How to position and use the Magic Trackpad?

[Feek]

I have an MBP with the no-button glass trackpad and I absolutely love it so this new Magic Trackpad instantly appeals to me to use with my Mac Pro but I'm wondering what will be the best way to actually use it.

I'm used to using the trackpad on my MBP with two hands, with my right hand doing the movement and my left hand actually 'clicking' the pad.

I'm concerned about being able to use it single handedly with the pad sitting to the right of my keyboard, will this be practical or will I end up with it in front of the keyboard using it as though I do on my MBP?

How are people finding it for actual use, does it work OK with just one hand on it?

 

[-Ryan-]

Can't you just enable tap to click and that would solve this problem so you can go one handed?

 

[xi mezmerize ix]

You should post a video of you using the trackpad with 2 hands; I would find that quite comical.

This thread is almost as pointless as mine from yesterday was: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/978256/

Just use it like you would a mouse: to the side with one hand.

 

[Feek]

No, your thread really was pointless, mine was a valid question.

 

[skorpien]

I'm really not trying to be a jerk, but I don't understand why you would need to use two hands on your MacBook Pro. They're designed so that you can use your thumb to depress the trackpad.

I leave mine resting at the bottom edge, and the OS is smart enough to recognize that I'm not using my thumb for any gestures (I remember reading that the bottom of the trackpad is less sensitive than the rest of the trackpad, but I'm not entirely sure). It's easier that way as the hinge is at the top and depressing it at the bottom is more effective.

As for the Magic Trackpad, I would assume that it would work on a similar basis allowing you to rest your thumb at the bottom using it to click.

 

[ringemaster]

I think enabling the tap to click feature is key here. I only use one hand on my Macbook Pro's trackpad, and that doesn't include using my thumb for the click. I understand everyeone's got their own way they like to do things, but the tap-to-click really is a useful function.

Good luck!

 

[ARH1956]

I have an MBP with the no-button glass trackpad and I absolutely love it so this new Magic Trackpad instantly appeals to me to use with my Mac Pro but I'm wondering what will be the best way to actually use it.

I'm used to using the trackpad on my MBP with two hands, with my right hand doing the movement and my left hand actually 'clicking' the pad.

I'm concerned about being able to use it single handedly with the pad sitting to the right of my keyboard, will this be practical or will I end up with it in front of the keyboard using it as though I do on my MBP?

How are people finding it for actual use, does it work OK with just one hand on it?

I'm using mine with my iMac to the right of the keyboard where my mouse has been. So far so good.

 

[Derek87]

i'm hoping to try using it on a keyboard tray in front of the keyboard much like a laptop. IMHO, that's better ergonomics, but in doing so i may need to prop up the keyboard with something so that the spacebar is level with the front of the trackpad.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Tap to click. Problem solved.

 

[doktordoris]

No, your thread really was pointless, mine was a valid question.

A valid question?

Someone asking about using 2 hands on a trackpad.

Why on earth would you want to use both hands on a trackpad? i've been thinking about it for moments and I cannot think of a single reason why anyone, in their right mind, would want to do such a thing.

 

[pcguru83]

A valid question?

Someone asking about using 2 hands on a trackpad.

Why on earth would you want to use both hands on a trackpad? i've been thinking about it for moments and I cannot think of a single reason why anyone, in their right mind, would want to do such a thing.

I've always used two hands on a trackpad. I don't think it's really all that uncommon.

That being said, Apple's newer trackpads are very conducive to one-handed use. I don't expect to have an issue using mine one-handed just to the right of my keyboard.

 

[diablo2112]

When I use my MBP sitting (usually on the couch), I constantly browse using 2 hands on the trackpad exactly like the OP. Right hand move the pointer and gestures, left hand clicks the pad on the lower corner. Many good reasons for this. To cite just one: I occasionally play online poker. Essential to DISABLE tap-to-click when doing this, to prevent unwanted plays. Thus, the need to physically click the trackpad. So much easier to do this from the bottom, using the left hand.