Apple released its Magic Trackpad in July 2010 but it wasn't until the release of Lion a year later with its support for multi-touch gestures borrowed from iOS that the device really came into its own. With Windows 8 also set to embrace touch in a big way Logitech has provided a way for Windows 7 users to get is some early Windows touch experience with the Logitech Wireless Touchpad.
The Wireless Touchpad features a touch sensitive surface 5-inches (12.7 cm) across that supports up to four fingers at a time to replicate some of the multi-touch gestures found in Lion, including two-finger scrolling, and three- and four-finger swipes. There's also two physical buttons at the lower edge for left and right clicking. It is powered by two AA batteries, which should provide up to four months of touch swiping and scrolling.
In contrast to Apple's minimalist design fashioned from aluminum that communicates via Bluetooth, Logitech's offering is made from plastic, is a little bulkier and communicates wirelessly to a range of up to 82 feet (25 m) via the 2.4 GHz frequency by way of Logitech's Unifying USB receiver. Only Windows 7 is supported, meaning Apple still has no competition for its Magic Trackpad in OS X.
Logitech's Wireless Touchpad is expected to ship later this month and is available for preorder now for US$49.99.
