mice have all sucked since the first ADB mouse in 1987.

2.) The wrist is firmly set down on the tabletop. The mouse is moved lightly between the fingers. Light, precise movement. Big-ass clunky Microsoft mouse and virtually everything Logitech has built suck ass, including every "ergonomic" (nightmare) mouse ever built. Every Apple mouse is a pleasure to use, with the possible exception of the hockey puck (I never had a problem with it, but understand why people would).

This is fundamental. And nobody ever mentions it. Why?

BTW, I'm the second type, and the Magic Mouse is hands-down the nicest, most comfortable mouse I've ever used - in twenty years.

(I'd still rather have the Magic Trackpad)

Salty · Jul 28, 2010, 06:48 AM

Wait... people actually move the whole mouse with their arm!? Like... not just flicking their wrist, but actually move the mouse across a table!? That's... wow... I didn't realize people actually did that!

osiris · Jul 28, 2010, 08:35 AM

I hope to high heaven that there's no "death swipe".

Atheist · Jul 28, 2010, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

Magic mouse= massive fail. I'm not sure why Apple refuses to acknowledge ergonomics, but it really pisses me off. Ever since the iMac puck, apple's mice have been flat out garbage. Hands do NOT shape like that, which can lead to all sorts of discomfort and eventual nerve damage. You can disagree if you like but I've taken like 3 years of human factors and read a bunch of books on the subject so I wouldn't bother saying that I'm wrong.

That said, they look nice.

Well...I'm sure your books are nice and informational and all that... but I'm just going by personal experience. I admit the first day I found the Magic Mouse a little difficult to use but now it's by far the most comfortable mouse I've ever used. I no longer feel any kind of wrist pain (every mouse I've used in the past would result in some form of pain) and better yet, my ganglion cyst is almost gone.

And come to think of it, how would the Magic Trackpad be any different than the Magic Mouse? From what I can gather, your hand/wrist position would be almost identical... and your hand isn't shaped like a trackpad either.

OldManMac · Jul 28, 2010, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

You can disagree if you like but I've taken like 3 years of human factors and read a bunch of books on the subject so I wouldn't bother saying that I'm wrong.

It's odd how you never are, isn't it?

I've got mine on order, along with the battery charger.

The Final Dakar · Jul 28, 2010, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Am I the only one that hates working with a trackpad? Give me a two button mouse and scroll wheel any day.

Depends on the task at hand. When I'm roaming on the internet in bed I'm very glad not to use the mouse for the few and limited movements I'll probably be making.

Phileas · Jul 28, 2010, 10:10 AM

The Magic Mouse is hands down the most usable, most comfortable mouse I've ever used - and also a huge

@ Rob, with the "I've read books" comment.

ort888 · Jul 28, 2010, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by AKcrab

Is there a price you would pay?

I don't know. I'm a cheap bastard.

I know that the cool Mac store is a business and I think $100 is a reasonable amount for them to charge for the service... but the problem is that I don't want to buy a product that needs $100 worth of labor charges when I swap out the hard drive... which I have done about once a year for the last 15 years or so. I also don't want to have to pull the entire screen off with suction cups to do it either.

What would I pay? Maybe $50.

And look, I've read some books. So my opinion is irrefutable.

Phileas · Jul 28, 2010, 10:20 AM

I've read books about your books!!!!!!

downinflames68 · Jul 28, 2010, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

\
I'll just quote something I posted here a while ago:

The second way you mentioned, rotating the wrist, is EXACTLY what leads to carpal tunnel. Go ahead, keep using it like that, and eventually you're going to need this:

A mouse should conform to the hands shape (thus no symmetrical mouse is good design), being large enough to rest the weight of the hand. This allows you to move from the elbow, while still maintaining fingertrip control for precision. The majority of movement should be from the elbow though. The surface should curve toward the centerline of your body at a 30-40 degree angle to take into account the natural angle of your wrist.