Apple updates iMac line, releases Magic Trackpad
The reign of the mouse is coming to an end as Apple is bringing its multi-touch trackpad to its new line of iMac desktop computers with the release of the Magic Trackpad
Author: Olivier Laurent
The Magic Trackpad, which is sold separately but could replace the computer's mouse, "brings the intuitive Multi-Touch gestures of Mac notebook trackpads to the desktop," says the Cupertino-based company. "With its glass surface, the wireless Magic Trackpad allows users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos."
It adds: "The Magic Trackpad can be configured to support single button or two button commands and supports tap-to-click as well as a physical click." It retails at £59.
The release comes as Apple unveiled a new update to its line of iMac desktop computers. The new line, which starts at £999, now includes the latest Intel Cor i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors with speeds of up to 3.6GHz. "The processors feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory," says Apple.
The computers also sport new ATI Radeon HD Processors and come with Mac OS X Snow Leopard.
The new line is available now in the following configurations:
The 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail price of £999.
The 21.5-inch 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail price of £1249.
The 27-inch 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac, for a suggested retail price of £1399.
The 27-inch 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 iMac, for a suggested retail price of £1649 (with the possibility of upgrading to Intel's Core i7 processor).
For more information, visit apple.com/uk.
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Comments
Is it just me?
Track pads never feel and look as accurate as mice, this does not seem like a great idea. I think the reason Apple is going away from mice, though is because their mice are also very inaccurate and clunky to use. I constantly bring a mouse with to the computer lab at my college...I'm not pitching a single competitor, basically any mouse (MS, or Logitec, or HP or several others) that I have used feel and react better than Apple's. Instead of going away from mice, develop a better one!
To finish my rant--our lab changed to all those super sleek looking keyboards (also in the photo). Worse keyboard ever! It's flat, has stiff unresponsive keys, not ergonomic and for men (there were 8 men in my class who all complained) the key spacing is tight.
I get the well designed look, but what happened to function?
Posted by: Jamie on 31 Jul 2010 at 21:48
good keyboard
I am concerned about Jamie's remarks about the Apple keyboards. I have been touch typing since the early 1960s, and have used about 35 keyboards of every sort with all sorts of computers from the Pet and Amstrad to my present Macs, and am really enjoying typing with the new aluminium and white plastic job, which I find quicker and more comfortable than any other. I rather agree about the magic mouse: it is better if you keep cleaning the scroll wheel with a very little spirit on a lint free cloth, but not a great success.
Posted by: Phil on 02 Aug 2010 at 08:54
Inaccurate Apple mouse?
The point about the Apple scroll-ball on the Mighty Mouse is true, but the new Magic Mouse is fantasticly quick and accurate. The person talking about the Apple mouse being inaccurate should go to their settings and change the speed of the mouse. If left on the default, the mouse can seem very slow.
I use a new iMAC and I have constantly wished for a trackpad for certain programs. I will be going out to get one soon, but will use it in tandem with my Magic Mouse.
Posted by: Rizz on 05 Aug 2010 at 15:09
Inaccurate Apple mouse?
The point about the Apple scroll-ball on the Mighty Mouse is true, but the new Magic Mouse is fantasticly quick and accurate. The person talking about the Apple mouse being inaccurate should go to their settings and change the speed of the mouse. If left on the default, the mouse can seem very slow.
I use a new iMAC and I have constantly wished for a trackpad for certain programs. I will be going out to get one soon, but will use it in tandem with my Magic Mouse.
Posted by: Rizz on 05 Aug 2010 at 15:09