New Mouse for MAC has multiple buttons

#1

Published - Aug 02 2005 02:50PM CDT || AP

SAN FRANCISCO(AP) Apple Computer Inc.'s neglect of the humble mouse is over. It now offers a model that's nimble.

Apple introduced on Tuesday its first computer mouse with multiple buttons, including four sensors and a tiny scroll ball. Although a departure from the company's traditional mouse, the "Mighty Mouse" looks very similar to the single-button model Apple has long produced.

The most obvious difference is the relatively tiny scroll ball at the mouse's head, which can move cursors diagonally as well as up and down across display screens and can be pressed to "click" functions.

Like Microsoft, Apple has for years built added functionality into its operating systems to accommodate multi-button mice. But you had to buy mice made by other manufacturers, such as Microsoft Corp. or Logitech, to take advantage.

Designers of the new Apple device wanted a scroll ball that was less obtrusive than other models and wouldn't impede those who chose not to use it, said David Moody, vice president of Macintosh hardware product marketing.

In lieu of actual buttons beyond the scroll ball, the optical-scanning mouse has four sensors that can be programmed for multiple actions, just like the left and right buttons on many PC mouses.

Mighty Mouse, which connects via a USB port, will retail for $49. It is PC-compatible but won't be able to move your cursor diagonally in Microsoft's Windows, Apple said.

Rolling out a multi-button mouse eliminates another important difference between Macs and PCs. In May, Apple announced that it would cease using IBM processors in favor of Intel chips, which power most PCs.

With the new mouse, Apple is seeking to tap into the accessory market, which includes such gadgets as flat-screen monitors, computer speakers, and remote controls, said Richard Shim, senior analyst at research firm IDC.

"There is no doubt that in the overall PC market, where margins are thin, there are opportunities for accessory makers," Shim said. "There is a huge install base of PCs out there so there is money to be made if you can hit on a popular accessory."
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Wow, talk about pressure..! I got a chance to use a MAC this summer, and let me tell you, that shit was SWEET...But the one button thing was a little weird to say the least...

#2

macs are for people who don't know how to use computers...

i am so unimpressed. I have played with the best in the stores, far beyond my price range, and they still lack the accessibility of a properly modded PC with a linux partition and a dedicated drive for the Windows OS.

and they keep coming out with new features, which make them "better" and incidentally, more like PC's.

the only thing that saved the mac from obscurity was the reactionary crowd opposing microsoft (in general) are unable to maximize linux.

and i think they should shoot their "innovative" designers... their idea of revolution is make everything ovular. yuck!

Ch

#3

I recently broke my old IBM laptop (oopsie) and my dad gave me a new Mac laptop to replace it. After being on the IBM for so long it was hard switching to a one button mouse. I couldn't click on anything online to save to my computer and it was just goddamn annoying- so I got a new mouse for it. Other than the mouse thing, though, I think they're pretty much superior to all the other computers I've used...so why so long before coming up with a two-button?

#4

And I forgot to post... OVULAR IS HOTT.

#5

Why is ovular hot, CY? Does the mouse vibrate too?!? Can we watch?

#6

One button mouse was really just a silly pride thing. I am surprised they lasted that long.

#7

^^

That's what I was thinking...They were just so damn hell bent on trying be different from the PC...But if I were going to buy a laptop, I probably wouldn't think twice on getting an ibook...Give me some OSX, virtual PC shit, and I'm swayze...

I'd love to own a MAC, but for the simple fact I can build 2 of my dream computers for the price will safely keep me away from them, maybe for eternity...

LOL @ DeepDiver...OMG...CDR...

#8

Lmbbo DD! ::Blushes:: It is most certainly not hot for that reason, but you can still watch if you want...

JK.

#9

Hold on, Macs are expensive?

#10

Holy shit Ma, man, a MAC will set your ass back a GRIP...A MAC desktop could easily cost you 4K - 6K...Easy...A comprable PC desktop, actually a beast of a desktop, would only set you back about 2K, tops...