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CallMeTheArrow

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 4, 2006
234
22
Hi all,

I have really been wanting a Mac laptop since the Intel models came out, well even before that. One potential thing I don't like is the mouse. There is no right-click on the built-in buttons. I know you could plug-in a USB mouse and use that, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a laptop, especially when on-the-go? Other than that, I love the MacBook and MacBook Pro's I've seen and played around with.

Any thoughts/comments/suggestions? Anyone have a realistic workaround?
 
You put 2 fingers on the trackpad and click at the same time. That equals a right click on the MacBook Pro and MacBooks. It works quite good, I really like it.
 
ITASOR said:
You put 2 fingers on the trackpad and click at the same time. That equals a right click on the MacBook Pro and MacBooks. It works quite good, I really like it.

Well that seems pretty simple. :) Thanks for the tip! Does same thing work in Windows (using Boot Camp) if anyone happens to know?
 
ITASOR said:
You put 2 fingers on the trackpad and click at the same time. That equals a right click on the MacBook Pro and MacBooks. It works quite good, I really like it.
i think it's only the 17" MBP that has that. I'm not sure about the Macbooks but my 15.4" MBP seems to lack this feature (i dont know why) so i always use CTRL+Click
 
technicolor said:
Not when I tried.

Thanks for the update. I spend most of my time in OS X anyway but I do some gaming on Windows so that would not be good. I wonder if there is a solution to this that's free for Windows use. (Why can't Windows just be as intuitive as Mac OS X? :D ). Trick question.
 
Xander562 said:
i think it's only the 17" MBP that has that. I'm not sure about the Macbooks but my 15.4" MBP seems to lack this feature (i dont know why)

I'm considering a Mac Book Pro for gaming but even a MacBook would be great for taking notes, doing things on the go and playing some non intensive games from time to time.
 
AnthonyKinyon said:
Thanks for the update. I spend most of my time in OS X anyway but I do some gaming on Windows so that would not be good.
Wouldnt you use an external mouse for that anyway? I find it really hard to game on a track pad.
 
All MacBooks use the two-finger tap on the trackpad as the right click in Mac OSX. In Windows, the most current release of Boot Camp included a driver that makes clicking whilst holding down the right-hand command key equal to right-click.
 
Xander562 said:
i think it's only the 17" MBP that has that. I'm not sure about the Macbooks but my 15.4" MBP seems to lack this feature (i dont know why) so i always use CTRL+Click
No it isnt, the feature was introduced to the 15s during an os update...even before then there was a hack.
 
Chundles said:
All MacBooks use the two-finger tap on the trackpad as the right click in Mac OSX. In Windows, the most current release of Boot Camp included a driver that makes clicking whilst holding down the right-hand command key equal to right-click.

Thank you, Chundles!
 
There are also some little third party utilities for Windows that will enable the same behavior IIRC. Can't remember the name(s) now, but a Google search should turn up results.
 
This works on all Macbooks and MB Pro's, but you have to enable it in the System Preferences before it works. Similiar to tapping the trackpad for a click.
 
Let's not forget the old reliable Control+Click which still works to achieve the same effect as a right-click.
 
technicolor said:
No it isnt, the feature was introduced to the 15s during an os update...even before then there was a hack.

true, my 1Ghz PowerBook has this feature after I downloaded iScroll :D
 
AnthonyKinyon said:
Hi all,

I have really been wanting a Mac laptop since the Intel models came out, well even before that. One potential thing I don't like is the mouse. There is no right-click on the built-in buttons. I know you could plug-in a USB mouse and use that, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a laptop, especially when on-the-go? Other than that, I love the MacBook and MacBook Pro's I've seen and played around with.

Any thoughts/comments/suggestions? Anyone have a realistic workaround?


Two ways:

Holding down the Ctrl key when you click counts as a right click.

Putting two fingers on the trackpad will make your click count as a right click.
 
AnthonyKinyon said:
Well that seems pretty simple. :) Thanks for the tip! Does same thing work in Windows (using Boot Camp) if anyone happens to know?
Doesn't work in Boot Camp, as others have said, but it does work when running Windows in Parallels Desktop.
 
mduser63 said:
There are also some little third party utilities for Windows that will enable the same behavior IIRC. Can't remember the name(s) now, but a Google search should turn up results.

Find these please??? I've got everything including the FN keys all working, iSight, KEYBOARD BACKLIGHT, sound driver issue (speakers + headphones always on), now all I need is the trackpad functionality!!!!!
 
With the latest bootcamp, I believe FN+Click is a right-click in windows. At least it is on my machine!
 
Xander562 said:
i think it's only the 17" MBP that has that. I'm not sure about the Macbooks but my 15.4" MBP seems to lack this feature (i dont know why) so i always use CTRL+Click

you should update your software because my 15.4 MBP does it. it was in an update in the last few months.
 
the 2-Finger Right Click method is awesome! I like it a lot more than actually having a right mouse button, It's hard to imagine, just use a macbook or mbp with this feature and you'll love it
 
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