Stupid Simple Mac Tips #46 – The “Magic” in the Magic Trackpad

by | Sep 8, 2020

I can’t remember the last time I used a mouse. Included with every ‘prescribed’ computer setup for friends, family, and clients is the Magic Trackpad 2.

Pssst – hey, don’t check out of this tip if you don’t use the Magic Trackpad.

These tips all apply if you use a laptop and don’t have the Magic Trackpad 2 – I travel with my Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and the Roost stand wherever I go, so I use my Magic Trackpad far more than my built-in trackpad.]

I stopped using a mouse when the original Magic Trackpad was released in July 2010. I have recommended them highly to dozens upon dozens of clients and only 2 went back and said they didn’t like it. They were as anti-tech savvy and old-school as you could get, but hey, I tried. Everyone got used to it and ditched using mice as well.

These are the few settings I adjust when I get a new Mac to ensure my relationship with my Trackpad remains strong

  1. Open System Preferences
  2. Click on Trackpad
  3. Check the box that says “Tap to click”
    This does 2 things:
    1. makes it so you can lightly tap without needing to force a physical click on the trackpad. Big improvement in user experience.
    2. Enables secondary click (aka right-click): tap with 2 fingers to right-click – so nice!

Ok. I’m stopping here for today – but I’m not done.

My big idea with the Stupid Simple Mac Tips is that most ‘tech tips’ are long, overly-wordy, and end up getting overwhelming. There are other tips I LOVE about the trackpad but I won’t squeeze them all in here.

I’ve decided to do a little test and do deeper on one topic but spread over a few weeks. This is part 1 of 4 of my “Trackpad Ninja” SSMTs!

Good idea? Bad idea? Is anyone even reading these things?

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