Patently Apple reports that Apple filed for the ‘magic trackpad’ trademark. US Patent & Trademark Office published application on February 26, 2010. ‘Magic Trackpad’ likely refers to an external peripheral device for desktop computers or laptops plugged into external displays. There has been speculation about some sort of multi-touch “trackpad gadget” from Apple. Maybe Apple will provide desktop users a way to take advantage of some external multi-touch system.

The application requests registration in International Class 009 under a number of categories relating to computer hardware and software, as well as several types of peripheral devices:

International Class 009: Computers; computer software; computer operating system software; computer utility software; computer hardware; computer peripherals; scanners; touchscreens; keyboards; computer mice; trackballs; trackpads; touchpads; light pens; joysticks; game controllers; graphics tablets; digitizers; cables and connectors; flash memory drives; USB drives; solid state storage devices; barcode readers.

Apple iTablet is a rumor codename for Apple Tablet PC, notebook with a sensor display. Some name it Apple MacBook Touch. Gizmodo claims to have received some information about Apple iTablet. Here it is:

• 10 inch screen
• Looks just like a big iPhone (though that may change)
• 2 versions: with webcam and without (for education?)
• $700 – $900 price tag
• May function as secondary touchpad/screen for Macs
• OS is still big question mark
• Super-secret product code name.

via theiphoneblog gizmodo

Control your computer wirelessly with the multi-touch features of the new MacBook line!

For both Mac and Windows:

• Wireless touchpad
• PowerPoint clicker
• Control your media
• Multi-touch access to Task Switcher
• Automated discovery

Specially for Mac:

• Zoom your Mac screen
• Multi-touch access to Expose

No install required on Mac, although free modified Vine Server will give you access to media keys (Play/Pause, etc.). For Windows, free modified TightVNC server will also give you access to media keys.

The price is dropped for a limited time from $4.99 to $0. AppStore link.

MobiFrance points us to this intriguing company: http://olo-computer.com/. It looks like they’re intending on developing a low-cost sort of Netbook, but with a difference — it will be powered by the iPhone. The idea is you plug your iPhone into the bottom and it not only becomes the touchpad for the Netbook, it also powers the thing entirely, the rest of the hardware is simply a keyboard, screen, and a few other bits to make it all run.

The idea is nice but very far from being implemented.

via theiphoneblog