CES 2012: BulletTrain eXpress Enclosure for Magic Trackpad and Apple Keyboard

[Dobiewonkanobie]

I don't really understand all the hate If you don't like it fine, no one is forcing you to use it. Obviously there is a market for this so people are using it.

I only have a MBP so I've never used the magic trackpad, but I use a mouse with my MBP and will use the trackpad AND a mouse during the course of a given work session. That said, I can see where having the magic trackpad and a mouse on a desktop would become a space issue, especially if both are to the right. And putting the trackpad in front doesn't work because it gets in the way because it doesn't lay flat. So this solves that space issue in a decent way.

 

[j7painter]

errr... wait, maybe i get it... i guess if you were using a Mac Mini as an HTPC/AppleTV this could make sense for couch use. they should plug it that way. showing it on a desk in front of an iMac just makes me scream WHY?

I use a Lenovo Multimedia Remote to run my mac mini on the big TV, and it works like a charm. I mostly just stream movies form my airport hard drives, but it does just fine when I need to futz online.

 

[bretm]

number pad?

Am I the only one that wants a wireless keyboard with a freakin' number pad? Made by APPLE! Not some expensive, crappy attachment.

 

[VoR]

I'd pay $79 to apple if they had a wireless keyboard with the trackpad bolted to the side - this is silly money and doesn't look like a particularly great solution...

 

[macfoxpro]

I totally just bought one of those

Looks kind of bulky and like it's from the stone age.
This is just lame.

If you want to carry your keyboard-trackpad bundle around in a compact way and with real Apple-like style, look at this thing.
http://twelvesouth.com/products/magicwand/

I seen your comment and clicked on the URL and just bought that wand! Looks sweet. The reviews I have read seem to back up the fact that its a good product...and for 29.99...no tax and no shipping and handling!! Yeah that's what's up! Thanks!!

 

[macfoxpro]

I'm liking it!

[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


Image


At CES, Bullettrain announced their new eXpress keyboard platform that offers a single enclosure for the Magic Trackpad and Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard.

The enclosure mimics the layout of an Apple laptop, placing the trackpad below the keyboard. This gives it a bit more of a familiar feel for those transitioning between a notebook and a desktop setup. Both the keyboard and Magic Trackpad snap into place, and can be easily removed from the eXpress.

Image


The enclosure will be shipping in March and will cost $79 for silver version and $99 for colored versions, a couple of which are shown above.

Update: This post originally described the enclosure as aluminum per a description on BulletTrain's website. BulletTrain has informed us that yesterday's announcement actually concerned a new lower-cost line constructed of glass-reinforced polycarbonate and available in ten colors. The new product is an alternative to the company's existing aluminum enclosure priced at $139.

Article Link: CES 2012: BulletTrain eXpress Enclosure for Magic Trackpad and Apple Keyboard

It looks bad ass and seems like it would be a nice add to my system. I'll be waiting for this!!

 

[Datalinks]

there is enough space on this thing to add 2 iphones as well...even better.

 

[Navdakilla]

seems sorta fun I guess,
however I wouldn't use it, and even if I wanted to, my desk has a pullout tray for keyboard/mouse. Not much room for them in that position

 

[LethaMarquez]

Oh my!
This new Apple keyboard looks fantastic! I bet it's really easy and comfortable to use. Gotta buy one for myself as soon as possible!

 

[JTToft]

Do you really believe MacBook Pros have poor ergonomics?

- With respect to the position of the Trackpad in relation to the keyboard, yes. It is far more comfortable to use a mouse/trackpad to the right of your keyboard than one in front of your keyboard.
I love the Trackpad on my MacBook Pro, but I don't want to use it for prolonged periods of time - it's just not a comfortable position for one's arm.

 

[Glass Envelope]

...after a little number crunching

MacBook Air - 64GB - $999

iPad 2 - 64GB - $699
Apple Wireless Keyboard - $69
Apple Magic Tracpad - $69
BulletTrain eXpress - $79
iPad TOTAL - $916

I don't get it?

 

[adamberti]

Looks kind of bulky and like it's from the stone age.
This is just lame.

If you want to carry your keyboard-trackpad bundle around in a compact way and with real Apple-like style, look at this thing.
http://twelvesouth.com/products/magicwand/

As someone who doesn't own one, but has placed my trackpad beside my keyboard, I find this to be a terrible idea.

I don't know if I just have a lazy pinky finger, but if my trackpad is too close to my wireless keyboard, then my finger touches the pad, and moves the cursor. The often results in selecting some text and typing overtop of it, or moving the cursor and typing somewhere else. This used to always happen to me when writing emails, but now I keep the two far apart and it's not a problem.

I'm only saying try it first before you spend money on that - it wouldn't work for me, and so I image the same might hold true for other people.

 

[Larrywb]

Not even remotely interested.

 

[kiljoy616]

Interesting look, like the blue color one. Don't need one right now since am already using the one that lets you clips the magic pad on the side of the Apple keypad. It really makes it easy to move my hand to the right a bit and move the mouse as I see fit. I can see some people who are light typist liking this. No substitute for a good mouse. I think it will sell depending on price.

----------

I seen your comment and clicked on the URL and just bought that wand! Looks sweet. The reviews I have read seem to back up the fact that its a good product...and for 29.99...no tax and no shipping and handling!! Yeah that's what's up! Thanks!!

I have it and yes it works great, once you get use to not moving your hand all over the desk the old way it works flawless. Such a simple thing made it easy and a dream to use and move out of the way may keyboard and trackpad.

 

[FrozenShivers]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

Will this be available in the UK?

 

[Gemütlichkeit]

With the price of an iPad and these attachments, you're better off getting a MacBook Air.

 

[Joshwawilson]

Like someone mentioned, the only real purpose is if your far away from a desk (Mac mini or a Mac hooked up to a tv) so that you can have this on your lap while sitting on a couch or bed

 

[Glass Envelope]

Like someone mentioned, the only real purpose is if your far away from a desk (Mac mini or a Mac hooked up to a tv) so that you can have this on your lap while sitting on a couch or bed

Agreed. This is a slick couchtop® keyboard and mouse for a media center.

This I get.

 

[pmz]

Looks like BulletTrain has some trolls in this thread voting down all the negative feedback.

Its not our problem your idea and product suck.

 

[Nick16]

As cool as it may look, this is one of the most ass-backwards products I've ever seen in terms of functionality.

 

[iMarc845]

So Many "Experts," So Few Ganglia

First, I am in no way connected to BulletTrain. I'm just a potential customer.

I've read a lot of vitriolic posts in this thread. What is up with all the hate? If you look at the product and don't like it, move on and don't buy it. Why would you even bother posting that you're "not at all interested"? Are you expecting someone else who likes the product to change their opinion because you've so bluntly stated yours? Get over yourself!

I've read a lot of would-be "experts" talking about how bad or good this unit is ergonomically. Speaking as someone who had wrist surgery some 21 years ago and has carefully researched various kinds of keyboards and other input devices, I can say this: which device is best depends upon MANY factors. There is no one solution that is "best" for everyone. I am not an expert in ergonomics but I have spent a lot of time reviewing many devices in order to find what works best FOR ME.

It really annoys me when people open up their (virtual) mouths about how "... this sucks ..." or "... it's bad for your posture ..." when they have no experience or qualification to justify the position they're trying to pass off as fact. It's NOT a fact. It's your opinion. And you are entitled to your opinion; I would never take that away from you. Just don't pretend that your way is correct for everyone else.

There may be someone who's been commenting as an "expert" who thinks they are an expert because they have some dopey letters after their name. I don't care what degrees you've got; I've met a bunch of FACSs who wouldn't know the facts if they were bitten by them. Anyone with true-life experience knows that there is no universal solution for something as complex as an RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). I wish there were!

I guess I'm just asking for less posturing and more of the old adage:
"Be certain brain is engaged before putting mouth into gear."

As for me, I like the BulletTrain Express. I think I will find it useful and I will quite probably buy one. If it works as I expect it will, I may buy more for my other Macs. This doesn't make me smarter or dumber; it makes me a consumer. Take it easy, folks!

 

[Nick16]

<snip>

What is up with all the hate? Get over yourself!
<snip>

We're mainly pointing out how pointless this product is. As a MBP user, I got the Magic Track Pad because the built-in track pad is in the middle of the computer and right below the keyboard, as opposed to off to the side which is what I'm used to with a normal desktop/mouse setup. The standard laptop/trackpad setup is rather uncomfortable for long periods of use.

Having the Magic TrackPad and being able to put it to the side in different positions alleviates the uncomfortable nature of the built-in trackpad being in the middle of the keyboard. Then comes along the BulletTrain... why the heck would I buy a device that puts me back where I was to start with and with the same dilemma?

 

[iMarc845]

Hi NickPod,

I understand your point. You prefer the trackpad off to the side. I can appreciate that and am glad you've got a setup that works for you.

I like the look of the eXpress and I believe that I will also like its functionality whether I choose to use it on my lap or on my desk.

I have no issue with you putting forth your opinion as an opinion. My beef is with the posters who seem to think that their impression of a device (which they've never used) as "... stupid ...", "... pointless ..." or "... sucks ..." means that those impressions are the only truth. I have a similar disagreement with those who state that the only viable use for the eXpress is in a Home Theater setup. Again, that's their opinion and not an indisputable truth.

 

[atlmd]

Lefties

Not only that, but it would make the laptop less usable for half the population, no matter what side you put the trackpad on. It's like the new wave of PC Laptops out there with the trackpad shifted to the side a bit. Nice idea, but only works for half of your customers. Trackpad in the middle will work equally bad for everyone.

Actually only 10% of the population is left handed. Also, we all know that most of them are criminals and deviants anyway, so there is no reason to be concerned wtih where they want their trackpads.

 

[Nick16]

Actually only 10% of the population is left handed. Also, we all know that most of them are criminals and deviants anyway, so there is no reason to be concerned wtih where they want their trackpads.

1) Ignorance at its finest.
2) Not everybody uses the mouse/trackpad with their dominant hand, so more than just the 10% use their left hand for computer use. Much like myself, but the converse: I'm a lefty but use my right hand for the mouse/trackpad.