Mobee mods Magic Trackpad into virtual keyboard
Customise your unwanted Apple input device
So you bought an Apple Magic Trackpad at launch, but you've found you never use it - yes, we're thinking of you, Bob. Now it doesn't have to gather dust.
It sounds like an April Fools gag, but Mobee, the guys behind the induction charger system for Apple's Magic Mouse, have launched the Magic Numpad in August.
The acme of simplicity, it's a set of numberpad and other key overlays - and ships with a special pen so you can draw your own - that stick onto the otherwise unwanted Trackpad.
Accompanying software translates your taps into key-press events you applications can respond to.
Actually, the software is set to be distributed free of charge through the Mac App Store, so you can rig up your own Magic Numpad for nowt using some clingfilm and a permanent marker, we reckon.
There's no word on UK pricing and availability - Mobee's seller here is Softline - but the Magic Numpad will cost $30 (£18) which it goes on sale in the States at the end of October. ®
COMMENTS
B*gger me!
That first paragraph spooked me a little.
Bob_
Probably Referring to Microsoft Bob
Probably Referring to Microsoft Bob.
Chorded keyboard?
Any chance of using this technique to build a version of Microwriter's chorded keyboard, as used on the much missed Agenda?
Uses combinations of keystrokes, based on letter shapes, as per:
http://www.cykey.co.uk/
Just a thought....
Real number pad better
Or for £36 you could have a real number keypad with real moving keys that actually attaches to the blutooth keyboard to make it appear as a proper keyboard (as-in with numbers!)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Numeric-Keypad-Apple-Keyboard-Bluetooth/dp/B004EFL22C
Yeah, I'm sure you can find others, or cheaper, but I just happened to see this one.
If you really don't like the "magic" touch pad, sell it for a lot more than the £36 that this costs!
This is not a title.
Unwanted? I could use a few more!*
The Magic trackpad is ideal for couch potato computer use.
Using a mouse on a sofa is not easy.
The trackpad just lies beneath your hand and stays where you put it on any reasonably sloped sofa surface.
There's a little bit of learning, but it soon becomes second nature - just like any other pointer.
What a shame the Mobee software only makes it a numeric pad. The ability to input alphabetic strings would make it easy to search for audio/video content, surf the web and supply passwords as well, thus reducing the need to find space for a wireless keyboard on the sofa.
*bed and bath would be useful places for more trackpads.
Beer, 'cos it wipes off easily.
