I didn’t see this one coming. It looks very intriguing to me, but I think Apple should ease up on using word magic. It kind of enforces the notion that Mac users are at kindergarden level. I have to stop by at Apple store to try it out. It is potentially huge game changer, if it catches on as it can be used with (and sold to) all of the PCs as well. If they have patent on it and this is indeed the future of the mouse, then they got another tool for introducing Apple to PC users.
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GotWake 11:02 pm on July 27, 2010 558 days ago Reply
I ordered one tonight. I think it is going to be great for my iMac. Apple understands how to implement touch input.
rastard 11:14 pm on July 27, 2010 558 days ago Reply
Heh – I misread your post and thought that there was something called “word magic” that you wanted Apple to ease up on. I’m guessing you actually meant “Apple should ease up on using the word ‘magic’”.
I like the styling (very similar form factor to my Apple Bluetooth keyboard), but if it operates in the same manner as the Multitouch Trackpad built into my new Macbook Pro, I’m a bit skeptical that it’s the “future of the mouse.”
I actually hate it. I constantly find myself frustrated when I want to move and click at the same time. While a normal mouse (or even a laptop with a conventional touchpad (or joystick-nub) and separate click-button) allows that to happen in one smooth motion, my MBP’s Multitouch Trackpad seems to require two separate steps — which is a lot slower, especially when “secondary clicking” or performing repetitive actions. I so wish I could revert to the Trackpad/separate button in the older MBP models…
That said, I’m sure a lot of them will be sold.
Birra 10:36 am on July 28, 2010 558 days ago Reply
@rastard, if you look at this article, you’ll see that there are actually button on the trackpad, you just can’t see them.
http://www.businessweek.com/idg/2010-07-27/first-look-apple-s-magic-trackpad.html
rastard 12:39 pm on July 28, 2010 558 days ago Reply
@birra
I actually knew that. With the old Trackpad that had a separate button, however, you could move (on the trackpad) and click (on the button) at the same time. The new version (i.e. button integrated/under the Trackpad) looks cooler and seems slicker, but is far less usable to me.
For example, Try sweeping to select a block of text and secondary clicking (either with two fingers or at the bottom right/left designated corner) at the same time. Fluid to do with a Trackpad w/separate button, even easier with a standard two-button mouse (can right-click while moving the mouse), but far slower with the new integrated trackpad. Now try doing it repeatedly 2 dozen times in a few minutes and you’ll probably see why it grates on me.
RattyUK 9:42 am on July 28, 2010 558 days ago Reply
I think they are actually quoting Arthur C. Clarke
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Arthur C. Clarke, “Profiles of The Future”, 1961 (Clarke’s third law)
Birra 10:12 am on July 28, 2010 558 days ago Reply
Don’t even use a mouse anymore. I’ve found that it’s so much more convenient to use gestures. It’s actually faster for me and I don’t have to make room for my mouse or protect the surface I’m using or carry extra stuff.
It took me a few days before I became more facile with the trackpad than the mouse and perhaps some people never would like it as well as I do.
RattyUK 11:26 am on July 28, 2010 558 days ago Reply
Actually the feet on the trackpad contain the buttons. Which is why there is a gesture for clicking on the right side of the pad or the left side for alt click.