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Apple Launches Magic Trackpad, On Sale Now for $69

The rumors were true.

By Norman Chan  |  July 27, 2010

Surprise, the rumors were true. Tucked away among the many updates in the Mac line today was the official announcement of the Apple Magic Trackpad. We'd already speculated last week what this trackpad could mean for the future of Apple's business, and it looks like its ambitions are a little lower than predicted (ie. with no pressure detection, it's no Wacom killer). 
Instead, this device is basically the multi-touch trackpad from a Macbook, enlarged for Desktop use. Here are all the important details, including its reasonable price. 
 
 
The wireless Magic Trackpad is one large glass button, and supports all the same multi-touch gestures as its MacBook counterpart (eg. pinch to zoom, three-finger swiping, etc). The only big difference is its size -- Apple claims that it is nearly 80% larger (by area) than trackpad on a MacBook Pro, though they don't specify how many inches it actually is--nor did Apple specify which MacBook Pro trackpad they're using to make this comparison. We're going to assume the MBP 13".
 
For what it's worth, the Magic Trackpad is based on the same aluminum design as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, and is even angled to be flush with the keyboard when put side by side. (The Wireless Keyboard is 4.5" tall)
 
Apple lists the system requirements as a Bluetooth enabled Mac computer (Mac OS X), so we're unsure if this will work on PCs with Bluetooth support. It also runs on two AA batteries, which are included. Apple is also now offering a AA battery wall charger, so there's a chance that the included batteries will be rechargeable. It's range is 33 feet.

We're on our way over to the Apple store right now to pick up one of these trackpads, so expect a first look hands-on later today. All questions will be answered!
 
The Apple Magic Trackpad is available now at apple stores or online for $69. What are your thoughts on this product? Mac users, are you considering buying one?
27 Comments
Adam42on July 27, 2010 at 8:54 a.m.
Pretty sweet. Seems like it'd be a joy to use this with Photoshop or GIMP.
Aeshiron July 27, 2010 at 8:54 a.m.
But why would I want a trackpad when I have a mouse? I dun unnerstan. You so seely Apple!
cspiffoon July 27, 2010 at 8:57 a.m.
Wow!  That thing seems utterly useless for a desktop PC.  The first thing I do with a laptop when I'm at home is plug in a mouse.  I hate using trackpads.  And what's the deal with no pressure sensitivity?  
Aeshiron July 27, 2010 at 9 a.m.
@Adam42:
No, trackpads are awful for drawing. Single-pixel cursors are infinitely more accurate than fat human fingers. It just doesn't work.
Addfwynon July 27, 2010 at 9:08 a.m.
It seems kinda cool, but I actually really like trackpads.  I feel like I'm in a minority here and the product won't be that successful, cause most people prefer mice for most home uses. 
 
That said, I do miss a lot of the macbook trackpad gestures on my desktop, so being able to replicate that will be kinda nice.  Also it'd sit in my lap a lot easier for using it as something of a media-remote for watching stuff on my iMac for a distance. 
 
Killer product?  I think not
Viderianon July 27, 2010 at 9:09 a.m.
Looks nice and all but what is this for anyways?  I guess it looks nicer then a keyboard with a mouse next to it. With out pressure  detection, what is the point of a large trackpad?
ChrisTiltonon July 27, 2010 at 9:59 a.m.
I can see this being somewhat useful to a limited audience if the trackpad was actually physically connected to the keyboard. That audience would be those who've connected their mac to their TV in the living room, such as the new Mac Mini. It would make using it on the couch a lot easier than dealing with a mouse. As a separate device, however, it seems largely useless.
nschwermannon July 27, 2010 at 10:52 a.m.
I will pick on of these up if it will work with my pc, otherwise I'm happy with the smaller one on my macbook
AHRon July 27, 2010 at 10:58 a.m.
What the hell?   So does Apple think we're moving towards a mouseless future?  Is this just because they make terrible, terrible mice?
Forteon July 27, 2010 at 11:03 a.m.
I have a $50 mouse...  I would rather use that than a laptop trackpad any day, no matter how big.  It may be useful as a supliment for a mouse, but most of the gesture based inputs seem like they would be easier with a keyboard and scroll wheel.  $69 is a lot of cash for something that only seems mildly useful.
samsaturdayon July 27, 2010 at 11:03 a.m.
Neat. I like my Macbook's trackpad but I tend to prefer using a mouse. I don't think I'd use one of these unless it actually came with a Mac.
Rehehellyon July 27, 2010 at 11:21 a.m.
1) Why is it wireless? I hate wireless desktop devices.
2) Seriously? Do they REALLY think that a mouse is becoming obsolete? The multi touch is nice but it's still a track pad, it's imprecise and annoying to use. The multi touch is nice because you don't have a mouse, with a mouse it's pretty useless.
 
Stupid.
stevemanuon July 27, 2010 at 11:23 a.m.
Hmmm I dont really see the point, I mean people buy mice for laptops and now there is a trackpad for desktops, it makes no sense.
will staff on July 27, 2010 at 12:29 p.m.
I personally would be much more interested in this if it could be attached to a keyboard. I really like the touchpad on laptops when I'm working because it lets me move the cursor without lifting my keys from the keyboard. I just drop my thumb to the pad, swipe, and am back working without having to lift my hand from the home keys. Because of the damage I've done to my wrists over the years, the less I can use the mouse, the more comfortable I am.  
 
But, making it that big so that it has to be off to the side means it's going to be much less interesting to me, I think.
BaskervilleManoron July 27, 2010 at 12:53 p.m.
Why Apple just didn't do the trackpad alone to begin with is beyond me.  This trackpad should have been out like 2 to 3 years ago anyway..  The Magic Mouse is highly annoying to use and horrible to hold and interact with, IMO.  Now, if Apple would only get rid of their current ******* keyboards that look oh so cool yet are so damn small and horrible to type on.
Skipon July 27, 2010 at 1:01 p.m.


I guess it depends on how much you like your mouse.  I've always preferred a trackball for casual use, so I would be interested in a multi-touch pad.  You are not going to game with it, but that’s not what it is for.  A nice large surface that fits your whole hand seems about the right size for real multi-touch controls. 
 
Will, maybe they'll make a full size keyboard, with the num pad under the touch glass.  ;)    

WEGGLESon July 27, 2010 at 1:15 p.m.
I don't get it.
 
Track-pads always seemed like a less than stellar mouse replacement, that I only use because I don't want to lug a mouse... 
 
Guess I'm not the target market for this then.
MisterMouseon July 27, 2010 at 2:11 p.m.
there isnt enough functionality with this piece of hardware to make it buy worthy.
MAGZine moderator is online on July 27, 2010 at 2:28 p.m.
I was reading the same story on Digg.com, and a lot of people seem to think that this is going to be a viable replacement for a mouse, but I, with you guys, agree that I don't really see a point in this. Perhaps if you're a big gesture person, but I prefer the precision and speed of my mouse any day of the week.
jasonefmonkon July 27, 2010 at 3 p.m.
The rubber feet at the front bottom corners depress for a physical click. While this is useless for gaming or editing, day to day it would be handy. All of those gestures are very efficient.
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