Apple today unveiled its long-awaited Magic Trackpad, a replacement for traditional Mac mice that uses multitouch controls.
Just like the multitouch technology incorporated on the iPhone and latest line of Macbook laptops, the Magic Trackpad recognizes gestures that allow users to scroll, rotate, and zoom objects on the computer with seamless finger controls.
These gestures are identical to what Apple currently uses in its Macbooks, but this is the first time they have been incorporated into a larger touch pad and used for a desktop computer.
To be precise, it’s about “80 percent larger than the built-in trackpad on the MacBook Pro,” according to Apple’s product announcement. In addition to being a replacement mouse, users can also use it as a complement to a traditional mouse, but your workspace will definitely start to appear cluttered.
It is positioned to sit on the same incline as the standard Mac keyboard so it should be ergonomically feasible to switch between the keyboard and the Trackpad without too much awkwardness.
The new peripheral is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6.4 and it connects to the computer wirelessly over Bluetooth.
Available immediately, the Magic Trackpad is available for $69.
