Magic Trackpad 2 : Possible to Write/Sign with it?

[MBP_187]

Hi All,

I am considering getting the Magic Trackpad 2 for a MacBook Air M1.

I wanted to know if it is possible to write on it to edit/annotate on PDF or other documents.

I am currently using a MacBook Pro (albeit a much older machine) I think it was possible to use the in-built trackpad to sign documents (?) I cannot recall.

I use a separate tablet with stylus at the moment and was wondering if I should just get the Magic Trackpad 2.

Will I be able to write on it? Does it work with Apple Ink? any kind of OCR support? My handwriting is not pristine.

Also looking forward to your feedback on the Magic Trackpad 2 (from people that use it), since I'm on the fence about the purchase.

Thanks in Advance for the replies.

 

[mfram]

No you cannot write on the Magic Trackpad with an Apple Pencil. It behaves just like the trackpad built in to your computer except it’s bigger.

There are third-party tablet input devices that can do that. I’ve never used them.

 

[salamanderjuice]

As well as you can "write" with your fingertip on your MBP trackpad. It has no stylus support and no special writing support, it's just a trackpad. As a trackpad it's fine and basically the same as those used in Apple laptops using force touch (so MBPs since 2015).

 

[pwingman]

I use a recent iMac with a magic trackpad 2. I use the old style ipad stylus ie (rubber on a stick) and it works fine. You just have to remember when writing you need to move the pointer to the next character before pressing and continuing.

 

[MBP_187]

Thank you for the replies mfram, salamander juice and pwingman.

According to the net, there is an app called Magic which allows you to draw, sketch on your track pad.

Any feedback?
TIA

 

[mfram]

My opinion is that the Magic Trackpad is not designed for the use-case you are describing. I suppose it can do it in a way with some limitations. But if you really want to do a lot of hand writing or sketching and it's a major use-case I would look at other products which are designed to do what you want. They may be more expensive, but the results will likely more satisfying. To me, using an input device in a way it wasn't really intended will result in frustration to the user.

 

[MBP_187]

My opinion is that the Magic Trackpad is not designed for the use-case you are describing. I suppose it can do it in a way with some limitations. But if you really want to do a lot of hand writing or sketching and it's a major use-case I would look at other products which are designed to do what you want. They may be more expensive, but the results will likely more satisfying. To me, using an input device in a way it wasn't really intended will result in frustration to the user.

Thank you for your opinion mfram, I value it.

In reference to your earlier reply; I do use a separate device; the Deco mini7

https://www.**********/series/Deco-tablet.html

It's a cheap sh*t device but ultra-light and meets my (very basic) requirements.

I had access to an Apple gift card and was wondering if I should explore the MagicTrackpad as an alternative option, especially since I am planning to upgrade to a M1 MBA.

Thanks again.

 

[MBP_187]

I use a recent iMac with a magic trackpad 2. I use the old style ipad stylus ie (rubber on a stick) and it works fine. You just have to remember when writing you need to move the pointer to the next character before pressing and continuing.

Good to know pwingman.

Did you try writing on the trackpad with the stylus?

 

[Mike Boreham]

I use a recent iMac with a magic trackpad 2. I use the old style ipad stylus ie (rubber on a stick) and it works fine. You just have to remember when writing you need to move the pointer to the next character before pressing and continuing.

I have a 2020 M1 MBA and can't make my finger or rubber on a stick stylus works as you describe, either on the built in Trackpad or a Magic Trackpad 2. Is there a setting or tricK? I was trying in Notes.

 

[MBP_187]

I have a 2020 M1 MBA and can't make my finger or rubber on a stick stylus works as you describe, either on the built in Trackpad or a Magic Trackpad 2. Is there a setting or tricK? I was trying in Notes.

Try the app Magic from app store. It's free.