More Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Details

[MacRumors]

The most recent builds of Panther reveal more details on the upcoming Apple Wireless Mouse and Apple Wireless Keyboard.

The help files in Panther provide the following description of the new accessories:

The Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse uses Bluetooth to communicate with your Mac without wires, and gives you a new level of freedom to use them where you want. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, you can sit back and relax while you type and click through your work.

More details are listed in the Help Tips and Tricks (screenshot (http://www.chaosmint.com/mac/bt-mouse-keyboard-help/)) for the new Apple accessories:

- The KB and Mouse come with AA batteries included.
- If you won't be using them for an extended period of time, you can turn them off with the on/off switch on the bottom (of each)
- Don't set up one computer to use more than one mouse and keyboard
- When using some external D-Link USB Bluetooth modules, keys may stick if you type too quickly and the keyboard may lose the connection. It will reconnect automatically when you slow or stop typing.
- Wireless KB/Mouse are not usable while in 'Single User Mode' (http://www.westwind.com/reference/OS-X/commandline/single-user.html).

Previous screenshots (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/08/20030821115836.shtml) confirmed the existance of these upcoming Apple devices.

[iJon]

since i am apple's slut i will probably be buying this set. i cant help it, and i know the rest of you cant either. same reason there is a isight on top of my display, which i hardly ever use.

iJon

[Awimoway]

Originally posted by Macrumors
When using some external D-Link USB Bluetooth modules, keys may stick if you type too quickly and the keyboard may lose the connection. It will reconnect automatically when you slow or stop typing.

I'll pass, thanks.

Any word on how many buttons it has? If Apple is going to start selling wired and wireless mice, they should distinguish between pro and consumer models and finally--finally--accept that multiple buttons are not complicated.

[chewbaccapits]

Awesome...I'll have to wait for this though..I plan to get a G5 maybe in Jan....Hopefully bu then the shipping delays will be ironed out...

[chewbaccapits]

Originally posted by iJon
since i am apple's slut
iJon

Bro, I'm a PIMP and a mac HO...I'll be snatching it up too!!!

[Mudbug]

woohoo?

This is good news, but pretty much affirms what we already (think we) knew. I hope there's some sort of system coming up from apple that will let you recharge AA batteries, cause I've seen battery powered mice, and the batteries don't last long.

[twinturbo]

Originally posted by Macrumors

- Wireless KB/Mouse are not usable while in 'Single User Mode' (http://www.westwind.com/reference/OS-X/commandline/single-user.html).


I'll pass too. But it's a nice concept.

[G4scott]

So, when does this stuff come out. I heard somewhere that it would be next year, but I don't think I can wait that long... Maybe they'll be introduced with Panther...

[arn]

Originally posted by Mudbug
woohoo?

This is good news, but pretty much affirms what we already (think we) knew. I hope there's some sort of system coming up from apple that will let you recharge AA batteries, cause I've seen battery powered mice, and the batteries don't last long.

doesn't sound like it... since they say to have a spare.

arn

[ZildjianKX]

Non-rechargeable mouse... that sucks. I would have bought it in a heart-beat if it was rechargeable via firewire. Way to not be innovative... if I wanted this, I could have bought a wireless MS Mouse a year ago.

[DrGruv1]

ready to go wireless...

i'm on a news group for pro audio... someone mentioned that they are getting their dual 2 gigs, but of the five music people he new, most were having problems making things work.

perhaps wait for rev. b or see how things get sorted first....

[theipodgod16]

why though? has anybody not been able to do their work because of a little cord? BTW, the cord on the pro mouse is quite thin and flexable compared to some, ill keep my 150$ (keyboard, mouse, adapter) toward something else

[reyesmac]

With Apples prices for the wired mice and keyboard being what they where when those first came out, I don't even want to know how much these things are.

Since we know that the current input devices are $50 each, that means the new ones will be up to twice as much as those. Add on the bluetooth adapter and there you have it.... we finally get to pay Apple big bucks for something everyone else has done before and cheaper.

However, if Apple makes the mouse have two buttons and a scroll wheel and gives the keyboard special buttons that control iApps (even a wheel for fast forward and rewind of video and music) THEN I would really wouldn't care how much they are cause I would want one.

[iwantanewmac]

I expected something better from apple.
No rechargable batts?
Bad for the environment as well.

[Ge4-ce]

This is the only thing where Apple keeps making mistakes..

First, we'll have to wait and see. It's as simple as that!

Second: If they do not have a multi-button mouse when I order a G5 in January (the Dual 2.5 I hope) then the first thing I do is order a second mouse with it, and put away the original Mouse.. My apps do need

BTW.. I hate charging batteries.. The cord never bordered me. And the keyboard cord did not either..

All that wireless stuff: just more stuff that can get broke.. Or can loose connection and interfear with other devices...

[alset]

This sounds like the weakest possible implementation of a potentially strong move.

Dan

[aethier]

Well this new mouse better live up to all of our expectations, or i think there will be many more people buying Logitech's MX 700.

aethier

[DamnDJ]

Like some others have said, I am pretty disappointed with the so-called specs of the new Apple mouse/keyboard products. If the new mouse had some sort of recharging dock, like the iPod, it would allow me to be much more excited about the mouse. However, it is also likely that we'll only get a one-button mouse which in itself is disappointing (and inexcusable anymore) as well.

Apple really needs to get rid of the mouse engineer(s) they've kept in the basement storage closet all these years. :p

[Doraemon]

While it is confirmed that the G5s ship with the current set of Apple Keyboard and Apple Mouse, I thought there was a rumor that they were grey/silver instead of white.
Can anyone confirm that?

Personally, I think white just doesn't fit to the aluminum G5 enclosure...

[Lord Bodak]

AAs aren't so bad, you can always just get rechargeable ones.

This answers the biggest issue I have with Microsoft's Bluetooth mouse-- an on/off switch. Theirs wakes up when a button is pressed, which is NOT good if you were to toss it into a laptop bag.

If this has multiple buttons and (gasp!) a wheel, I will definitely be getting one.

[Photorun]

Like others have said, unless that mouse has two buttons, pass. As a hard core pro user who works vastely faster in Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Illustrator that that second button, it's useless without.

Also a thought occurred to me, could you use both the Apple wireless keyboard and a third party bluetooth REAL (one with more than one button) mouse together? I'm not that up on knowing how bluetooth works.

[airmac]

Forget two buttons, screw the scroll wheel, as long as it has some cool lightning effects under the surface and remote in the front (is that possible?!) i'm IN!!! :D

[Freg3000]

Originally posted by aethier
Well this new mouse better live up to all of our expectations, or i think there will be many more people buying Logitech's MX 700.

aethier

I did last week. No regrets here. I even knew about the Apple rumors, but I am confident no Apple wireless mouse can beat this one.

Plus, I just configured the three button above/below the scroll wheel for the Exposé. OMG. It is orgasmic. :)

[G4scott]

ok, while a built in rechargeable battery system would be nice, I think it would be a bit clumsy. What's the point of a wireless keyboard and mouse if you have to plug them in to the computer to recharge them? I'll gladly use rechargeable batteries, which I'm sure will work.

[Pieira]

Dvd/Tv remote on the the bottom of the mouse would be really cool. and why not have a cable on the keyboard the retracts to charge it and a dock on it to charge mouse

[JtheLemur]

i swear up and down that not too long ago, i saw some sort of rechargable Lithium(-Ion?) batteries, made especially for electronic devices. i swear Energizer made them. AA size, and they came with a charger. but i cant find it on Energizer, nor Duracell's site.

or maybe they were just Lithium batteries in AA size made for electronic devices. either way, no they were not Lithium photo batteries. I distinctly remember the marketing on it - made for gadgets. =)

Or was i dreaming? Argh!

Well if i cant find these dream-Lithium-batteries... Monster makes some seriously good NiMH ones, very high capacity. And they exist. Haha.

[JtheLemur]

FOUND 'EM!

http://www.energizer.com/e2photo/

Wow, that was actually sorta hard to find. Hehehe. I wasn't dreaming. Energizer e2 Photo Lithium. Granted, they're "made" for cameras, but I wonder how they last in general gadgetry. I know the power arc for Li batteries is much different than NiMH... hmm! Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Then again, these batteries are much more expensive than anything else... but doesn't YOUR Apple product deserve the best™? =D

[aasmund]

I really really don't understand why these units don't work like this:

rechargeable, with a cable, when cable plugged in, the unit automatically pairs up the bluetooth, charges it, and the keyboard works as a regular usb keyboard. This would solve all the problems.

[blueflame]

I really hope there are no instant access buttons, like for itunes, and mail, and iphoto, if this is to be a pro keyboard, why have it linked to so many consumer apps. I wouls like it to be a ultra thin bluetooth leyboard, with a backlit keys, in ipod orange, with the same keyboard as on the new powerbooks, same tackyness, and size ( plus the number pad)
and I agree, its about time to see happle have a two button mouse, but unless they upgrade everything, or at least offer a trackpad upgrade on their laptops, i dont see it happening
~Andreas

[G4scott]

Originally posted by blueflame
I really hope there are no instant access buttons, like for itunes, and mail, and iphoto, if this is to be a pro keyboard, why have it linked to so many consumer apps. I wouls like it to be a ultra thin bluetooth leyboard, with a backlit keys, in ipod orange, with the same keyboard as on the new powerbooks, same tackyness, and size ( plus the number pad)
and I agree, its about time to see happle have a two button mouse, but unless they upgrade everything, or at least offer a trackpad upgrade on their laptops, i dont see it happening
~Andreas

Yes!!! That's what I was thinking!

An ultra-thin, aluminum keyboard like that of the PowerBooks, with a backlight, where you can turn it on and off when you want, or have it with sensors like the 17" PowerBook! I've seen TV remotes that have backlights, and a LCD display, and this keyboard can't use more power than one of those... Battery life isn't that much of a concern with me. As long as I don't have to change them every day, I'll just use my battery charger I have in my dorm...

As for the mouse, a nice, 2 or 3 button mouse with a touch pad scroll wheel (like that one on the Kensington StudioMouse (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72101/wo/Wh4oCjjoOBRT2sjEsH1edZTgCx9/1.3.0.5.10) ) would be really nice. Of course, if wonderful Jonathan Ives has anything to do with this product, it'll have something on it that's completely different, that redefines the way we use our mice, or something that (or something really cool would be nice too...)

Hopefully I'll have enough money to buy this. If not, Christmas seems like a good time...

What I'll like about it most, is that I'll be able to hook up my PowerBook to my roommate's TV (via RCA cables), which is on the other side of the room, and then control the computer with the mouse and keyboard from anywhere in the room (it's a small room). Like, if I was playing video games, and I wanted to change the song playing on my computer, I'd just change the TV input with the remote, use my keyboard or mouse to change the song, and then switch back to my game without having to get up from my chair...

This product is a MUST HAVE!!! for me. If it's cool, that is... If not, I'll just have to settle with some other sort of bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I just hope that Apple makes this thing compact. Not tiny, compact, but compact enough to have in your lap, and move around easily, without being big, clunky, and clumsy.

Go Apple!!!

[york2600]

A) I work at a computer recycling center and I see people dropping off wireless keyboards/mice all the time. They don't like putting in batteries left and right

B) I would have expected a better design from Apple that would have eliminated the need for rechargeable batteries

C) I think it's a shame that Apple is encouraging the wasteful use of AA batteries to get rid of a cable. It's just not worth the waste factor generated by the product.

[ZildjianKX]

Okay, let me get this right:

Apple has crushed my hope for a G5 laptop
Apple has crushed my hope for a descent speed G4 laptop
Apple has crushed my hope for the dual G5 desktop shipping anytime soon.
And they have killed my last hope of a nice rechargeable bluetooth mouse.

At least I like my iPod.

[reyesmac]

Instead of wireless they should have just made the keyboard light up at night.

If they want to be really groundbreaking, they can make each of the keys light up in different colors and allow programs to light up the keys you can use with the program.
For example: when a save dialog comes up, the return key will pulse like the button on the screen. Or, in Final cut pro, they keys will light up like those special keyboards they sell with the different color keys. What would be so different about an Apple keyboard that would make someone want to pay a premium just to use it? Its looks?

[Abstract]

Here's what I don't understand about Bluetooth wireless mice and keyboards: What was wrong with the old wireless mice and keyboards that they have had for years? I think they used infrared. How is a mouse and keyboard being bluetooth make them any more wireless (and better) than those older wireless devices?

[giba]

I wonder if any power can be generated from the friction of the mouse against the surface, vibration of the mouse, mouse clicks, scroll wheel motion, and typing on keyboard. Any rocket scientist here?

[plinkoman]

why does everyone keep saying that AA powered wireless mouses need new batteries all the time? i have an old logitec one that never shuts off, always stays on at full power, with 2 AA batteries and i usually replace them about every 2 months. either none of you have ever owned a wireless mouse, or you consider 2 months too frequent. and mine doesn't even have an off switch or auto shut off for when not in use.

and yes, in case anyone was thinking otherwise, it is an optical mouse...

[LostPacket]

Originally posted by G4scott
An ultra-thin, aluminum keyboard like that of the PowerBooks, with a backlight, where you can turn it on and off when you want, or have it with sensors like the 17" PowerBook!

...

Battery life isn't that much of a concern with me. As long as I don't have to change them every day, I'll just use my battery charger I have in my dorm...

Screw the BlueTooth, I'll buy an auto-sensing backlit keyboard any day of the week! Cords don't impede my productivity, but my Vitamin-A deprived eyes sure do.

If they can do it with a laptop, they can do it with a desktop. Wireless or not.

LP

[yujini]

Originally posted by plinkoman
why does everyone keep saying that AA powered wireless mouses need new batteries all the time? i have an old logitec one that never shuts off, always stays on at full power, with 2 AA batteries and i usually replace them about every 2 months. either none of you have ever owned a wireless mouse, or you consider 2 months too frequent. and mine doesn't even have an off switch or auto shut off for when not in use.

and yes, in case anyone was thinking otherwise, it is an optical mouse...

I have the Logitech MX700 which never turns off and this thing even when I use expensive Panasonic or Sony AA rechargable batteries, I have to recharge them every 2 days if I use the computer a lot.

There was a period where I didn't use the computer that much for more than a week and the low battery light went on after 8 days.

Fortunately, the MX700 has a recharging dock so its' not much of a problem since you just have to put it on the cradle when you go to sleep.

Maybe the older wireless mice lasted longer?
I dunno.

[iRiKliAN]

I am TOTALY and UTTERLY BLOODY F@#^(&* disgusted that Apple has gone the way of replacement batteries...

I was expecting r-evolutionary...

Lets see steve worm his way out of this one.

Looks like im spending my money on MicroScums latest offering available soon.

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-5071013.html

[Dont Hurt Me]

batteries suck plain & simple, the mouse will be heavy, it will go out when you dont want it to and you will allways be farting around with batteries. i really expect better from apple. other companies have been making these for a awhile so not very innovative if using the double A design.

[mkaake]

Originally posted by yujini
I have the Logitech MX700 which never turns off and this thing even when I use expensive Panasonic or Sony AA rechargable batteries, I have to recharge them every 2 days if I use the computer a lot.

There was a period where I didn't use the computer that much for more than a week and the low battery light went on after 8 days.

Fortunately, the MX700 has a recharging dock so its' not much of a problem since you just have to put it on the cradle when you go to sleep.

Maybe the older wireless mice lasted longer?
I dunno.


well i'm not sure just how big of a difference it makes, but you're comparing blue tooth to rf - the mx700 (which really is awesome) is an rf mouse, while bluetooth mice are what most wireless mice have been in the past...

matt

[tthiel]

I wonder if the mouse will be fast enough for gaming. I doubt it.

[jdiddy24]

With Apple supprising even the most wise of wise Apple heads, including myself, I do not understand or even fabricate the ability to use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse while using Airport Extreme.
I have the 12'' Powerbook with bluetooth, and when syncing my phone with my computer and sitting at a coffeeshop, I find that at times the Airport card conflicts with the Bluetooth, slowing down internet or at times killing my bluetooth connection.
With that said, I would rather have a trust worthy keyboard and mouse, as well as internet. Than have Internet and not have the ability to use my wireless keyboard. Plus, anything that requires batteries, automatically tells me wireless is not the way to go for the lazy.
Which is probably atleast 25% of Mac heads.
Who knows, maybe Apple will suprise me once again. And I will fall into the trap of buying a cool new gadget from apple.

[anidel]

Hi,

I went thru this thread and I couldn't find an answer to this question:

is the battery level indicator of the Apple BT mouse in Panther actually working?

I've got my mouse few weeks ago, I'm using it all the day long and that battery level indicator still indicates maximum energy in the batteries.

Anidel.

[Mudbug]

Originally posted by anidel
Hi,

I went thru this thread and I couldn't find an answer to this question:

is the battery level indicator of the Apple BT mouse in Panther actually working?

I've got my mouse few weeks ago, I'm using it all the day long and that battery level indicator still indicates maximum energy in the batteries.

Anidel.

honestly I don't know the real answer, but I would think since the batteries are supposed to last a number of months, then assuming they're new batteries, they should show full charge for quite a while. Try putting batteries in that you know have a low charge and see what happens.

[anidel]

That's a good suggestion...I'll do that and I'll post here what I'll found out, once I figure out where I put some old (should-have-been-disposed) batteries :)

Anidel