One modder has taken Apple's recently released Magic Trackpad and made it wired.
The modification, from MacRumors forum user Mark Bog, takes the Magic Trackpad---which is only available in a Bluetooth model--and tweaks it to run through an attached USB cable, doing away with the need for wasteful disposable batteries.
Mark applied a fairly simple mod, using a wooden dowel, a couple of screws and a spare USB cable. The wooden dowel was shaped to fit the space previously taken by two AA batteries, a screw was then attached to each end of the dowel, with the spare USB cable connected to complete the set-up.
One MacRumors forum member raised a concerned about power regulation. This battery-free mod, connected via USB, will take 5 volts or power from the connected computer. whereas the original two-battery setup would only provide the trackpad with 3 volts. The mod creator says this has not been a problem so far. Update: To clarify, it appears as though the USB mod only provides power over USB. As far as we can tell, you'll still need to pair the Magic Trackpad via Bluetooth to actually use it. Thanks to those who pointed this out.
If you want to give the mod a try, then you may want to get to grips with the device's innards first.
[Via Hack-A-Day]
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