Apple Wireless Trackpad.

My wireless trackpad was bought shortly after the release in the UK. My main use for the trackpad was during a time when I had ran out of USB ports, and wanted a mouse that wouldn't add to my RSI with heavy use. The positions your hand uses with the trackpad in my opinion is more benificial than detrimental.

- Main features, specifications and Apple's description

The Magic Trackpad is for those lovers of the Apple Laptop users. It has a variety of gestures available to control and interact with the screen. The Trackpad functions using bluetooth, of which can easily be paired with your iMac. The Trackpad, unlike the media remote control for Mac, does not interfere with your Apple Laptop if both are nearby. The Trackpad is looks slick and has no buttons (the left and right clicks are enabled through a firmed tap, or if the 'tap to click' option is enabled in System Preferences, a completely silent touch is needed). Its length is 5.17 inches (13.13 cm) and a width of 5.12 inches (13.01 cm). The Height from the surface is 0.18 - 0.72 inches (0.46 - 1.83 cm). Without batteries the magic trackpad weighs a reasonable 4.94 ounces (140.05g).

- Using the trackpad.

The Apple Magic Trackpad certainly needs a bit of getting used to, even for those who are accustomed with the trackpad on the Macbook Pro. Most of the commands (apart from clicks) are done using different movements of your fingers. Using the trackpad can involve 1, 2, 3 or 4 of your fingers at a time. Scrolling, swiping between web page and a swipe to Expose are just some of the easy gestures to navigate around your Mac with ease. I set my trackpad (using system preferences) to 'tap for click', meaning a simple short tap on the trackpad for a right click, and giving a similar tap using two fingers for the left. The Trackpad can easily be placed next to your Apple Keyboard, and due to its height being the same as the keyboard, the transition is seamless. Occasionally the trackpad can be a little slow in response, particularly with the left clicks if using the two finger method. For use with creative software I give the Trackpad a touch and go review. The glass used for the trackpad has a wonderful soft metallic feel to it, and glides wonderfully underneith your fingers (avoid working with it with clammy, oily or sticky hands... it doesn't like that at all!) Working with the trackpad gives a lot more control than your generic Apple Mouse, and certainly is more comfortable, although you may suffer occasionally with the trackpad having a mind of its own.

- Overall

Overall the trackpad really is a lovely piece of gagetry to play with, and an invaluable piece of equipment if like me, you suffer from RSI. The ability to stretch out your hand and relax some of your fingers while working is fantastic. I've had no major problems with the trackpad, and I'm actually impressed with its battery life. There has been so many times I have forgotten to turn the trackpad off, and even after a year there still seems to be a good amount left.

- Price and availability

As usual your Apple products are priced high. If you love your apple gagets then yes, the £50 you will spend on the trackpad will be money well spent, though it certainly is more of a novelty than a necessity. For those with RSI I would recommend it, those long hours on a computer are made just that bit easier when you hand isn't in agony!

Conclusions

Positives

* Fun to Work with
* Portable
* Surely is a Novelty
* Handy for those with RSI
* Professional look (great for the office!)

Negatives

* Can get dirty
* Overpriced