Apple released its Magic Trackpad in July 2010 but it wasn't until the release of Lion a year later with its support for multi-touch gestures borrowed from iOS that the device really came into its own. With Windows 8 also set to embrace touch in a big way Logitech has provided a way for Windows 7 users to get is some early Windows touch experience with the Logitech Wireless Touchpad.
The Wireless Touchpad features a touch sensitive surface 5-inches (12.7 cm) across that supports up to four fingers at a time to replicate some of the multi-touch gestures found in Lion, including two-finger scrolling, and three- and four-finger swipes. There's also two physical buttons at the lower edge for left and right clicking. It is powered by two AA batteries, which should provide up to four months of touch swiping and scrolling.
In contrast to Apple's minimalist design fashioned from aluminum that communicates via Bluetooth, Logitech's offering is made from plastic, is a little bulkier and communicates wirelessly to a range of up to 82 feet (25 m) via the 2.4 GHz frequency by way of Logitech's Unifying USB receiver. Only Windows 7 is supported, meaning Apple still has no competition for its Magic Trackpad in OS X.
Logitech's Wireless Touchpad is expected to ship later this month and is available for preorder now for US$49.99.
Here\'s an idea. Make a touch screen monitor that we can use a real stylus on. I dont want to write, draw, or move things on the screen with my fingers. Is this kindergarten? Are we 6 years old? Use a real stylus. With a pointed plastic tip. Can you do that microsoft? probably not...
Fabulous - the misguided rantings of an arty type. The annoying broadcast of your failure to appreciate this device is idiosyncratic of excessively vocal and narrow-minded tech bigots - how like PC-vs.-Mac (pillow)fighters.
Here's an idea: Go save-up for a Cintiq, with which to employ whatever mode of phallic scribbling tool you desire. Leave the multi-tasking and multi-touch gestures to capable computer users. Can you do that Artisteroi? Probably not...
Seriously? I have been using the Magic Trackpad since soon after it came on the market and it has been wonderful. I have had RSI problems and it has allowed me to use multi-gestures and a more flexible input method that helped me immensely.
Rather say that its usefulness has expanded with Lion but it was already well into its own.
Remember Palms input writing Boxes? It was called Swype, and is a free app on the Android store.
May not be faster, but I don't have to hunt-and-peck every frikkin' ietter - I can input without even looking @ my Tablet just using one fingertip.