Magic Trackpad Explained
The Magic Trackpad is a multi-touch and force touch trackpad produced by Apple Inc. The first generation version was released on July 27, 2010, and featured a trackpad 80% larger than the built-in trackpad found on the then-current MacBook family of laptops. A redesigned second generation version, initially marketed as Magic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015.
Models
1st generation
The first generation Magic Trackpad was released on July 27, 2010. It is made of glass and aluminum in the same style as Apple's Wireless Keyboard and sits flush with it.[2] [3] The entire trackpad can be used as a button, pressing down on the trackpad puts pressure on two circular feet below to register a click.[4] The trackpad connects via Bluetooth and is powered by two AA batteries.[5]
2nd generation
The second generation Magic Trackpad, initially marketed as the Magic Trackpad 2, was released on October 13, 2015, alongside the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2.[6] It had 29% more surface area than the first generation model, features an enclosed wedge design, and adds support for Force Touch.[7] [8] [9] It also provides haptic feedback via Apple's built-in Taptic Engine that is also used in MacBook trackpads.[10] It include a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and uses the Lightning connector for charging and pairing.[11] Released in 2020, iPadOS 13.4 introduced mouse support to iPads for the first time, and supports all functionality of the second-generation Magic Trackpad.
It was originally released in white, and was followed by a space gray version that was introduced with the iMac Pro in 2017 alongside a color-matching Magic Keyboard; both were later made available as standalone purchases.[12] Seven pastel models (red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple) were introduced in 2021 to match the colors of the M1 iMac. Additionally, standalone purchases included a USB-C to Lightning cable instead of a USB-A cable. In 2022, the space gray color was replaced by a black-and-silver version which was previously only available bundled with the third-generation Mac Pro.[13]
Reception
Reviews of the first generation Magic Trackpad lauded its design but criticized its price. Scott Stein of CNET wrote, "Apple's $69 Bluetooth device is minimalist and not particularly cheap"; "We're not sure we'd ditch our mouse and use the Magic Trackpad, but it's a compact solution for the touch-addicted." Macworld also praised the trackpad's design similarity with the Apple Wireless Keyboard: "The Magic Trackpad is the same height and angle of inclination as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, making them a good fit, in terms of size and style."
In reviews of the second-generation Magic Trackpad, reviewers praised the new Force Touch functionality, better ergonomics over the Magic Mouse, and full compatibility with macOS and iPadOS, but noted its high price tag.[14] [15]
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: Apple Magic Trackpad (photos). Cnet.com. October 25, 2017. October 26, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171026005159/https://www.cnet.com/pictures/apple-magic-trackpad-photos/. live.
- Web site: Stein . Scott . Hands-on look at Apple Magic Trackpad . . April 7, 2010 . July 27, 2010 . December 1, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171201064257/https://www.cnet.com/news/hands-on-look-at-apple-magic-trackpad/ . live .
- Web site: Apple's Magic Trackpad. https://web.archive.org/web/20210124201612/https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MRMF2LL/A/magic-trackpad-2-space-gray. January 24, 2021. Gizmodo. January 28, 2021. live.
- Web site: Hands on with Apple's Magic Trackpad . . July 28, 2010 . October 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211024021759/https://www.macworld.com/article/206795/trackpad_slideshow.html/amp . live .
- Web site: Magic Trackpad – The Multi-Touch trackpad for your desktop. Apple Inc. July 27, 2010. March 18, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210750/https://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/. live.
- Web site: Apple Updates iMac Family with Stunning New Retina Displays. Apple.com. October 25, 2017. April 19, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170419160801/https://www.apple.com/pr/library/2015/10/13Apple-Updates-iMac-Family-with-Stunning-New-Retina-Displays.html. live.
- Web site: Apple's New Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Force Touch Trackpad Are All Rechargeable . November 1, 2015 . November 2, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151102060353/http://gizmodo.com/finally-apples-magic-keyboard-trackpad-and-mouse-no-1736226067 . live .
- Web site: Magic Trackpad 2 . October 19, 2015 . October 16, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151016044315/http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ2R2LL/A/magic-trackpad-2? . live .
- Web site: Apple Magic Trackpad 2 . November 22, 2015 . November 18, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151118053130/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492998,00.asp? . live .
- Web site: 15 October 2015 . Magic Trackpad 2 Teardown . October 20, 2015 . October 18, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151018153909/https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Magic+Trackpad+2+Teardown/51032#s111335 . live .
- Web site: Review: Apple's Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2 add precision and power, lose compatibility . October 20, 2015 . October 21, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151021202336/http://9to5mac.com/2015/10/19/review-apple-magic-keyboard-trackpad-2/ . live .
- Web site: Apple Now Selling Standalone Space Gray Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2 . 1 July 2022 . MacRumors . en . May 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220519074655/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/03/27/apple-selling-space-gray-magic-keyboard/ . live .
- Web site: SEA . Mashable . 9 March 2022 . Apple launched a new Magic Mouse, and yes, it still charges from the bottom . 1 July 2022 . Mashable SEA . en-sg . July 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220701223537/https://sea.mashable.com/tech/19620/apple-launched-a-new-magic-mouse-and-yes-it-still-charges-from-the-bottom . live .
- Web site: Andronico . Michael . 2021-05-25 . After using Apple's Magic Trackpad 2, I can't go back to a mouse . 2023-11-20 . CNN Underscored . en . March 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230329175630/https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/apple-magic-trackpad-2 . live .
- Web site: Magic Trackpad 2 Review . 2023-11-20 . Lifewire . en . September 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230919231034/https://www.lifewire.com/magic-trackpad-2-review-5180621 . live .