Apple working on major Mighty Mouse revision?
updated 09:50 am EDT, Fri October 2, 2009
Could arrive as soon as 2009
The Mighty Mouse could receive "significant" changes in the near future, possibly by the end of the year in order to coincide with new iMacs, a report claims. Authors cite sources saying the current version of the mouse is on a two-week backorder through at least one of Apple's direct fulfillment channels. The situation is unusual, given otherwise uninterrupted supply over the course of the past two years.
It is also believed that CEO Steve Jobs now wants to apply multi-touch technology to the mouse, primarily as a way to replace the middle scrollball. The ball can quickly accumulate dirt and grime, becoming less and less responsive until it stops working entirely. Rather than replace it with a simple touchpad however, it is though that Apple may use touch-sensitive housing, allowing much if not all of the back surface to be used for gestures.
Though not certain, it is suspected that the mouse may lose its current white plastic, which matches the materials in older Macs but not those of modern aluminum ones. It would also complement a rumored new IR remote for updated iMacs, also made of aluminum. Remotes have not been included by default with iMacs since March of this year.
"A report"? Which Report
10/02, 10:16am reply
Wonder why electronista doesn't cite the source?
Wingsy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
Not for me
10/02, 10:25am (3 replies) reply
No thanks.....as long as Apple continues to insist on ignoring the basic fact that two button mice are more efficient for workflow, I will never use an Apple mouse. It is the first thing I toss in the trash when I buy a new Mac. I replace my mice with Logitech 8 button mice that actually let me work on my computer without complicated key combinations, which change with each OS revision, and can be accomplished with a simple mouse click.
Hurley42
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2008
better mouse software
10/02, 10:27am reply
I'd settle for better mouse control software. I can't assign a double-click or a keyboard shortcut (like cmd-w) to any Mighty Mouse buttons? I've been doing that with Logitech and Kensington mice for 15 years.
JeffChrz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2001
uninterrupted supply
10/02, 10:30am (1 reply) reply
"...uninterrupted supply..." - could this be because nobody actually wants them? Replaced my not-so-mighty-mouse with a superior Logitech mouse for $15. Not cool when you've paid over $2000 for a Mac Pro! Sheesh!
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
2 button mouse??
10/02, 11:19am reply
What do you mean Apple ignores the 2 button mouse? The mighty mouse IS a multi button mouse. Left click, right click, squeeze, and click the ball are all options and are configurable too!
Granted, the greatest flaw in the mighty mouse is the stupid little ball that's oh so handy when it works, but gums up way too easily. A touch pad in its place would be a wonderful solution to me.
bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
Welcomed Change
10/02, 11:31am (1 reply) reply
I've owned two "mighty mice" and I eventually went with a kingsington bluetooth product. bjojade has it right, the ball is nice--until it gums up--then what? Nearly impossible to clean without having to disassemble the thing. Of course the MM is made difficult to do so.
They are not the cheapest mice either. Considering what is in them, Apple really has fallen down on this part of the interaction equation.
And while I'm not thrilled with MM, Hurley42's post comes right out of the 1990s. Dude, the MM is two button and works quite well on this count. Are you even a Mac user?
Monde
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2004
While they're at it
10/02, 11:52am (2 replies) reply
How about replacing the white keys on the keyboard with black ones, Apple. Or do you like the dirty, grungy look they get after a day or two of use?
Chris Hutcheson
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Joined: Oct 2000
another view
10/02, 11:54am (1 reply) reply
I like the mighty mouse. The ball geting gummed up is a problem, but I've always been able to clean it okay without taking it apart.
The best thing about the mighty mouse is it's shape, which is perfect for me. I use the right button as the primary one, so my right hand can rest comfortably on its side instead of being twisted too much. I I just have to lift it a little to hit the secondary button (on the left side).
The taller, sculped shaped mice are a no go for me. That's carpal tunnel waiting to happen because it forces me to twist my wrist to use it.
elroth
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
Not two button
10/02, 12:25pm reply
Sorry, but the MM is NOT a two button mouse. It is a one button mouse which one has to first configure (because it isn't by default) to use a second 'button'.
And that second button isn't a button. It's a stupid sensor. Trying one in the local apple store, I could never get it to right-click until I specifically lifted my finger off the left side of the mouse. One should not need to retrain their usage for something as simple as a mouse.
It is a solution to a problem that never existed. I don't recall anyone ever saying "Man, we need a new two-button mouse design. Too many people are being injured or killed getting their fingers stuck between those two physical buttons on the mice!"
LouZer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
Re: Two button mouse
10/02, 12:29pm (1 reply) reply
What do you mean Apple ignores the 2 button mouse? The mighty mouse IS a multi button mouse. Left click, right click, squeeze, and click the ball are all options and are configurable too!
Maybe the problem is Apple ships it in one button mode. And it's up to the user to know it could be two-buttons, read the help, and determine how to turn on the feature. If it had two physical buttons, one would at least recognize that it was two-buttons by default.
But the whole one-button for two-button design sucks anyway. How can one be sure? Easy. Look at all the companies that copied Apple's idea. Wait, there aren't any. And we know companies aren't afraid of stealing ideas from Apple...
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001