Apple Magic Trackpad 2 Overview
The Magic Trackpad 2 is a multi-touch and Force Touch trackpad manufactured by Apple Inc. The Magic Trackpad 2 was released next to the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse 2 in October 2015. It is a successor to the previously released iconic Magic Trackpad and is commercially available in Silver and Space Grey colors; it weighs almost 0.51 pounds (0.231 kg) and is 6.3 inches in width. Although it is quite similar to its predecessor but the main factors that separate both of them are
- A larger Aspect ratio ( form-factor)
- A rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Force touch
Features
The Apple Magic Trackpad 2 is very different from the original Magic Trackpad. It has a larger touch surface and built-in Force Touch abilities. Though, it can be configured to imitate the original Magic Trackpad if one prefers. The reason for the change and the ability to imitate the original is the Force Touch and the touch-related engine that tests out the feel of mechanical clicking.
Pros
New Look New Battery
The most distinct feature of all the 2nd Gen Magic devices is the removal of the old AA batteries and the addition of the modern Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The use of such batteries allowed Apple to eliminate the battery bump, which leads to the expansion of the tracking surface hence giving rise to the new Rectangular form. The new Magic Trackpad 2 may be a wireless Bluetooth device, but it comes equipped with a Lightning port and a Lightning to USB cable, which is used for initial setup and charging.
Bluetooth Pairing
The Lightning to USB cable connects the Trackpad to your Mac for the first setup. If the Magic Trackpad 2 hasn't been paired to the Mac, the setup process completes the pairing by itself.
Force Touch
The Magic Trackpad 2 is equipped with Force Touch, bringing Force Touch abilities to all Macs. The Trackpad consists of four force sensors that detect the pressure with which you push the surface. The sensors allow the Magic Trackpad 2 to detect taps and deep clicks. Since the mechanical is switch is gone, Apple utilizes the haptic engine to simulate the feel of sound and clicking.
Compatibility
The Magic Trackpad 2 is compatible with many models of both the Apple manufactured iPads and Macs
iPad Models
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air 2
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
Mac Models
- Mac Book Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
- Mac Book Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 - 2019)
- Mac Book Air (13-inch, Early 2015 - 2017)
- Mac Book Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
- Mac Book Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- Mac Book Pro (13-inch, 2016 and later)
- Mac Book Pro (15-inch, 2016 - 2019)
- Mac Book Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012 - 2015)
- Mac Book Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012 - 2015)
- Mac Book (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015 - 2017)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014 - 2015)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- Mac mini (Late 2014)
Cons
Expensive
Frankly, speaking trackpads are not typically uncomfortable, especially for the old, although it may be for the youth. Apart from that, it is expensive and not affordable by everyone $129.99 (Pkr 21515)
The requirement of OS X El Capitan and Bluetooth 4.0
The owners of old or outdated Macs that lack Bluetooth 4.0 are shut out even if the OS X El Capitan runs perfectly.
Conclusion
On the basis of merit and the Pros that far outweigh the cons, the Magic Trackpad 2 is worthy and successful to its predecessor. The Magic Trackpad 2 is a pleasant update with worthwhile new features that appeal almost to everyone. The large rectangular surface area, the nice surface feel, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the most prominent feature The Force Touch makes it attractive.