Apple released the Magic Trackpad which is utilizing a very similar design, shape, styling and technology as the new MacBook Pro trackpad. It uses the same Multi-Touch technology which supports a full set of gestures allowing more flexibility with interaction with of what is on your screen and swiping across the trackpad for picture, page, and browser control. The fluid, consistent, and ease of control for scrolling is one of the best features in my mind with the new trackpad.
The surface of the Magic Trackpad is 80% larger than the built-in trackpad on the MacBook Pro, which is already very large for a trackpad, giving a very smooth user experience. The surface is made with a smooth, wear-resistant glass that feels great to the touch. Because the entire surface of the Magic Trackpad is a button, you can click on objects just as you would using a traditional mouse.
For those of you out there that have the Apple Wireless Keyboard (click here for the review) the Apple Magic Trackpad is designed at the same height and angle so you can go from the keyboard to trackpad in one seamless motion.
Connectivity to the Apple Magic Trackpad is done using Bluetooth technology providing a cable-free and uncluttered environment. The Bluetooth connection provides a secure connection from your computer to the trackpad to upwards of 30 feet which is a huge plus, especially when in use during a presentation.
The Apple Magic Trackpad is designed for use with a Mac. A software update was released for a driver update to enable inertia scrolling and three-finger dragging. This three-finger dragging is a unique gesture which enables users to drag windows around quickly. Two-finger gestures are supported including two-finger scrolling, pinch to zoom, and rotate. Invoking of Expose and switching between applications as in the notebook multi-touch trackpads are also available.
When connecting the Apple Magic Trackpad to a Windows 7 laptop with Bluetooth, Windows 7 recognized the Apple Magic Trackpad as a mouse device instead of a trackpad so movement and button action of the trackpad was recognized. However, two-finger scrolling was not available.
The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a wireless keyboard utilizing Bluetooth technology which connects to iPads, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4G, and Macs. It has a slim and sleek design and follows Apple’s stylish and simplistic design principles.
The slim and low profile enclosure is made of anodized aluminum and the keys are crisp and very responsive. In addition to the standard keys the top row consists of options for screen brightness, volume control, play/pause, eject, Exposé, and Dashboard. This keyboard, being wireless, is optimal for travel with your iPad if you need to type something of long length and you are not comfortable with the onscreen keyboard. Additionally, the Apple Wireless Keyboard is one of the slimmest and smallest full-sized keyboard I have seen and it slips nicely into your briefcase or small enough to carry with your iPad.
The Apple Wireless Keyboard runs on two AA batteries and automatically powers itself off to conserve battery and will instantly turn back on when you start typing again. There is a discreet on/off button on the right hand side of the enclosure for when you are away from your desk for extended periods of time.
The cost is $69.00 and is available at most Apple stores as well as online at the Apple website.
Connecting the Apple Wireless Keyboard to the iPad is simple. With the batteries installed in the keyboard, go the “Settings” of your iPad and click on “General.” You will see “Bluetooth” as an option. If the setting is not turned on, enable it now. Now turn on your Apple Wireless Keyboard by pressing and holding the on/off button for about a second until a green light turns on in the top right corner of the keyboard. Your Apple Wireless Keyboard will appear in the list of available devices to connect to. My Apple Wireless Keyboard comes up with a custom name “Tei’s Keyboard” because I had set a custom name when I connected the keyboard to my Mackbook Pro and the iPad recognizes the saved name and displays it for your convenience. You will then be prompted to type in the passkey displayed on the screen and press return. After doing so you will see your keyboard has connected.
Now that your Apple Wireless Keyboard has connected to your iPad you can you use keyboard to type anywhere the onscreen keyboard of the iPad used to come up. The eject button on the keyboard will raise and lower the onscreen keyboard on the iPad. Additionally, the top row of keys for brightness, play/pause, and volume are fully functional as well.
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