Apple Magic Trackpad

The Apple Magic Trackpad is designed to accompany and/or be used in lieu of a mouse or the trackpad on any Mac computer (including laptops), as well as PC systems. The Magic Trackpad utilizes the same multi-touch technology as the MacBook Pro trackpad, only it has a much larger surface area. The Trackpad also uses inertial scrolling allowing the user to easily scroll up and down web pages. The Trackpad has a built-in feature allowing the user to simply press down on the surface to physically click or double-click on a web page. The bottom front of the Trackpad has small, rubber feet that allow the user to use the surface to physically click on an item.

The Trackpad's complete gestures include pinching to zoom, two-finger scrolling, rotating with the fingertips, three-finger swiping, and toggling between applications using your four fingers. The user may also customize (enable or disable gestures) on the Trackpad using the options listed in the System Preferences. The Trackpad hooks up with the Mac through Bluetooth wireless technology that provides a wireless connection in as much as 33 feet. The Trackpad works with a Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer, Mac OS X Snow Leopard v 10.6.4, and the latest software update. Use with a PC requires a Bootcamp driver, and is compatible with all Windows XP through Windows 7 computers with Bluetooth.

Advantages for laptop users include a much larger surface area for the user's trackpad. The user is no longer limited to the small square space provided on typical laptops. Mouse users who switch to the Trackpad will no longer require a separate surface to utilize a mouse. The Trackpad was designed to be compatible with the Apple Wireless Keyboard, so they are virtually identical in height.

The Trackpad also provides functions that the keyboard is typically used for, such as switching between running applications. The main disadvantage is the feature (the small rubber feet) that allows the user to physically click on an item does not work when the Trackpad is used on a soft surface, such as a lap or couch. The Trackpad also tends to be more costly than the alternatives, such as a mouse or other types of trackpads. The Apple Magic Trackpad provides a convenient alternative or addition to the traditional smaller trackpad or mouse that accompany Mac and PC computers. The Trackpad's wireless technology allows you to experience convenience, while its surface area provides comfort and greater accessibility.