Apple FINALLY Introduces a Multi-Button Mouse

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Apple® today introduced Mighty Mouse, its next generation mouse with several innovative new features that make using a Mac® even more powerful and easy. Mighty Mouse offers power users up to four independently programmable buttons, without compromising simplicity for users who prefer just a single-button mouse. Mighty Mouse also introduces an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction—vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. With the Scroll Ball, users can scroll with natural, fluid movements, making Mighty Mouse perfect for applications from viewing web pages and photographs, to video editing and music creation. Mighty Mouse is priced at just $49."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/mightymousehero20050802.jpg" /><br /><br />Yes, it's true. Apple discovers what millions of computer users the world over have known for years; a mouse CAN have more than one button. The "Mighty Mouse" (who dreamt up that name? ), features four independently programmable buttons and a scroll ball in place of a wheel. Overall I like the concept. I even ordered one for myself. <br /><br />Gosh, next thing you know Apple will embrace Intel processors or something. :wink:

[Jason Eaton]

The last sign of the apocolypse. We're Doomed.

Seriously though... I am not sure about the touch senstive front edge to 'determine' if you pressed harder on the left or right for button 1 or 2 on the front. I can only imagine that the vague tactile feedback from the mouse would be something to get used to... but why even need to? Seems like being different for the sake of difference here.

Anyhoots. Just another option it would seem. Maybe it is better then I think it is :D

[gibb193a]

Until I get a hold of one -- doesn't that scroll ball look too small?

Also, I'm sure the name "Mighty Mouse" was cleared with legal. I seem to recall a cartoon character with that name (cape and all)...

[jeffd]

I like the scroll ball!

[Felix Torres]

Totally innovative, never before seen!
Nobody but Apple could've thought of this.
(except a zillion chinese no-name manufacturers):twisted:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/mice-trackballs/typhoon-8d-scroll-ball-mouse/

I wonder if they had a surplus of touchpads they needed to use up...

Update: I'm not the only one underwhelmed at Apple joining the 20th Century...
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122072,00.asp

Interesting, detail; Apple ships no drivers cause the *hardware* mimics Microsoft's old two button scroll mice...

[Felix Torres]

Very detailed review of all the aspects of Apple's new mouse:
http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2488

Hint: its really a one-button mouse.