Glass Touch Pad on Next MacBook?

[MacRumors]

9to5Mac posts a brief teaser about the next MacBook. Hidden within the text of the posting is simply "glass trackpad!!!!".

No further details are provided so readers are left guessing at the implication of a "glass trackpad" would be.

Article Link

[Tallest Skil]

Multi-touch/customizable keyboard/not happening anyway

Not a mini-screen.

[Tosser]

_Glass_ trackpad? Sheesh, I hope not!

It would be yet another thing to acttract fingerprints and I wouldn't see any purpose in making them glass (or even glossy, for that matter).

LOL, if I was buying another mbp after the one I'm writing this on, a glass track pad would be a deal breaker on its own.

[KindredMAC]

Could it be something like the Nintendo DS perhaps? Maybe we aren't ready for a tablet and this would be the first evolutionary step towards that.

[krye]

What would be the purpose of a glass track pad? So it could show how greasy your fingerprints are? No thanks. I can't imagine how glass would improve a track pad. More accurate? I doubt it. It's not like the current implementation isn't accurate. Sounds like useless laptop "bling" to me. I hope the rumor community falls on its face with this one.

[xbigman15x]

Nah, pretty simple. take a small version of the iPod Touch and put it were the trackpad normally is. Which could imply they plan to incorporate many new multi touch features, they are really taking that "Greener Apple" to heart these days, or like someone else said, some kind of DS functionality.

If you ask me i say an interesting concept that i might have to buy depending on how it is done.

[iJawn108]

the ipod touch/iphone screen is the same size as the current trackpads :\

[Apple Ink]

9to5mac is a very reliable source but if you'd actually check the link out.... you'll find that the video is just a "concept" video which they haven't even made themselves! Official info to come 'later this week'

[kgiglio2]

My guess is that you will just be able to use your existing iPhone or iPod touch as the trackpad for the Macbook line. this would mean that every existing Macbook and new Macbook would be able to use the same touch-screen trackpad technology. It doesn't even have to be embedded on the laptop hardware; you could keep it on your lap or on the desk next to your computer if you want.

Possibly can be done with a significant Remote App update and a software update.

Sounds nice huh?

[Santa Rosa]

Originally Posted by krye

What would be the purpose of a glass track pad? So it could show how greasy your fingerprints are? No thanks. I can't imagine how glass would improve a track pad. More accurate? I doubt it. It's not like the current implementation isn't accurate. Sounds like useless laptop "bling" to me. I hope the rumor community falls on its face with this one.

Johnny adding "bling" to a Mac, not something thats going to happen. Not something he would do full stop to any Apple product.

I think this sounds like a nice idea. It makes a perfectly smooth trackpad surface and would look awesome done correctly.

If this turns out to be true I bet all the posters in this thread saying that its a terrible idea will see it then be like OMG this is so so amazing. If it doesnt turn out to be true then theres nothing more to it.

[Tallest Skil]

Originally Posted by Apple Ink

Official info to come 'later this week'

They put "glass trackpad!" in white at the bottom of the post.

[xbigman15x]

Originally Posted by iJawn108

the ipod touch/iphone screen is the same size as the current trackpads :\

Heh, you are right i never really noticed. Well sounds like it would fit then. and no they would not make it so you can put your touch or iPhone in the computer that sounds so completely absurd, sorry. I have been claiming this rumor since the MBA saying that they would incorporate this type of trackpad in the computer for DS like functionality like when in itunes, the coverflow will show up. I think it would be kind of cool, a worthless battery suck, but never the less kind of cool. I admit it sounds a little farfetched so just having a glass trackpad with similar and more advanced multitouch gestures would fit together nicely. It isnt like it is hard to slide your fingers on the trackpad as it is, but it could increase usability. Personally I dont like the greasy feeling that is why i have an IS on my iphone and i think it aids with my precision, but that is just me. Like I said, if anything, this is all about a Greener Apple. They admitted they arent really living up to some standards like they should be.

[dasikes]

I think it's a feasible idea. Not only adding multi-touch interface, but maybe even having it as a small screen for navigation purposes: example, moving the dock to the pad, or having shortcut icons on it? Who knows!

All speculation. I'm waiting to see if any evidence of this "glass trackpad" comes up.

[Tosser]

Originally Posted by Santa Rosa

If this turns out to be true I bet all the posters in this thread saying that its a terrible idea will see it then be like OMG this is so so amazing.

You just lost your bet, then. I didn't do that with the Iphone, the touch, glossy macs or anything of the kind. I don't fall for stupid things that are merely designed to catch people standing in a shop, not knowing what they want.
/eom.

[noreds]

I posted this a good few months ago on macrumours when there was talk of a shiny new trackpad

[shamino]

I hope it's not actual glass. It's bad enough when a laptop accidentally falls from a table or couch and gets a dented/broken case panel. I don't want to have to start worrying about also cracking/shattering the trackpad.

[SierraRomeo]

By Glass TrackPad, maybe they mean Screen TrackPad...

Now, imagine what this could bring us !!!

- Keyboard ala iPhone (depending on application and use)
- Move the dock and the top menu bar to the trackPad for touch interaction
- Use embed trackPad or iPhone / iPod Touch for interaction with your MacBook...

Endless possibilities... The best of the tablet AND macbook !
Proud to introduce the double screen macbook.

[acxz]

/touches corner of iMac screen with finger
/looks at state of iPod Touch screen
/imagines the two put together
/does not place an order on any such device

[Apple Ink]

Originally Posted by Tallest Skil

They put "glass trackpad!" in white at the bottom of the post.

I guess thats an exclamation... even they feel its stupid!

But, you never really know! Its Apple after all!

[Tosser]

Originally Posted by SierraRomeo

By Glass TrackPad, maybe they mean Screen TrackPad...

Now, imagine what this could bring us !!!

- Keyboard ala iPhone (depending on application and use)
- Move the dock and the top menu bar to the trackPad for touch interaction
- Use embed trackPad or iPhone / iPod Touch for interaction with your MacBook...

Endless possibilities... The best of the tablet AND macbook !
Proud to introduce the double screen macbook.

Yes, that really sounds productive …
Try touch typing on that imaginary Mac.

[stagi]

I think a glass trackpad would be awesome, so much more it could do compared to a current trackpad. It could add in so much more functionality.

[KingYaba]

Originally Posted by noreds

I posted this a good few months ago on macrumours when there was talk of a shiny new trackpad

Where would you rest your palms when typing?

[twoodcc]

well, if this happens, then forget the macbook touch, right?

[Klaxons2012]

This would be out of control. I for one feel that if you keep your iPhone clean, you can keep this clean. If you can't do either of those, I'd hate to see your apartment.

There are many trends I see on the MR board where a new concept is leaked and the months leading up to the product launch people pick apart and throw themselves out of window because "Apple DID WHAT?!?!?!"

Then when the product comes out, everyone buys it the first day. It's ridiculous. Let's wait for an official release before talking about fingerprints or whatnot.

[Klaxons2012]

Originally Posted by twoodcc

well, if this happens, then forget the macbook touch, right?

Isn't that what we thought about a touch screen iPod when the iPhone came out? If it's meant to be, then it'll happen.