Poll: What kind of mouse do you use right now? [Archive]

MoparShaha

Sep 19, 2003, 03:11 AM

I've got the MS IntelliMouse Explorer Optical. Very good mouse, been extremely happy with it. I love the software, and how you can assign buttons differently in each application. I've been thinking about switching to the Logitech MX-700 though. I tried it and was blown away by how good it was.

robbieduncan

Sep 19, 2003, 03:38 AM

I voted based on what I use on my Mac (trackpad) as I use 2 button+wheel mice on my PCs, but do not feel the need on my iBook at the moment.

Nermal

Sep 19, 2003, 03:39 AM

I regretted installing the "IntelliPoint" software, it disabled my middle button and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of it afterwards. I had to reinstall OS X :(

gerardrj

Sep 19, 2003, 03:46 AM

Perhaps I'm just strange, I have TWO mice connected to my main computer.

1. One of the really cool Apple Pro Optical one-button (all button) mice (original black).

2. A Logitech optical wheel mouse (3 button scroll wheel).

Both are connected up via an Orange USB/FireWire card to my beige G3. I use the Apple mouse most of the day, for email checking, web surfing, etc. I don't find a wheel mouse to be handy for web page scrolling since I have to move the cursor off the window to read it anyway, I might as well move it to the scroll bar. I also like it for the "wow factor" it gets when people visit my office.

I use the Logitech for apps that are just easier to use with the extra buttons (Windows via VPC), and for my X-Windows sessions. I also tend to grab the Logitech when I am doing a lot of file manipulation in Finder and need to quickly distiguish between "copy" and "move".

I'll probably never purchase a wireless mouse, I just don't see the need with my setup.

mac15

Sep 19, 2003, 04:27 AM

Apple Pro Mouse, and I'll never change to 2 buttons. I would really like a Apple Wireless mouse

vollspacken

Sep 19, 2003, 05:08 AM

Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue w. 2 buttons and scrollweel

vSpacken

TimDaddy

Sep 19, 2003, 05:13 AM

I had a "Mini-Mouse", I believe it was made by Logitech. I used it for over a year, then it seemed to start hurting my hand. I then went back to the mouse that came with my iMac. If fits MUCH more comfortably in my hand, but I wish it had two buttons and a scroll wheel. I may someday purchase a Kensington StudioWireless something or other Mouse, but I always have something more important to spend my money on. My dad has some Microsoft mouse with three buttons and a scroll wheel on top and a button on each side. I think that's overkill. I always accidentally press the side buttons and switch web pages inadvertantly. For me, two buttons and a scroll wheel are fine.

kettle

Sep 19, 2003, 05:28 AM

still waiting for an optical puck.
maybe even a bluetooth optical puck.

I still find the "puck" to be the best drawing/writing designers tool this side of my Wacom.

Can't believe apple caved in to all those clamy mouse clutching types who feel the need to move their whole arm when guiding a mouse.

Try yer old puck again this time using just yer thumb and middle finger to guide and index to click.

oh, and no more rubbish about not knowing which way the puck is pointing,
look at the screen pointer not the puck!
:)

Alte22a

Sep 19, 2003, 06:38 AM

A power user with just a ONE button black pro mouse, my other hand operates the keyboard and the griffen power mate. I also use a wacom tablet as well... But I am totally for the single button mouse...

Golem

Sep 19, 2003, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by kettle
still waiting for an optical puck.
maybe even a bluetooth optical puck.

oh, and no more rubbish about not knowing which way the puck is pointing,
look at the screen pointer not the puck!
:)

I find the puck and indeed the apple mouse just to small. The puck is what 1/4 the length of my hand? I either have to hold my hand in the air all the time or my hand is on the desk and my fingers are up from the desk to the puck. Uggh.

I am currently using a Logitech dual optical and plan to get a MX500 for my laptop when it arrives just for a comparison. I have used the earlier Wireless both microsoft and Logitech and both seemed prone to losing connection.

ph_555_shag

Sep 19, 2003, 07:16 AM

I use the apple black optical mouse, only because it came with my computer and getting a good wirless one is like $200 (aus) i dont even want two buttons, id never use them...I JUST WANT A SCROLL WHEEL :mad:

GrizzlyHippo

Sep 19, 2003, 07:22 AM

I haven't used a mouse in about 3 years.

I use a Wacom tablet all the time as my 'mouse' and a Griffin PowerMate for other controls. This combination is much better for me and stops the old RSI re-surfacing.

Grizzly

Stella

Sep 19, 2003, 07:29 AM

Logitech MX500 and 700.

Logitech rock!

BTW They just released blue booth mouse - MX 900 that looks like the MX700 including the recharger etc.

However, I would like an Apple mouse, but, not when its so expensive with only one mouse and no scrolly!

fixyourthinking

Sep 19, 2003, 07:39 AM

I really like trackballs because you don't have to move the mouse and if you really want to you can "edge it" (roll it) VERY VERY precisely.

I loved the original PowerBook 100 series 100-180c and the Duo 210-280c. I had a 2300 that I retrofitted with a trackball.

Also, having big hands - the whole mouse fits and curves nicely to my hand.

I have both wired and wireless versions of the Trackman Optical Wheel.

pivo6

Sep 19, 2003, 08:03 AM

I will use the one button apple pro mouse until it gives out. Then I'll switch to a two button with scroll wheel.

gotohamish

Sep 19, 2003, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors
Vote: Poll: What kind of mouse do you use right now? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=278)

Two button Logitech MouseMan traveller with 2-buttons and a scroll wheel.

It's tiny, and matches my TiBook and graphite G4. Love it.http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/24.gif

usersince86

Sep 19, 2003, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by mac15
Apple Pro Mouse, and I'll never change to 2 buttons

Why won't you change?

The poll says it all -- look at the number of people who have spent EXTRA MONEY to get a 2 or more button mouse with a scroll wheel. There's a reason -- for many (most) people, 2+scroll is more productive, period.

If the situation were reverse and a 2+scroll was the standard, I doubt if very many people would go buy a single-button mouse.

Apple's mouse philosophy really hasn't changed much since 1984... and that's NOT a good thing (IMHO).

(I use a Logitech Wheel Mouse, 2+scroll, optical, and it's truly made things better.)

MattG

Sep 19, 2003, 08:58 AM

At this point I think I'd go crazy trying to use anything less than a 2 button mouse with scroll. I'm on the web so much that a scroll wheel is indispensible to me now.

When I got my first iMac about a year and a half ago, I opened the Apple mouse and tried to get used to it. It certainly looks great and feels great, but in the end I went back to my MS Intellimouse Optical because I couldn't get used to having only one button.

ckwm

Sep 19, 2003, 08:59 AM

I use the pro mouse. Having used a five button mouse with scroll wheel on my PC for years, I never thought I would adjust. But - amazingly - I have no desire to change from one button!

fixyourthinking

Sep 19, 2003, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by usersince86

Apple's mouse philosophy really hasn't changed much since 1984... and that's NOT a good thing (IMHO).

It's narrow minded to figure out the marketting reasons for what Apple does. It may not make sense to you BUT there are actually 3 reasons Apple mice have always been one button and also symetrical.

1) Lefties and Righties can use it the same - Steve is a leftie by the way

2) One button is less confusing to the novice computer user - it tooks MONTHS before my dad stopped using the right click - I finally had to disable it - he does like the scroll though - eventhough he occasionally clicks it too

3) Deals with Logitech - a deal was struck long ago that Apple would NEVER produce anything more than a "standard" mouse - Logitech would develop MOST drivers for Apple in return.

Chobit

Sep 19, 2003, 09:25 AM

I use the greatest mouse of all time: the hockey puck mouse. You will take this mouse from me when you pry it from my cold dead hands. I don't know why so many people hated it, I always thought it was the best mouse out there.

[edit: typo]

Mudbug

Sep 19, 2003, 09:37 AM

Kensington Studio Pro Wireless - this thing's sweet. There's no scroll wheel, but a scroll trackpad in the middle of the mouse (like a wheel - but no moving parts). It's smooth, compliments the look of everything, and decreases my wire infestation on my desk.

I hear the logitec wireless keyboard/mouse set is pretty sweet too. Maybe that's next. Who knows.

Alte22a

Sep 19, 2003, 09:42 AM

I don't think it really matters what mouse others are using just so long as it productive. Everyone has their own little ways at working at things, I would say never use a mouse while using photoshop, but thats for me, I just use my Wacom + powermate. the pro little pro mice I own 3 of those and I am happy with it.

tazo

Sep 19, 2003, 09:57 AM

wireless Microsoft optical mouse. best mouse I have ever bought :)

shadowfax

Sep 19, 2003, 10:13 AM

down with dirty rodents! trackpads all the way. if only they made them a little more accurate...

gotohamish

Sep 19, 2003, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by shadowfax
down with dirty rodents! trackpads all the way. if only they made them a little more accurate...

Have you used SideTrack? It gives you a scroller on your iBook/PB trackpad - it's amazing. There's even horizontal scroll too!

SilentPanda

Sep 19, 2003, 10:24 AM

I use the Logitech MX700... I changed the buttons above and below the scroll wheel though... the one above the scroll wheel cycles one way through my tabs, the one below the scroll wheel cycles the other way through my tabs, and the one below that opens up a folder of links in tabs. Otherwise it's all the defaults.

F/reW/re

Sep 19, 2003, 10:37 AM

I use a Microsoft mouse too.
Doesn't this thread really show that Apple better get their A** moving making a mouse for THIS century!

sedarby

Sep 19, 2003, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by F/reW/re
I use a Microsoft mouse too.
Doesn't this thread really show that Apple better get their A** moving making a mouse for THIS century!

One poll from one rumor site does not make a good sample for all users. How many of you have replaced the mice on your PCs? It's a matter of opinion and no mouse any computer maker provides will satisfy all people. Why not provide a basic mouse and let the consumer choose what mouse makes sense for them?

F/reW/re

Sep 19, 2003, 11:23 AM

spinner

Sep 19, 2003, 11:43 AM

Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue w. 2 buttons and scrollweel at work and Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer Optical with 5 buttons and scroll wheel at home.

wdlove

Sep 19, 2003, 11:54 AM

I use the Apple mouse that came with my G4. Plan to use a wire less trackball with my G5. I know a person that uses on, said that it was the best purchase that he ever made!

shadowfax

Sep 19, 2003, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by gotohamish
Have you used SideTrack? It gives you a scroller on your iBook/PB trackpad - it's amazing. There's even horizontal scroll too! i used an app called "uControl" to do the same thing, while holding down the fn key. i never ended up using it. when i scroll, i tend to use the arrow keys, which, you must admit, are very very close to the track pad, and if you use combos like cmd + up/down as well as the up/down keys, you can really scroll around pretty fast... so much for scrollpads...

shadowfax

Sep 19, 2003, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by sedarby
One poll from one rumor site does not make a good sample for all users. How many of you have replaced the mice on your PCs? It's a matter of opinion and no mouse any computer maker provides will satisfy all people. Why not provide a basic mouse and let the consumer choose what mouse makes sense for them? it's not a good sample for all users, you're right. in fact, if you took a poll of all computer users on all platforms, i bet you you'd finr about 97-98% of them use at least a 2 button mouse. within this context, a basic mouse should have 2 buttons, because the overwhelming majority of people use them. rarer features, like 7 buttons, and maybe even scroll wheels, shouldn't be considered basic, but the one button thing is less than basic for most computer users. i also submit to you that your appeal to the fact that most of us change our mouse is targeted towards an audience that is contrary to the major population. i don't think that a large percentage of new computer buyers go out and buy a new mouse because they dislike the mouse that came with the computer. on this site, yes, because you are dealing with a population that by and large cares a great deal more for the equipment it uses when it comes to computers.

so again, the one button mouse is much less than basic to most. and even if it were basic, $70 is way, way too much to pay for a basic mouse. that's utterly ridiculous.

Freg3000

Sep 19, 2003, 12:18 PM

I just got a Logitech MX700, and now am already looking into the MX900. I don't know if it offers anything more other than BlueTooth instead of Infrared. I'll have to see.

P.S. I hate the one button mouse. However, it is good for my mom, as she is very computer illiterate.

bousozoku

Sep 19, 2003, 12:34 PM

Logitech Marble Mouse and Marble Mouse with scroll buttons. They're so precise for Photoshop work and equally good in First Person Shooters. :)

SiliconAddict

Sep 19, 2003, 12:50 PM

MongoTheGeek

Sep 19, 2003, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by adzoox
It's narrow minded to figure out the marketting reasons for what Apple does. It may not make sense to you BUT there are actually 3 reasons Apple mice have always been one button and also symetrical.

1) Lefties and Righties can use it the same - Steve is a leftie by the way

So are my wife and son but I am the only one who mouses left handed on a regular basis (i'm a rightie)

2) One button is less confusing to the novice computer user - it tooks MONTHS before my dad stopped using the right click - I finally had to disable it - he does like the scroll though - eventhough he occasionally clicks it too

:)
true.

3) Deals with Logitech - a deal was struck long ago that Apple would NEVER produce anything more than a "standard" mouse - Logitech would develop MOST drivers for Apple in return.

So Apple will break the deal when they no longer need Logitech.

Who makes the apple mice for Apple btw?

quixotic

Sep 19, 2003, 01:13 PM

Optical Tracball all the way. Less space, less motion to go through. I used to have a logitech, but for some reason it cramped up my thumb, I switched to Microsuck where the ball is under your first two fingers and the two main buttons and scroll are under your thumb. Very comfortable tracball, pretty ergonomic.

MongoTheGeek

Sep 19, 2003, 01:14 PM

Best mouse I ever used was a Dec puck. it wasn't optical but it had wheels instead of a ball. It never gunked. It worked on any surface. It was just this side of indestructable.

Personally I can't wait until Microsoft becomes a company that only sells mice and joy sticks.

bluedalmatian

Sep 19, 2003, 01:21 PM

whatever mouse i use i wouldn't want a wireless one. its just an uneeded inconvienience having to change batteries and where's the benefit? You wouldnt want to be using it away from the computer so why bother with wireless. i'd rather have a short length of cable to allow the computer to power it.

cnladd

Sep 19, 2003, 01:50 PM

I use a combination of devices. I'm on an iBook 600MHz so I typically use the trackpad. If I need to use a mouse, I use a tiny little Macally two-button mouse with a scroll wheel. It has a very short cord and was designed for portables. I rarely use this, though.

Finally, every so often I'll convert almost entirely over to using a Wacom Graphire2 tablet.

I'd prefer to use the Apple one-button mouse but its size and weight have kept me from looking too seriously at it. For a desktop system, I'd use it nearly exclusively, but with my iBook I want something that can be easily portable.

If Apple were to make a smaller one-button mouse, something designed for iBooks or PowerBooks and intended to be used while travelling, then I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.

Finally, yes: I prefer one-button mice over two- or three-button mice. I'm a Switcher (not just from Windows, but also from commercial UNIX which tends towards three-button mice) and have always loved the simplicity of Apple's one-button mice.

Bunzi2k4

Sep 19, 2003, 02:17 PM

i've got a basic usb optical tracking 2 button w/ a scroll wheel mouse lade by logitech..... my dad got it for me, but he was ripped off ($40!!!)!! i perfer a 2 button mouse over a 3 or a 1 button mouse cuz it makes it easier, and i think a 2 button mouse is simple enough... i think all the gamers out there would agree with me on this one too, i mean how could you not have 2 click on warcraft 3 or starcraft and what about all those first person shooters? ther's always a use for a second button, it's just easier using one finger instead of holding down the control button and then clicking when u'r trying to run away from a bunch of enemies and your using your left hand on the w a s d buttons and your right hand on your mouse, you don't have any free fingers to press apple or ctrl.

jayb2000

Sep 19, 2003, 02:24 PM

I have a logitech cordless mouse and keyboard.
I have used the apple mouse and I can put up with the single button, but I really like being able to scroll and use the thumb button for going back a page.

I think that it could be easier for novices to use the 1 button (hope to find out if I get a Rev B dual G5 and give the iMac to my Mom), but it mostly drives me nuts having to use the keyboard to surf the web.

bograt

Sep 19, 2003, 04:11 PM

Come on Apple, bring out the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse in black, please - the white one is just dodgy.

Makosuke

Sep 19, 2003, 04:39 PM

I use a Logitech Mx500 -- all those buttons and a scroll wheel that feels good, too. Mainly, though, I like it for its ergonomic properties--since I use my computer many hours every day, I like something that I can rest my hand on and that gives a bit of a rightward tilt to save my wrist.

On the other hand, my wife greatly prefers the standard Apple optical--she doesn't mind a scroll wheel, but she likes the one button style and its shape a lot more. She's got really little hands, too, so she never minded the puck mice, either.

Plug: Why don't I hear more pro users talking about gestures? I installed the freeware "Cocoa Gestures" program, and I can now hit all my web favorites, open and close windows and tabs, and even swtich the text encoding in Camino with one hand and without ever moving my mouse outside of a ~1 inch square.

Gestures, for those not familiar, are the rough mouse equivalent of command-key combinations/macros--you click a modifier button, then draw some pattern with the mouse. That executes a command, and saves you vast amounts of time. I've even got the gesture hot-button set to right click; if I click, it acts normally, but if I click and hold, gestures.

Way too awesome. Also lets the single thumb-button on my work IBM mouse act as both forward and back shortcuts like the two thumb buttons on my Logitech. Try it!

MacFan25

Sep 19, 2003, 05:38 PM

I use a white Apple Pro Mouse. But, I'd like to see Apple come out with a mouse with a scroll wheel. :)

laurim

Sep 19, 2003, 05:49 PM

I liked the puck that came with my G4/450 because my hands are small. But, it eventually started skipping around even after I cleaned the ball and the rollers. I liked my Logitech optical scrollwheel mouse on my pc so I bought something similar to it for my mac. It's a Kensington Iridio optical three button scrollwheel. It's smaller than the average mouse so it fits my hand, ready to go for the mac and I like that clicking the scrollwheel makes a link open in a tab in Safari. I also have the option to create my own default settings for buttons by using the enclosed software. Really like it and it was very reasonably priced through Amazon if you use the alternate New/Used sellers. I bought new from J&R Music and Computer World for $19.88 instead of $34.95 from Amazon (list price $69.99). Now I have to get a baby mouse for my new powerbook! Probably wireless...

Freg3000

Sep 19, 2003, 09:10 PM

Originally posted by Makosuke

Plug: Why don't I hear more pro users talking about gestures? I installed the freeware "Cocoa Gestures" program, and I can now hit all my web favorites, open and close windows and tabs, and even swtich the text encoding in Camino with one hand and without ever moving my mouse outside of a ~1 inch square.

Gestures, for those not familiar, are the rough mouse equivalent of command-key combinations/macros--you click a modifier button, then draw some pattern with the mouse. That executes a command, and saves you vast amounts of time. I've even got the gesture hot-button set to right click; if I click, it acts normally, but if I click and hold, gestures.

Way too awesome. Also lets the single thumb-button on my work IBM mouse act as both forward and back shortcuts like the two thumb buttons on my Logitech. Try it!

I agree. no one talks about gestures. They are so cool. I have been using them for over 6 months now. :)

Cocoa Gestures (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/18404)

cb911

Sep 20, 2003, 02:09 AM

Gestures, eh? sounds interesting, i'll have to check that out.

i use a Microsot Internet Explorer Optical, or some name like that. scroll wheel and 4 buttons. i reckon the more buttons the better. :D

as far as more buttons and productivity goes, i disagree that more buttons makes the mouse more productive. more buttons just means lazyness, and it doesn't take much to have one hand hovering over the keyboard...

gopher

Sep 22, 2003, 08:58 AM

The wired one. However, there is a very interesting argument for one button mice here:

http://www.applelinks.com/abacus/hands_on_throttle.shtml

Read it through, and I think you'll agree there is a good point for one or no button mice.

wdlove

Sep 22, 2003, 12:31 PM

I purchased a Kensington Turbo Mouse Pro Wireless that I'm saving to use with my new G5. Got it at MWNY 2002 with the idea of using it on my new Power Mac. Have been procrastinating on the purchase r/t keeping track of rumors!

Shekky_ca

Oct 15, 2003, 10:28 AM

I Use the Logitech Optical 3 button Scroll wheel mouse.

iLife

Oct 15, 2003, 11:44 AM

wacom tablet -- this is all, 3 button mouse w/ scroll wheel, and pen.

AmigoMac

Oct 15, 2003, 12:09 PM

When I started to use my PB, I wanted to test what Steve said about the 1-button "advantage", before I had a 2 buttons with scroll wheel mouse, and haven't needed the 2nd button until now, just scrolling takes longer sometimes, I'd prefer a single button mouse (Wireless) with scroll function (but not wheel, some kind of application like iPod's trackpad), maybe it will be part of:

"In January "X"th, apple computer will introduce ........

.....and you'll see why 2004 wont be like 2004"

They are preparing the good things for those 20 years... Hope!;)

matthew_goldin

Nov 3, 2003, 09:32 AM

I have a Logitech three button mouse for my g4 imac.

Iconocat

Nov 3, 2003, 09:52 AM

When I first got my Mac back in April, I noticed that I was so conditioned to using a two button mouse, I was applying pressure to the left and right side of the Apple Pro mouse! Now that I've been using my mac for much longer, I rarely ever even use the 2nd button at work w/ the PC I have to use there. Honestly, I've grown to love the one button mouse. Well.. kind of a huge single button. I doubt I'll ever purchase a multi-button mouse for my mouse.

However, one thing I would like to see on the Apple mouse is a scroll wheel maybe added to the side of the mouse that I could use with my thumb... or maybe a small touch wheel such as the one w/ the iPod that could be used as a scroll with my index finger. That would be sweet. :)

Awimoway

Nov 17, 2003, 12:38 AM

I vascillate between my wife's mx500 and my mx700. The mx500 clearly has better handling and even the buttons are more prominent and easier to find/use.

But once you've tried wireless . . . ;)

asgardn1

Dec 16, 2003, 03:16 AM

I have three Microsoft Optical Mice Sitting around the house.

On my own Mac I have the White Apple USB Keyboard and mouse for troubleshooting and when the F12 Key on my other keyboard simply won't work to eject either optical drive.

My main keyboard and mouse are a Logitech Cordless MX Duo. By far the best keyboard and mouse I've ever owned. Tried two other cordless mice, but it turned out that Maximum PC wasn't lying that most cordless mice suck for games and other purposes that require quick and accurate mouse movement. According to them, the reason is that at the time they wrote about it four to six months ago, the MX 700 was the only cordless mouse that actually refreshed anywhere near as fast as a high end USB one. Don't know if that's entirely accurate but it is by my own experience.

Finally, I have my Wacom Intuos2 6X8 Platinum. Only use that to use the pen though. Mainly because of how much I like the MX 700(and the fact I can use it from the couch) and because the mouse can only be used in the 6" by 8" live area of the tablet.

I suppose you could also count the cursor joystick on my ATI Remote Wonder but that is of limited usefullness by comparison.