updated 09:25 am EDT, Tue July 27, 2010
Apple intros optional multi-touch pad and new LCD
Apple's introductions today were joined by two new, major accessories. The Magic Trackpad is Apple's first trackpad designed for a desktop and uses the same surface-as-a-button design as the pad on a MacBook Pro. With an 80 percent larger surface, though, it theoretically allows for more precision. It also has the same angle as the official Wireless Keyboard and is potentially more comfortable than the Magic Mouse over long periods.
The peripheral uses Bluetooth for input and supports the same range of multi-touch input as a MacBook, such as two-finger scrolls, three-finger swipes and rotation. Apple sells the Magic Trackpad by itself through the Apple Store for $69 and as an option for Macs.
Also enroute is the 27-inch LED Cinema Display. The screen is the first LED-backlit model larger than the 24-inch model and uses the same 2560x1440, 16:9 ratio panel as the 27-inch iMac. As an IPS-based screen, it provides higher than average color accuracy. The screen still shares the same notebook-friendly options as its predecessor and has its own MagSafe connector to charge a MacBook or MacBook Pro as well as a three-port USB hub and a built-in iSight camera. The larger size affords a more powerful sound system, and the Cinema Display can now put out 49W of power across a 2.1-channel speaker array.
Apple plans to ship the 27-inch display in September for $999. The 24-inch model is no longer readily listed and may be phased out soon.
As a bonus for Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse owners, Apple has also quietly slipped out the Apple Battery Charger. The $29 accessory charges up to two batteries at a time and is small enough that the entire charger plugs into a wall outlet. It intelligently scales back power draw once a battery is full, to as little as 30mW; the figure is about 10 times better than average, Apple claims. The charger costs $29 but includes six rechargeable batteries in the pack.