The mouse is dead. Long live the trackpad.
by Volker Weber
Photo: vowe
In contrast to what I said a few days ago, I don't need a full week to evaluate the Magic Trackpad. I haven't touched the mouse since.
The Magic Trackpad wins the editor-refuses-to-give-it-back award. Hands down. Is it a must-have device? No. If you already have the Magic Mouse, stay with it.
Comments
I agree... very amazing device, but I disagree on the magic mouse... if you have one, ditch it for the trackpad.
I'd like to have a Magic Trackpad. But there is a little problem...
After the scroll ball of my Mighty Mouse didn't work any more last year in March, i bought a 3rd party mouse. As i wasn't very happy with it, i put a Magic Mouse on the wishlist for christmas, and i got one. And i like it.
So if i tell my wife now, that i need a new pointing device again, she will kill me... :-)
As I said, if you have a Magic Mouse, stay with it. Especially if it is a sacred mouse. :-)
Had to laugh about that quote from CrunchGear:
I think it’s a great tool but is being lauded by a group of people unfamiliar with decent mice (read: Mac users).
I didn't like the Magic Mouse. Too sharp edges and it was a PITA to do a middle click for example with three fingers (using MagicPrefs or BetterTouchTool). I'm happy now with a 7 button Logitech Performance MX.
But the TrackPad indeed looks interesting.
A SEVEN button mouse?
I still haven't found anything to beat my trusty, very ancient, Microsoft Trackball Explorer. (But then I haven't been looking very hard as I am completely satisfied with it ;-)
Unfortunately it hasn't been made for years (about 5?), and if I ever need to replace it, it's going to cost an arm and a leg (Follow that link above to see what they cost at amazon.com). The best hardware Microsoft ever made, in my opinion.
Yes. Seven. The obvious three on top plus Exposé, Show Desktop, Forward and Back for the thumb.
The weird thing is: if you buy a new Apple computer, you have the mighty mouse included (iMac and above) - the Magic Trackpad can be purchased as an add-on only, not as a replacement for the mouse.
I have it hooked up to my mac pro and just got back from IamLUG where I used it extensively with the Mac Book Pro. Don't miss the trackball at all.
Just bought the trackpad for my iMac. Installation of all the software is a bit strange in my opinion. but after all updates finally got through I'm blown away and really happy with the trackpad.
and I safe plenty of space on my desk :)
Dead chuft* with the Trackpad. Meets the hype and then some (means very, very pleased in "north of England speak" & unfortunately used sparingly).
