When will Apple add right click to the MBP?

[SDAVE]

Ctrl+Left click is a bit annoying, so when is Apple going to add it to the MBP? It is called Mac Book Pro after all, right? If you work in graphics applications, right click is very important...that's what most people use Apple's for anyways, it's not always for browsing the web.

I understand that it's an Apple "thing" to have left click only even with the unusable mighty mouse, but it's time to leave that path. It's not hard to cut the huge left click button and make the second one a right click.

[webgoat]

enable it on your touchpad

[gr8tfly]

Enable two-finger tap for right-click. Much more comfortable and accessible than a physical switch. Otherwise, use a two-button mouse.

There is very little chance Apple will ever put a right-click button on the MB/MBP.

[CashGap]

enable it on your touchpad

Yep, I was a complainer, enabled it on touchpad, no complaints now.

[georgi0]

and why cant you just put your two fingers on the touchpad?

it's the same, i think.

[ricgnzlzcr]

I actually wouldn't want two buttons below the trackpad. I'm really used to putting two fingers down and clicking. It just works a lot better for me.

[aquajet]

Alternatively, if you enable "Clicking" in the Keyboard and Mouse preference pane then you can use two fingers for secondary click.

[notsofatjames]

I wouldn't want two buttons. I hardly use the one I've got. Two finger tapping is the best!

[theman]

i am a new switcher and was annoyed by the 1 button at first, but then after i figured out the 2 fingers on the trackpad thing, it's been great. it's so much cleaner, simpler, and you never *miss* and hit the wrong button. its also more comfortable on the hand because you can hit that big button anywhere. love it. but, 2 buttons are REQUIRED for a mouse, because holding CTRL when you want to open a menu is annoying as heck.

[gr8tfly]

i am a new switcher and was annoyed by the 1 button at first, but then after i figured out the 2 fingers on the trackpad thing, it's been great. it's so much cleaner, simpler, and you never *miss* and hit the wrong button. its also more comfortable on the hand because you can hit that big button anywhere. love it. but, 2 buttons are REQUIRED for a mouse, because holding CTRL when you want to open a menu is annoying as heck.

The Apple MM has 4 buttons (L/C/R and side).

[Bill Gates]

Two-finger right-click works just fine for me.

[pianodude123]

I, would like to have a physical right click as well, even though i use two finger...

[chaosbunny]

Hopefully, never!

No gfx pro is going to use the trackpad for a long time. Doing actual work with the pad for more than a few hours maximum is just a pain anyway. And with 2 buttons it hurts even more since you need to move your fingers in weird ankles even more.

Mouse wise I prefer 2 buttoned ones, but 2 buttons on a trackpad are plain useless imo. 2 finger click or right click is way smoother and faster.

[TheStu]

I'm glad that Apple pushed out the mighty mouse since 1 button mice on desktops are a pain in the a$$ to use. But you'll get me to give up my 2 finger clicking and scrolling when you pry it from my cold dead scrolling fingers!!!

Seriously, any time I get on a windows laptop (after being thrown by the mouse sensitivity settings) I get caught trying to scroll and secondary click with 2 fingers... all it does is make the cursor jump around the screen. I really should try installing Apple trackpad drivers on my buddy's Inspiron

[squeeks]

I understand that it's an Apple "thing" to have left click only even with the unusable mighty mouse,

unusable? i have two, i use them both just fine (not at the same time)...me thinks its a user error:p

[webgoat]

unusable? i have two, i use them both just fine (not at the same time)...me thinks its a user error:p

yeah i have no problems with the right click on my mighty mouse

[heaven]

Two-finger right-click works just fine for me.

for me, too.. Before I started reading MacRumors I didn't even know that a two-finger right-click existed :)

[SDAVE]

I don't have a MBP, but I used one for the whole weekend...

I guess Apple cares more about aesthetics than usability.

The mighty mouse sucks. It's still in my box, I hate it.

[heaven]

I don't have a MBP, but I used one for the whole weekend...

I guess Apple cares more about aesthetics than usability.

The mighty mouse sucks. It's still in my box, I hate it.

Same here. I have bought one, too. Never used mine after the scroll button stopped responding after a couple of weeks. Trackpad all the way :)

[mrkramer]

I don't have a MBP, but I used one for the whole weekend...

I guess Apple cares more about aesthetics than usability.

The mighty mouse sucks. It's still in my box, I hate it.

The two finger right click is much more usable than 2 buttons on the trackpad, but it is probably just what you are used to.

And how do you know that you hate the mighty mouse if it is still in the box?

[pscoble]

The mm has a right click and I love mine...so it's really user prefference as far as that goes I use the two finger thing when I use the trackpad I like it a lot better and I hope we never see a right click on the trackpads.

[TheStu]

I don't have a MBP, but I used one for the whole weekend...

I guess Apple cares more about aesthetics than usability.

The mighty mouse sucks. It's still in my box, I hate it.

What on earth does the Mighty Mouse have to do with the MacBook Pro? And the aesthetics and usability of the MacBooks and MacBook Pros is top notch.

[SDAVE]

The two finger right click is much more usable than 2 buttons on the trackpad, but it is probably just what you are used to.

And how do you know that you hate the mighty mouse if it is still in the box?

Because I used it at my other workplace for 2 days and got pissed off?

I use a Wacom tablet with my Mac Pro...have been using the Wacom mouse recently, and switch with the pen occasionally.

What on earth does the Mighty Mouse have to do with the MacBook Pro? And the aesthetics and usability of the MacBooks and MacBook Pros is top notch.

Eh, I was comparing how Apple wants you to use touch sensative (aka invisible) buttons...same goes for the MBP where you need to put 2 fingers on the trackpad just for a right click.

I never said MBP is not "usable". It's a beautiful piece of machinery, I am just dissapointed at Apple for not caring about a hardwared right click.

[Taylor C]

Double finger tap for right click > two button track pad.

[SDAVE]

Double finger tap for right click > two button track pad.

Personal opinion.

This thread wasn't specifically for people who wanted to say which way is better...but to find out if Apple will "ever" release a 2 button trackpad.

[The Flashing Fi]

What if you use bootcamp to put windows on your MB or MBP? What if you want to open a desktop icon? Is it two clicks to open a desktop icon?

[SDAVE]

What if you use bootcamp to put windows on your MB or MBP? What if you want to open a desktop icon? Is it two clicks to open a desktop icon?

It's the same. I did it on the same MBP the other day which had Vista on it. 2 Fingers on the trackpad and button click = right click.

[heaven]

It's the same. I did it on the same MBP the other day which had Vista on it. 2 Fingers on the trackpad and button click = right click.

Confirmed. Just make sure Boot Camp and the drivers are up to date

[mkrishnan]

This thread wasn't specifically for people who wanted to say which way is better...but to find out if Apple will "ever" release a 2 button trackpad.

No one here knows the answer to that question, although the vast majority of us suspect it is "no."

What I could see them doing is trying to expand their capacitative technology innovation to the way the trackpad works -- continuing for instance the development done with the mighty mouse and/or the touch-screens.

[gr8tfly]

Personal opinion.

This thread wasn't specifically for people who wanted to say which way is better...but to find out if Apple will "ever" release a 2 button trackpad.

I think the point is they already have implemented a 2 button trackpad. As other posters have pointed out, the implementation is more comfortable and efficient. Some might disagree, but I believe the majority feel it's an improvement over 2 physical buttons.

[SDAVE]

No one here knows the answer to that question, although the vast majority of us suspect it is "no."

What I could see them doing is trying to expand their capacitative technology innovation to the way the trackpad works -- continuing for instance the development done with the mighty mouse and/or the touch-screens.

Well if they do something innovative that will appeal to the majority (none Apple fanboys) then I am all for it. Apple is very good at taking things that exist and making them better, so I don't see why this isn't possible.

I do feel that tactile feedback on buttons is still needed for human interaction, so touchpads aren't always the answer.

I think the point is they already have implemented a 2 button trackpad. As other posters have pointed out, the implementation is more comfortable and efficient. Some might disagree, but I believe the majority feel it's an improvement over 2 physical buttons.

I think it's just a work around. The original implementation was for the users to hold Ctrl then click on the button, but Apple probably got many complaints. Remember the single button mouse before the mighty mouse?

[eba]

I'm always amazed (and amused) when I see folks who seem to think that right mouse buttons are somehow hard-wired into our DNA. Yes, the right-click menu is important. But, no, a physical right mouse button is not the only, nor even the best, way to access it. I'm confident that the current Apple setup, which doesn't depend on keeping track of a second button, which allows you to right-click from anywhere on a single large track pad and which accomodates right-handers and left-handers equally (and even allows you to switch hands if you want) is a superior system both functionally and aesthetically.

I hope Apple doesn't mess up its superior system by reverting to old-fashioned technology. It's progress. Things change.

[SDAVE]

I'm always amazed (and amused) when I see folks who seem to think that right mouse buttons are somehow hard-wired into our DNA. Yes, the right-click menu is important. But, no, a physical right mouse button is not the only, nor even the best, way to access it. I'm confident that the current Apple setup, which doesn't depend on keeping track of a second button, which allows you to right-click from anywhere on a single large track pad and which accomodates right-handers and left-handers equally (and even allows you to switch hands if you want) is a superior system both functionally and aesthetically.

I hope Apple doesn't mess up its superior system by reverting to old-fashioned technology. It's progress. Things change.

I am amused that you are trying to shove non-scientific facts down our throats.

[TheStu]

Eh, I was comparing how Apple wants you to use touch sensative (aka invisible) buttons...same goes for the MBP where you need to put 2 fingers on the trackpad just for a right click.

I never said MBP is not "usable". It's a beautiful piece of machinery, I am just dissapointed at Apple for not caring about a hardwared right click.

You place 2 fingers on the trackpad to either scroll or to tap-secondary click. Or you can place 2 fingers on the pad and press the single huge button. In my opinion, this is more usable than only ever using 1 finger, and then having to alter your overall hand position to secondary click.

[eba]

I am amused that you are trying to shove non-scientific facts down our throats.

99.99% of the time, I'd agree with you: personal preference isn't proof of general superiority.

But, seriously, in this instance, the superiority of the current Apple setup - when you factor in the whole package of two-fingered scrolling and two-fingered right-clicking - is patent. The ONLY argument for the old-fashioned second-button approach is familiarity. But as with gas lights, typewriters and other familiar but outdated ways of doing things, times change.

[pscoble]

I am amused that you are trying to shove non-scientific facts down our throats.

what he said is actually true...I can use the two finger thing with ether hand whereas its much harder to do that with an actual right click. I agree it is progress although still old tech :rolleyes: and why the heck did you say that the trackpad thing was only for fanboys. Nice.

[SDAVE]

99.99% of the time, I'd agree with you: personal preference isn't proof of general superiority.

But, seriously, in this instance, the superiority of the current Apple setup - when you factor in the whole package of two-fingered scrolling and two-fingered right-clicking - is patent. The ONLY argument for the old-fashioned second-button approach is familiarity. But as with gas lights, typewriters and other familiar but outdated ways of doing things, times change.

I still don't see how it is old tech. Using 3 fingers instead of 1 doesn't seem like "new tech" to me.

and why the heck did you say that the trackpad thing was only for fanboys. Nice.

You read what I said out of the context. What I said was that some people go crazy with whatever Apple throws at them...such as the Mighty mouse. It's a dumb mouse, seriously. Touch sensative right click? No thanks. Midget scroll wheel? No thanks.

I never said anything about the trackpad. I mentioned that people who think that the 2 finger right click is not a workaround created by Apple must be blind. If Apple REALLY intended to make right clicking via 3 fingers, then they would have done it a long time ago.

[eba]

I still don't see how it is old tech. Using 3 fingers instead of 1 doesn't seem like "new tech" to me.



I didn't initially see the difference either. But when you factor in the whole package, Apple's setup allows you to scroll, left-click and right-click all from any position on the same large track pad - as opposed to hunting and pecking for separate buttons or scrolling nub. The transition beween scrolling and clicking is virtually instanteous. And if I'm in an unfamiliar setting (like the awkward hotel room chair I'm in at present), I can scroll and click with either hand.

When you can scroll with two fingers, using either hand anywhere on a large trackpad, it frankly would be a chore to have your right-click ability tied to a single fixed location. In fact, a second button would just get in the way.

It's just one of those rare instances where it really is a better way of doing things.

[mahonmeister]

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple removed the physical button altogether and introduced a larger, more capable touch-pad with the new MBPs in January. That's partially what the rumors have suggested.

So... why don't I see this mysterious option to enable two finger right clicking? It does work for a PowerBook, right?

[mkrishnan]

So... why don't I see this mysterious option to enable two finger right clicking? It does work for a PowerBook, right?

I think the very last generation of "High Def" Powerbooks that came out before the Macbook Pro had two finger scrolling but not two finger right-clicking. Possibly also the very first generation of MBPs with Core Duo processors.

If you have an older Powerbook, you can get the two finger scrolling with iScroll2 (http://iscroll2.sourceforge.net/), but I'm not sure if you can get the two finger right click.

[mrkramer]

If you have an older Powerbook, you can get the two finger scrolling with iScroll2 (http://iscroll2.sourceforge.net/), but I'm not sure if you can get the two finger right click.

That is what I am using on my powerbook and it does add two finger right click

[bijou]

Repeat to yourself three times:

A Mac is not a pc.
A Mac is not a pc.
A Mac is not a pc.

[TheStu]

I agree with the guy that 2 finger secondary clicking may have been a contrivance cooked up by Apple in order to keep their 1 button interface, but can you honestly say (after actually using it for a few days) that it is a bad idea?

Furthermore, the MacBook Pros and MacBooks use a USB based trackpad, whereas (to the best of my knowledge) the older PowerBooks and iBooks used some other connection. It could be this, in addition to them being larger than the old trackpads that allowed Apple to implement 2 finger usage.

And this anachronistic tie that people have to a second mouse button for a trackpad, or a scroll zone on a trackpad, is just silly. If you actually sit down and use the MacBook or MacBook Pro trackpad, with 2 finger scrolling, and 2 finger secondary clicking turned on, then you may very possibly think the same as most of the rest of us, that it is a very good thing, that most of us would not trade for any number of additional buttons.

[gr8tfly]

And this anachronistic tie that people have to a second mouse button for a trackpad, or a scroll zone on a trackpad, is just silly. If you actually sit down and use the MacBook or MacBook Pro trackpad, with 2 finger scrolling, and 2 finger secondary clicking turned on, then you may very possibly think the same as most of the rest of us, that it is a very good thing, that most of us would not trade for any number of additional buttons.

+1

I had 2-finger scrolling on my 17" PB - it became second nature within minutes of using it. When I got my C2D MBP, the 2-finger tap for right-click was a natural extension of that. They're both implemented so well, I can't remember a time when either of them "mis-fired".

[CalBoy]

I don't have a MBP, but I used one for the whole weekend...
Then maybe you need more time with it. How long have you been using PC trackpads with two buttons and a funky scroll deal on the right-hand side? Probably a lot longer than one weekend.

I guess Apple cares more about aesthetics than usability.
No, Apple cares about aesthetics AND usability; they are not opposing attributes.

The mighty mouse sucks. It's still in my box, I hate it.
Not quite sure what this has to do with the trackpad of a mbp, but I agree. The Mighty Mouse is not Apple at its best.

The two finger right click is much more usable than 2 buttons on the trackpad, but it is probably just what you are used to.

Agreed. I like "Apple's way" of scrolling much better than the "PC" way.

I think the point is they already have implemented a 2 button trackpad. As other posters have pointed out, the implementation is more comfortable and efficient. Some might disagree, but I believe the majority feel it's an improvement over 2 physical buttons.

Agree 100%. Even relatives who have been life-long PC users have found it easy to use the two-finger scroll and right-click when using my mbp.

You place 2 fingers on the trackpad to either scroll or to tap-secondary click. Or you can place 2 fingers on the pad and press the single huge button. In my opinion, this is more usable than only ever using 1 finger, and then having to alter your overall hand position to secondary click.
Another 100% agreement. I have to say that this is one of those things that Apple did do right.

[mahonmeister]

I think the very last generation of "High Def" Powerbooks that came out before the Macbook Pro had two finger scrolling but not two finger right-clicking. Possibly also the very first generation of MBPs with Core Duo processors.

If you have an older Powerbook, you can get the two finger scrolling with iScroll2 (http://iscroll2.sourceforge.net/), but I'm not sure if you can get the two finger right click.Thanks for the info. I do have two finger scrolling so apparently iScroll2 doesn't support my generation of PowerBook. Oh well...

Sorry for being a little off topic.

[jnc]

Same here. I have bought one, too. Never used mine after the scroll button stopped responding after a couple of weeks. Trackpad all the way :)

The scroll button gets dirty fast, that might be the reason for the unresponsive...ness.

[mkrishnan]

Thanks for the info. I do have two finger scrolling so apparently iScroll2 doesn't support my generation of PowerBook. Oh well...

Sorry for being a little off topic.

No probs... when Apple made that transition, they sort of did it quietly, and there were a lot of powerbook owners who kept asking when/if they would get the right click, and no one knew....

One option you do have is to use Sidetrack -- it's not free, and it doesn't do "Apple-style" scrolling. It does Windows-style scrolling along the edges, plus it gives you corner taps for mouse buttons 2/3/4/5 and several other features, all highly configurable. I've had it on my iBook since long before Apple scrolling.

[SDAVE]

Repeat to yourself three times:

A Mac is not a pc.
A Mac is not a pc.
A Mac is not a pc.

A Mac is a PC (especially the new Intel ones) without a BIOS.

Learn before you embarrass yourself with misinformation.

[queshy]

Who needs a right click mouse button?

I never use the mouse buttons ever...the touchpad is much easier (I can click faster with the touchpad). The double tap for right click makes so much more sense than the button.

Very weird though...on my iMac, with my MM, I've come to pressing control-click to right click rather than use the right button on the MM. I find it much more enjoyable to just click anywhere on my mouse to left click, because 90% of the time I am left clicking anyway. I find it to be more ergonomic, but hey, that's just me.

I'm perfectly with the right-click systems apple has integrated.

[TheStu]

A Mac is a PC (especially the new Intel ones) without a BIOS.

Learn before you embarrass yourself with misinformation.

Well, in the sense that the Mac is a Personal Computer you are right, it is a PC. However, since the generally accepted 'definition' for a PC is something that runs Windows, then a Mac is not a PC, in that its original purpose is not to run Windows, but to run OS X regardless of whether or not the system is capable of running Windows.

So, you are still technically correct. However, perhaps you should learn to be a little less anal before you correct someone for 'misinformation'

[CalBoy]

A Mac is a PC (especially the new Intel ones) without a BIOS.

Learn before you embarrass yourself with misinformation.

Perhaps he should have written "A Mac is not a Wintel machine." Although even this is a half truth, because through Bootcamp, Macs are Wintel machines:eek:

Seriously though, the important thing to remember is, Apple does things differently, and in this case, I happen to like Apple's way of doing things. In other ways the Wintel industry (the real one, not the pseudo one we can claim via Bootcamp) does things better.

Either way, cool yourself. A simple correction would have sufficed; you don't need to flog him;)