No software upgrades to enable Multitouch Trackpad

[aphex]

When the Air was first released, many people speculated the multitouch trackpad could be enabled on the existing macbook/MBP's via a software update

Well, maybe not.

Check out this article from MacRumors; http://www.macrumors.com/2008/...unique-to-macbook-air/

Yesterday, T3.co.uk published a story based on statements from Apple that existing MacBook and MacBook Pro owners might see expanded multitouch trackpad capabilites through a software-only update. The statement, however, was inaccurate and resulted in T3.co.uk pulling the original article.

Apple later clarified to T3.co.uk that the new Multitouch Trackpad is indeed unique to the Air, implying that existing Apple notebook owners should not expect to see these features added:

"MacBook Air features the most advanced trackpad we've ever made, integrating the multi-touch technology from the iPhone. This integrated feature is unique to MacBook Air."
This also correlates with disassembly photos that revealed the MacBook Air incorporates the same multitouch controller as the iPhone, which is not found in previous Apple notebooks.

While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click), Apple introduced 3 new gestures (swipe, pinch/expand, rotate) in the MacBook Air. Apple, of course, is rumored to be adding the new advanced multitouch trackpad to future Macbooks and MacBook Pros.

Guess this can confirm it.

I'm still up in the air how useful this feature would be for myself. I played with the Air and liked it, but dunno how much I would actually use it. Guess it couldnt hurt to have though.

 

[Kaido]

Definitely not on current non-Air laptops simply because of that multi-touch chip.

I'm sure it will be integrated into future laptops. Their wording is such as to not reveal future upgrades ("is unique to the MacBook Air" was not followed by "forever") and does not exclude future upgrades in any way. That feature is too neat to pass up, especially in the Pro-level laptops. What Photoshop user wouldn't want that feature on their laptops? Also I hope they release a giant multi-touch trackpad (as a separate device); they bought FingerWorks which used to sell that very device:

http://www.fingerworks.com/index.html

 

[bearxor]

I never had hope for it being added to my current notebook, nor would I really want it, but it's for sure heading to future models.

 

[TheStu]

I had some hope that they would find a way to alter teh touchpad functionality a little. The trackpad is able to detect between 1, 2 and 3 fingers, so i had hoped they could have finagled something.

 

[intogamer]

Apple will probably save it for teh *next* Macbook Pro marketing..

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: aphex

While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click),

As in right-click? How does one do that with just the trackpad?

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: kamper

Originally posted by: aphex

While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click),

As in right-click? How does one do that with just the trackpad?

Put two fingers on the trackpad and press the trackpad button, it right clicks.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: kamper

Originally posted by: aphex

While existing Apple notebooks do have some multitouch capabilities (two finger scroll, secondary click),

As in right-click? How does one do that with just the trackpad?

Put two fingers on the trackpad and press the trackpad button, it right clicks.

I do not know if that is enabled by default, but if it is not, then enable it in the System Preferences, under Mouse&Keyboard.

 

[bearxor]

On a fresh install it is not enabled by default (for some ungodly reason) and make sure you turn on clicking in the same preference pane. This way all you have to do is tap two fingers on the trackpad to right click.

When, oh when will Apple put tapping in the Windows drivers?

 

[kamper]

I've got nothing relevant-looking under Mouse&Keyboard. Of course my pb is going on 2.5 years old so maybe the hardware just doesn't support it.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: kamper
I've got nothing relevant-looking under Mouse&Keyboard. Of course my pb is going on 2.5 years old so maybe the hardware just doesn't support it.

Ooo, I think this came out with the Macbook's, I don't think the PB had this feature. Sorry

 

[erikistired]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: kamper
I've got nothing relevant-looking under Mouse&Keyboard. Of course my pb is going on 2.5 years old so maybe the hardware just doesn't support it.

Ooo, I think this came out with the Macbook's, I don't think the PB had this feature. Sorry

some of the newer ones can do it with 10.5.2, but not all PBs can. after using it for awhile i could never go back, i hate using my wife's dell, no finger scrolling, no two finger right click. sucks.

 

[bearxor]

I believe last-gen Powerbooks had advance trackpad functionality. I think the 1.5 12", 1.67 15" and 17".

I think theres also a program to enable similar functionality on older models but the name escapes me.

EDIT: HA! Right after I wrote this I went to download MenuMeters since I reinstalled a couple of days ago and it turns out the same company does a program called SideTrack, which is what I was looking for. This is from their faq:

Q: Does SideTrack support two-finger scrolling on older PowerBooks and iBooks (pre-2005 models)?
A: In order to support two-finger scrolling the trackpad hardware must support detecting two fingers on the trackpad. Some pre-2005 PowerBooks have this capability (W-Enhanced mode); however, they do not allow two-finger detection while operating in absolute tracking mode. SideTrack requires absolute tracking for features like corner tap actions and custom tap filtering. Since SideTrack cannot use two-finger detection on these trackpads without breaking other major features, SideTrack does not support two-finger scrolling on these models.

So it's iffy, but you might try it.

http://www.ragingmenace.com/so...e/sidetrack/index.html

 

[TheStu]

That is also iScroll2 that gets the job done. It is weird though, on my 12" PowerBook, my user account can scroll, my friend's (same machine) cannot. This is with iScroll2 installed on both Users...