Next MacBooks, MacBook Pros To Receive Multi-touch Trackpad

[MacRumors]

AppleInsider also believes the MacBook Air's multi-touch trackpad will make its way into Apple's MacBook Pro line before eventually being extended to the MacBook as well. Evidence of such an update was first reported by MacRumors (1, 2).

In very much the same way that iSight video cams have become commonplace on nearly all of Apple's personal computer systems, the Mac maker will reportedly scale the gesture-based input technology across its notebook lines during the course of the year.

The expected update to the MacBook Pro has reportedly been slightly delayed due to the necessity to complete work on the MacBook Air. Arrival of the new MacBook Pros utilizing Intel's recently released Penryn based mobile processors is now expected in the next few weeks. AppleInsider speculates that Intel's 2.5 and 2.6 GHz models will be used, although that would leave out the top of the line 2.8 GHz "extreme" edition CPU.

According to our Buyer's Guide, the MacBook Pro is ripe for an update. However, a small change in the lineup did occur in November 2007, when Apple added a 2.6 GHz processor option and 250 GB Hard Drive build-to-order options.

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[vertgo]

The old macbooks/pros also have the capability of detecting multitouch, it just doesn't have the software. I will be unhappy the way I was unhappy about the special "hardware" that apple put into 3rd gen ipods so they could have shuffle from the root menu rather than from a variety of other places on the ipod.

[Mudbug]

that's what I wonder as well - since the MacBook already has multi-finger input for scrolling etc, is it possible the multitouch capabilities could come in the form of a system software update?

[fanbrain]

This gives me hope. I have some need for a new machine. This would be a great addition to an already great machine.

[Sannekita]

Cool! now update those damn things because i want to buy them!!!

[Yankees 4 Life]

just ordered a MB onsaturday

[animenick65]

I can only imagine the heat that the 2.8 would give off in a MBP. Its already a very hot machine.

[NewbieNerd]

AppleInsider just posting a big DUH to boost their rumor accuracy?

[milo]

So where the hell is the mac mini update?

That POS is way more out of date than anything else apple is shipping. Seriously, the only thing left with a combo drive, only 2 gigs of ram, no high speed wifi?

Might as well just kill off the damn thing if they're going to leave it so out of date and uncompetitive with everything else in the marketplace. Shame, since it wasn't so bad when it first shipped.

[MisterSalty]

Wow. Check out the pic in the AppleInsider article. Couldn't they find a better finger than that?

[Ptpiz]

I waited for the Macworld Keynote to see if they would announce a new 17" Macbook Pro because I am in the market for one and I want it, the sooner the better.

With all these things floating around that they should be available in the next few weeks, now I am growing unpatient, but I do not want buyer's remorse when the new ones come out. lol

Go ahead and throw them at us APPLE!!!

[Sbrocket]

Originally Posted by NewbieNerd

AppleInsider just posting a big DUH to boost their rumor accuracy?

MR already posted this so either they missed that and reported it as new or pulled the rumor from MR.

Oh, and we can't be sure that the current trackpads are capable of doing the three-finger multitouch events. Certainly they can detect simple things like two-finger scrolling, but there's really no way we can be sure of what all they're capable of. I think the probability of a software update to enable them is low.

[audioadrenaline]

I used to be on the Mini waiting list, but I've since given up on the little guy. I'm glad to hear about the processor boosts--I just wish the final item on my wish list is fulfilled: graphics update to the MBP. And soon!

[Cloudsurfer]

Holding out for Penryn myself. The new trackpad would be a nice addition, but I don't see myself using all the gestures; just give me two-finger scrolling and I'm happy.

[Fourbin]

I also noticed that both Tiger Direct and Buy.com are advertising Mac minis on sale for $549 today. Guessing there will be a processor bump very soon. Hopefully they will update MacBooks across the line too. Tomorrow perhaps?

[hob]

Originally Posted by vertgo

The old macbooks/pros also have the capability of detecting multitouch, it just doesn't have the software. I will be unhappy the way I was unhappy about the special "hardware" that apple put into 3rd gen ipods so they could have shuffle from the root menu rather than from a variety of other places on the ipod.

if it's a software thing, then someone will release a patch - just like with the two -finger scrolling on the pre-2005 powerbooks/ibooks (I hope!)

[EricNau]

Originally Posted by Mudbug

that's what I wonder as well - since the MacBook already has multi-finger input for scrolling etc, is it possible the multitouch capabilities could come in the form of a system software update?

Maybe we'll get an update for $20.

[ErikCLDR]

Wow. The people at AppleInsider are geniuses.

[Teddy's]

Sounds like an understatement but ok. I would be more impressed with a multi touch screen.
Cheers from Frozenland.

[basqarl]

Finally..........! I am so excited.... I can't wait.

[thejadedmonkey]

Originally Posted by Sbrocket

MR already posted this so either they missed that and reported it as new or pulled the rumor from MR.

Oh, and we can't be sure that the current trackpads are capable of doing the three-finger multitouch events. Certainly they can detect simple things like two-finger scrolling, but there's really no way we can be sure of what all they're capable of. I think the probability of a software update to enable them is low.

There was a 3 finger hack for windows drivers.. or maybe it was Ubuntu.. but the MBP trackpad CAN detect 3 fingers, it's just a matter of whether Apple wants to write the $oftware.

Originally Posted by Fourbin

I also noticed that both Tiger Direct and Buy.com are advertising Mac minis on sale for $549 today. Guessing there will be a processor bump very soon. Hopefully they will update MacBooks across the line too. Tomorrow perhaps?

Dang, I've got a new mini on its way here from Apple. Should arrive on Wednesday, I'm gonna be upset if it's an old version and new ones come out Tuesday!

[NorCalLights]

Originally Posted by NewbieNerd

AppleInsider just posting a big DUH to boost their rumor accuracy?

AppleInsider also reports that future Apple laptops will have larger hard drives, faster processors, more RAM and higher-resolution screens.

[Xenious]

Bring on that keyboard too!!! I love the new one from the MBA. Just like my nice wireless one only backlit.

[swingerofbirch]

How big is the MBA trackpad compared to the MB? Anyone happen to know? Just wonder if Apple thinks it needs to be of a certain size to be useful for gestures...

[TedB]

My guess is that Apple will be throwing a press conference at the end of February. I would really doubt that they would release the iPhone SDK and give a small demo about it without a small presentation. This would also give the Macbook designers enough time after MacWorld to update the MacBooks with at least a trackpad update, and hopefully a updated keyboard. It would be a perfect combo to do in a small event.