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Large trackpad + apple pencil?

V

vishavg

macrumors member
Original poster
Is it possible that apple updates the software to accommodate the use of the apple pencil? Or would they need to replace the trackpad completely? Basically is there any data showing that the trackpad has potential to utilize the pencil?

thanks
 
I mean it's possible that Apple hid the hardware in it because the software isn't up to par.. but I would say the actual odds of that being the case are very, very slim.

While there are select instances where pencil compatibility with a trackpad could come in handy, it's not something that would ever be all that intuitive, at least not until there is a display in the trackpad. So I can't see Apple pushing something like this.
 
xb2003 said:
I mean it's possible that Apple hid the hardware in it because the software isn't up to par.. but I would say the actual odds of that being the case are very, very slim.

While there are select instances where pencil compatibility with a trackpad could come in handy, it's not something that would ever be all that intuitive, at least not until there is a display in the trackpad. So I can't see Apple pushing something like this.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily a display in the trackpad.
If it works like the intuos pro, it'll already be faster than the trackpad for me.

Don't think it will happen soon, if ever, though.
 
I suspect we'll most likely see a touch screen replace the track pad and potentially even the keyboard in the future but I can't see Apple adding Pencil support yet on the latest form factor design. They'll keep it as unique to iPad a little longer so as it's probably one of its best selling points currently.
 
It's probably a matter of the density of the "capacitive touch grid".

The difference between non-pro iPads and the iPad Pro is the density of that grid that actually detect touch. Since at first it was meant to be used with fingers and that human fingers are relatively big, it was never a problem for fingers.

That's why all "touch pen" devices before the Apple Pencil and the iPad Pro had relatively big tip, because below that the iPad can't accurately detect movement and touch. And even then, most pen were very close to the size limits, which enable them to work well for long and fast strokes, but lost all precision when you wanted to go slowly and be precise.

I know because I actually bought an iPad 4th gen expecting to be able to draw with some pen accessory. It turns out that if you go slow the iPad end up detecting wavy lines instead of a straight one, making it almost unusable as a painting tool.

So basically what enabled the Apple pencil is Apple building a touchscreen with a better density touch grid in the iPad Pro, making it possible for a pen with a fine tip to remain precise.

I doubt that the MacBook Pro trackpad have a higher density touch grid than the regular iPad. (who work very well with fingers)
 
for sure, I just recalled a number of times when i wanted to scribble something down quickly and needed to open word or notes. it would be cool to touch the pen to the trackpad and scribble
 
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