Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

I like Macbook's multi touch, especially three finger drag feature. It's very convenient to me.
I'd always like to use this feature in other laptops and OS. Except Apple, however, any other venders couldn't make the laptop which supports this feature. Why? Is it a technical problem? Or is it related to patent?

share|improve this question
Probably, and on how Apple does multi-touch too (the iOS way), seeing how the multi-touch trackpads on windows laptops feel so gimmicky. – abc905 Jan 14 '12 at 10:15
2  
you could always ask apple directly, the email for the international patent legal team is iplaw@apple.com – Graeme Hutchison Jan 14 '12 at 10:38
1  
Could you expand on why this question is relevant here? What part of normal end user use of an Apple product does patent possession affect? It seems this would be better for a site like SuperUser since to me it's more about what other vendors do and not at all related to using Apple products. – bmike♦ Feb 15 '12 at 20:36

closed as not constructive by Kyle Cronin♦ Feb 16 '12 at 1:51

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 0 down vote

My recommendation for the patently obsessed, check out and join other like-minded people, I am sure that if Albert Einstein were around today he would be their Chief Editor... Patently Apple

And yeah... Apple patents the heck out of everything years in advance! ;)

share|improve this answer
1  
Hey Andrew, welcome to Apple.SE! Although the link is great, we generally prefer answers to contain specific information with regards to the specific question. Could you kindly link to the information relevant to the question and rephrase it in your own words so if the site is ever down, the answer stays useful? – Dan Abramov Jan 14 '12 at 14:04
up vote 0 down vote

There could be also hardware limitations to the number of distinguishable touch points, which perhaps some of the lower end trackpads were made.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.