New MacBook trackpads

The new aluminum unibody MacBook and updated MacBook Pro models feature a glass trackpad that lacks the traditional Mac single button. With the new design, the entire surface is clickable, offering an increase in the pad surface of 39 percent. The click zone can be configured in a way that could be attractive to Windows converts, allowing a right click by using two fingers or designating it to a particular zone.

The use of etched glass could alleviate previous problems with wear or discoloration. The engineers worked to achieve a specific friction coefficient on the surface, for an optimum tactile feel, Apple claims. Users can now take advantage of multi-touch functions, using pinch to zoom or three finger swipe to browse. A new four-finger swipe gesture is used to access Exposé modes or switch between open applications.

by MacNN Staff