Comments on: The Mouse That Roared

By: Chris K

Chris K — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

About time! I’m hoping to get a new box in a couple of months and looking forward to the Mighty Mouse. ANy reason you went with iMacs instead of G5s? I’ve gone back and forth between the two on which to get, but have slightly been leaning toward the G5 due to the dual processor.

By: Jeff Croft

Jeff Croft — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think the Mighty Mouse (despite having a really lame name) looks great — but I really wish there was a Bluetooth version. For my PowerBook I love having the wireless mouse and keyboard so I can just pick the lappy up and go whenever I please with minimal hooking and unhooking.

The Mighty Mouse (do I have to call it that?) will be great for my Mac mini, though (which, I’ll have you know, I got for free).

By: marshall

marshall — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Damn. Now all you guys need is a useful operating system and you’ll be rocking.

By: Tim Murtaugh

Tim Murtaugh — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In defense of the single-button mouse: I’m on my PB all day, and the single button mouse has saved me from carpal tunnel, I’m convinced. After using a PC for any length of time, my wrist kills me (from the scroll wheel, to be sure).

That having been said, I’m looking forward to test-driving the new mouse to see how it feels.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

No Mighty Mouses up here at the only Canadian Apple Store. They don’t have any yet – and, according to the sales rep I spoke to, didn’t know about them until this morning (and don’t know much about it now).

He was reading up on the Apple website when I asked him if they had any in. Typical Apple Canada. Lousy buggers.

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Funny story!

I sense a “make a Mighty Mouse out of food” contest coming on… ;)

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chris K.: To me, there is really only one compelling reason to buy a PowerMac G5 over an iMac G5 at this point and that is if you are doing video editing. A 20 inch screen is plenty big enough for me and the iMac’s processor is plenty fast enough. It saves me almost $1000 over the PowerMac, so it makes sense for me.

By: Rob Goodlatte

Rob Goodlatte — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I was shocked when I heard the news this morning. I guess hell finally froze over.

Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of the mouse design. The oval shape has never felt comfortable in my hands. I also don’t like the idea of sound effects rather than tactile effects; I need the tactile feedback I get from clicking a mouse.

I’m probably going to cave in and buy one, just to try it out. I’ve always been a fan of Apple’s hardware design

By: Miko

Miko — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

From Apple’s site:

you get the programability of a four-button mouse in a single-button design.

Steve’s holding onto the one-button idea just a …little …longer.

By: Brian Rose

Brian Rose — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

marshall: Wow. what an insightful post.

Mike: Once you get a while to play with the new mouse, let us know what you think. I’ve not seen any reviews of it yet and am leary to order one when I have absolutely nothing to go on. I’m curious about how the buttons work (a lot has been said by Apple naysayers about the potential problems with with touch sensitivity).

If only there were an Apple Store within a half hour drive…

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In defense of the single-button mouse, I think it’s important to understand *why* Apple has been so reluctant to change: programmers.

You see, Apple has never believed programmers would do the right thing. Apple doesn’t want programmers to program *specifically* for a 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) mouse button, without making an alternative option readily available for those without multi-button mice. By sticking to the one-button mouse, Apple has been forcing programmers to thing about the UI, and program their app accordingly. You’ll notice, as most every Mac user has, multi-button mice (like my trusty Logitech) work just fine on the Mac…the right-button brings up context-sensitive menus just like it should. But, you can get those same menus without a multi-button mouse. Heck, you can get them without a mouse, period. That’s smart UI design, and it’s been enforced, in a way, by Apple sticking to the 1-button mouse in every box strategy.

All that being said, I’m glad they finally have a multi-button mouse. I just wish it didn’t cost twice as much as other mice…and it’s not even bluetooth or IR!!!

By: Faruk Ateş

Faruk Ateş — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Dude, it’s like Apple went “Hey, that’s a good idea. Okay, tech guys, develop this in less than 5 hours and you get a cookie.”

And guess what? They got their cookie.

That’s a seriously nice mouse right there, though. Like… omg.

By: Guido

Guido — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

the real question is if you get the money for the idea?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Personally I think the mouse looks awful. And what is that thing coming out fro the top? Is that a cord? What?

I know Apple has the ability to design a decent mouse, problem is it will take a little pride swallowing to make it happen. Yes, it’s going to need two real buttons. Yes, it’s going to need a scroll wheel – not a mini Torn track ball. Yes it should use the laser or dual optical technology developed by Logitech. And No – squeezing is not a good alternative to a thumb button.

This is a step in the right direction, but it is far from a good solution.

By: M.e.

M.e. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As a single button mouse fan, I really appreciate the ability to program the left and right buttons the same. My hands cramp up pretty badly when I have to click with fingers, rather than my whole hand. The scroll wheel makes this a nice mouse for even me. I’m anxious to try it. So far this seems like the best possible way Apple could have implemented a multi button design.