Bluetooth Mouse

[Zachary]

Anyone know who's developing a Bluetooth mouse?

I know Apple has one... one button that is! Lame.
I know Microsoft came out with a keyboard/mouse combo for Bluetooth, but it's bulky, expensive, and Microsoft. Lame.
I know Logitech isn't quite done with theirs but it already sucks because their projected price is $99 (which probably means it will come with a USB/Bluetooth adaptor, which I neither need nor want).

Seriously, where's the rumors about somebody like Belkin or Targus getting me a tiny little optical 2 button scrollwheel for $40?! Somebody's gotta do it. Hell I even just read a piece about a Bluetooth Palm keyboard that's in the works (sweet idea).

Whaddya got peoples?

[birdMan]

I've been wondering the same thing. I got the wireless keyboard, but I really want the mouse too, but screw having one button.

[Zachary]

I did all the googling, mamma-ing, and dogpiling I cared to do, no developers are even talking about getting a nice mac-friendly one going. Belkin made noise, but again they wanna throw an adapter in there.

I really like the mice from Contour Design so I emailed them and told them they should make a really tiny little 2 button scrollwheel optical that takes the same rechargable AAA batteries many of us have around for palm pilots and digital cameras anyway. That way it's an all in one and might be cheap enough to capture all the built-in BT users before anyone else gets to it.

People say they've had good luck with the MS BT, but I can't tell you how much I'd rather have a little retractable cord than one of the gigantic, two part, not in any way convenient for accompanying laptop transport monsters.

[vin]

Belkin is supposed to deliver one soon:

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=157641

[Zachary]

Yeah, I saw that one. Thing looks big though, and again I'd be paying for a USB adapter that I wouldn't use. I just emailed Targus and told them to make one. Their laptop mice are really good.

[Freakk123]

I have the microsoft combo for my PC (yes, I have a PC for gaming) and its one of the two microsoft products I like (along with office X). I'd recommend it! While it is somewhat bulky, it works like a charm. Then again, I haven't tried it with my mac yet, so wait... I'll try it out tonight.

EDIT: Spelling

[Freakk123]

Works like a charm with my Mac. Just download the drivers and you're set. Very good precision and ergonomics. I'd highly recommend it.

[Westside guy]

Originally posted by Zachary
Seriously, where's the rumors about somebody like Belkin or Targus getting me a tiny little optical 2 button scrollwheel for $40?! Somebody's gotta do it. Hell I even just read a piece about a Bluetooth Palm keyboard that's in the works (sweet idea).

Please understand that I'd love to be wrong on this, but ...

I'm not sure that "somebody's gotta do it" - at least not in the short term. It's relatively new technology. You're basically asking for someone to make a mouse that has more stuff in it (Bluetooth antenna and circuitry), yet is still small and costs no more than a good quality regular mouse!

If we're wishing, why not wish really big? Personally I'd love to see a 15" G5 Powerbook with 2GB RAM for about $1000. :D

You know the old saying, "if wishes were horses..."? :p

[Zachary]

Naw dude, the 3 button, wheeled laser mouse I have now is about an inch by 2 and 1/2 and it cost $18. The Logitech mouse isn't that huge, and it's less than $90. So I figure with the extra space I see when I open mine, and the fact that a bluetooth-usb adapter is $50, they make one not too much bigger than mine and not horribly expensive. You gotta have some faith man.

[ksz]

Originally posted by vin
Belkin is supposed to deliver one soon:

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=157641
It's available now. For instance:

http://shop.pcconnection.com/web/Shopping/Product.htm?catalog%5Fname=PCCGeneral&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=450008&variant%5Fid=&SearchLogID=%7B463EEBFF%2D5FC2%2D492B%2DA6A0%2D6E113AF38E49%7D

[Zachary]

That's a nice one, but my point was to not have the bluetooth adapter. What's the use of having built in bluetooth technology in my laptop if everyone wants me to pay the extra $50 for an adapter?

[ksz]

Don't worry..adapter-less mice will probably become available "soon". Bluetooth is still a new technology which exists on few customers' systems. BT is still an extra-cost option from most manufacturers, so the first batch of BT mice assume that the users don't have the adapter. Just as it's better to say "batteries included" on the packaging, it's better to have all necessary parts conveniently packaged together even if it means throwing in the adapter and jacking up the price. Soon that will change.

[hobbes3113]

Does anyone use the Logitech MX 900? I have been looking for a quality BT mouse and came across this one...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?countryid=19&languageid=1&page=products/details&CRID=3&CONTENTID=7110

[Zachary]

I've heard people say both the Logitech and the Microsoft are golden, but I've also heard major stability issues and loss of communication. The standard response for new products of those companies.

[stcanard]

There are several threads already on this board discussing experiences with the Microsoft and Logitech bluetooth mice.

A search should reveal them.

[Lanbrown]

Originally posted by Westside guy
Please understand that I'd love to be wrong on this, but ...

I'm not sure that "somebody's gotta do it" - at least not in the short term. It's relatively new technology.

In terms of technology BT is old. First products appeared in 2000, which is nearly four years ago. Compared to some technology, it has been a slow adoption. With more chipsets integrating BT, it will help though.

[Gymnut]

Originally posted by Freakk123
I have the microsoft combo for my PC (yes, I have a PC for gaming) and its one of the two microsoft products I like (along with office X). I'd reccomend it! While it is somewhat bulky, it works like a charm. Then again, I haven't tried it with my mac yet, so wait... I'll try it out tonight.

Huh, I kind of though the Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard was rather compact. Well I have the ergonomic cordless version with the sloping split keyboard so it's rather gigantic in comparison. At one time I was thinking on buying it and did like the blue translucent shell.

[Felix_the_Mac]

Originally posted by Freakk123
Works like a charm with my Mac. Just download the drivers and you're set. Very good precision and ergonomics. I'd highly recommend it.

Drivers? Where did you find those.

I have been running my MS Wireless Desktop for Bluetooth Mouse without installing any drivers.

However I have problems with precision which you say is very good. Maybe drivers would help me?

[mainstreetmark]

Originally posted by hobbes3113
Does anyone use the Logitech MX 900? I have been looking for a quality BT mouse and came across this one...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?countryid=19&languageid=1&page=products/details&CRID=3&CONTENTID=7110

I'm using MX900 right now (also have the keyboard under the sofa). Once I figured out that you have to press the connect button and pair it and all the normal bluetooth stuff that was new to me, it works fine.

Exposé can be assigned to any of it's 8 buttons, requiring no additional drivers. The OS in general seems unable to access the extra buttons (for things like zooming, which I'd like), but 1st and 2nd mouse button works, as does the scrollwheel right out of the box.

It isn't very good at turning itself off. When in my bag, it's constantly looking around trying to figure out how much it's moved. Was considering electrical-taping up the Eye whenever I was travelling.

The keyboard also works right out of the box, with the following features:
- The volume wheel does control the volume.
- the Mute button mutes.
- the Power button powers.
- The left-thumb wheel does scroll, but it's button does not do anything
- the CMD/Apple button is mapped to the windows key, with the Option key mapped to ALT. The key arrangement is reverse of expected.

[Freakk123]

Originally posted by Felix_the_Mac
Drivers? Where did you find those.

I have been running my MS Wireless Desktop for Bluetooth Mouse without installing any drivers.

However I have problems with precision which you say is very good. Maybe drivers would help me?

Ahh, sorry, my mistake, I meant the software, not the drivers. You've been having trouble w/ precision? Thats odd... Its been, as you've said, very good for me... Sorry I couldn't help solve your problem. Oh well.

[Felix_the_Mac]

Originally posted by Freakk123
... I meant the software, not the drivers

Sorry to labour the point but which software do you mean? Is it the Apple Bluetooth drivers?

Does anyone think that there is any way I can improve the accuracy on my bluetooth mouse?
For example installing it on a PC with all the MS drivers etc and configuring it?

The problem is basically that it sticks a bit as you move it across the desktop which makes the movement jerky.
Optical mice are supposed to work on any surface aren't they? I use mine on various desks with smooth wood or plastic finishes.

I would appreciate any advice.

[ksz]

I received my Belkin Bluetooth Mouse today (from Mac Connection) and thought I'd share my opinions. I'm using it with my 15-in Al PB with built-in BT.

1. It's about the same size as the Microsoft Explorer optical series (desktop versions). I had hoped for a smaller form factor.

2. There are 4 buttons; left, right, scroll-wheel button, and a fourth on the left side. The feel of the buttons and wheel is very good, all of which are tighter than the Logitech MX and Microsoft Explorer series.

3. It uses 800 dpi technology.

4. There is no power on/off button. Battery lasts 25 days with normal use according to the manual. (2 AA batteries are included.)

5. The instruction manual and quick installation guide included in the box are for Windows users. Mac users can download the guide from here:

http://web.belkin.com/support/download/download.asp?download=F8T041-B&lang=1&mode=m

6. The mouse cannot be "paired". To install, you have to "Browse" for the device and double-click the name when it appears in the discovered list. However, before doing so, you must press and hold a "connect" button located on the backside for 2 seconds. Once this is done, it's not necessary to use the connect button again. From a cold power-up, once the login screen comes up, your Mac will automatically connect to the mouse in about 7 seconds.

7. Belkin does not supply any drivers for the Mac. Apple's standard bluetooth mouse driver is used. The left and right buttons are supported, as is the scroll wheel. I'd like to map the middle and 4th buttons to certain functions (e.g. Command-Tab and Move Back) but I don't think that's possible today.

8. Tracking accuracy and response are excellent.

9. Ergonomics are excellent, particularly the beveled or slanted left side that braces the thumb and allows it to rest more comfortably.

10. The mouse body rocks slightly along the left-right direction on a hard surface, but on a stack of papers or a padded surface, it's perfectly smooth.

11. The body has a firm, substantial feel to it. It's not made of cheap lightweight materials.

Overall I'm satisfied, but I look forward to being able to map the middle and 4th buttons. I'd also like to see a smaller form factor.

[mainstreetmark]

So, then, here's my point-to-point comparison with Logitech MX900 bluetooth:

1. This is what I estimate to be "normal chorded mouse size", maybe with an additional spot to rest your thumb

2. 2 buttons + scroll wheel w/button, back and forth buttons on thumb-side. up and down buttons at either end of the scroll wheel, and an 8th button below (towards the rear), intended to cycle windows. All buttons are exposé-ale. The two main buttons are really just allowed flexings on the main mouse casing - the button face is not a different piece of plastic. It's nice.

3. I have no idea on DPI, but i'm sure it's google-able, and odds are, the same.

4. No on/off either. Batts by default are rechargeable with about 2 days of charge, with the awkwardly-shaped bluetooth transmitter acting as the cradle. Batteries can be replaced with AA's. The transmitter/charger needs not be plugged into the computer if you already have bluetooth, and doesn't even need to be used if you have AA's in the mouse.

5. There is no official support at all for this mouse in OSX, but, never the less, it works without additional configuration or drivers.

6. Normal bluetooth pairing is required, and appears persistent, even after powering off bluetooth and allowing the mouse to run out of bat. Even then, it isn't listed in the BT pane of the KB&M control panel)

7. Only Exposé recognizes the 3rd through 8th buttons. The scrollwheel, and 2nd mouse button (as ctrl-click) work without configuration.

8. MX900 works just as a mouse should.

9. MX900 feels just as a mouse should. No jagged metal spikes.

10. No rocking. Slides smooth on my new wooden cutting board, my jeans, my desk and my chest. I haven't tried a mousepad yet.

11. No cheapiness here, either

Overall I'm satisfied, but I look forward to being able to map the middle and 4th buttons. I'd also like to see a smaller form factor.
Word!

[ksz]

Originally posted by mainstreetmark
<cut>
3. I have no idea on DPI, but i'm sure it's google-able, and odds are, the same.
<cut>

The MX series is 800 dpi.

I tinkered with the Logitech before deciding to go with Belkin. My reasons and preferences are different from yours.

I wanted only the minimum set of buttons. 3 would have been fine. I don't use the extra buttons. Apple's one-button mouse is simple and elegant, but a little too simple for me.

I found the Logitech's buttons to be too soft; the resting weight of my fingers were enough to press the buttons.

Glad you like your MX900. Party on dude.

[Hodapp]

I've got the MX900 as well, I wish the thing had a damn on/off switch though, that's the 1 thing I'd change about it. I cut a little circular disc about the size of a AA battery out of some stiff medical type plastic stuff I found digging around at my clinic that I just put in between the battery and the contacts when I'm travelling, just to shut it off... As the thing never goes to sleep rumbling around in my bag.

[jcook793]

Originally posted by mainstreetmark <snip>The transmitter/charger needs not be plugged into the computer if you already have bluetooth, and doesn't even need to be used if you have AA's in the mouse.That's good news. I have an MX700 on my PowerMac (love that mouse, the top button was custom-made for Exposé), been thinking about a bluetooth mouse for the iBook. This sounds pretty perfect. Thanks!

[Tommy!]

I am thinking about maybe getting the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Microsoft BT mouse. If i get those, and hook up an external monitor to my PB12, would I be able to run the machine with the lid closed? God I hope so......

[oldschool]

Originally posted by Tommy!
I am thinking about maybe getting the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Microsoft BT mouse. If i get those, and hook up an external monitor to my PB12, would I be able to run the machine with the lid closed? God I hope so......

no

[mainstreetmark]

... what if you plugged in a dummy wired mouse?

[Jo-Kun]

I asked if its possible to close the lid on ANY PowerBook to use it docked and the simple answer was: NO, one option is to squeeze something between screen and keyboard to leave the lid just open so the machine doesn't fall asleep...

but hey I bought a BT mouse from MS today and allso the Mac Wireless Keyboard, keyboard works fine (even tought I liked typing on the Pro version more...) but with the mouse I dohave trouble...
can't assign any of the 5 buttons, so it only works 'standard' with 2buttons + scroll... tried the latest intellipoint soft, but that doesn't help **** because it doesn't recognize a MS mouse :-S so if any of you are using it to the fullest TELL ME HOW, please ;-)

grts Jo

[oldschool]

i wouldn't use my powerbook closed, it would get too hot.

This is the reason that apple doesn't let you use it closed also.

[QCassidy352]

so, can anyone give me a comprehensive list of bluetooth mice that work with macs other than the apple mouse? It sounds like the logitech MX900 and the belkin do, and the MS mouse doesn't?

[ksz]

There aren't many BT mice on the market right now, but that should change in the coming months.

The ones I'm aware of are the three you mentioned and the BlueTake (http://www.bluetake.com) BT 500.

The BlueTake seems to be delayed, but it has all the desired specs (800dpi, compact form factor, 3-buttons and scrollwheel, etc.).

Unfortunately, all BT mice currently rely on Apple's built-in Bluetooth services which recognize left and right buttons, and the scrollwheel, but do not provide a way to map any remaining buttons. This applies to the MS BT mouse as well.

[stcanard]

The MS blueooth mouse works fine. The people that complain that it doesn't are either looking for something special or running a pre-panther OSX and neglecting to mention that fact.

The basic three buttons and the scroll wheel work out of the box on any version of OSX.

On panther buttons 4 and 5 are assignable to expose.

On video games, all 5 buttons and the scroll wheel work fine.

The only thing that you can't do is if you are used to assigning the extra buttons to "special" funtions like open safari or something. The software for that isn't available.

[Jo-Kun]

yes I know that Panther only assigns the two buttons and the wheel and you can add expose functions to the buttons 3,4,5 but I'd like to add double click to the scrollbutton (nr3) like you can with all the other MS mouses but a friend works for MS here in Belguim and he tells me there is no support (yet) for the bluetooth & IntelliPoint soft for mac, He'll ask someone at the office tuesday if and when it would be working for Mac's 2 because it would be conveniant to add the camera trigger command to this mouse like I did with the old one I used before... than I can put it next to me when working and so there would be no need to go back to my computer while working in the studio, than I can use the basic functions of my software trough my mouse, I don't actually use expose much so there's not really a use to add them to these buttons...

I use OSX Panther wich i bought one day after the release, so its no beta or anything of that kind...

greetings Jo

[Westside guy]

I wonder how likely it is that MS will build this functionality into developing Mac drivers, since the mouse works now without them having to write drivers at all? It's unlikely to be built natively into OS X, I would think, simply because it's a feature relatively few people would use (which is the same argument I'd make about MS doing any OS X development along these lines). It's not like Windows builds this into the base OS either - but of course MS does support their mouse better on Windows via installable drivers. :-)

Logitech has its own OS X drivers that do allow all sorts of customization. I've been poking around, but unfortunately there doesn't appear to be anything non-vendor-specific that would accomplish what you want.

[Jo-Kun]

I used the Microsoft Explorer on OS9.2.2 and I could add keyboard shortcuts to my buttons

for instance command+T is the command used to take a picture and that one is assigned to the mouse for easier use
the same with the command for LiveVideo used for focussing, wich I added to another button...

so maybe I need to get one of the 'normal' MS mouses again to use this functions :-S while using it on the Bluetooth would be great because of the range of this mouse... just put it next to my camera in order to trigger it from there

but I'll have to wait I guess ;-)

[7on]

I'm pretty sure you can run Powerbooks in closed lid mode. With an external monitor, mouse, and keypad connected to my Tibook it woke up when I accedentally hit a key on the keypad. Try closing the lid and pressing a key on the Keyboard.

[stcanard]

Originally posted by Jo-Kun
yes I know that Panther only assigns the two buttons and the wheel and you can add expose functions to the buttons 3,4,5 but I'd like to add double click to the scrollbutton (nr3)

Not to be pedantic here, but that's very different from does not work that keeps getting thrown around.

You're looking for a specific function, and I absolutely agree that function is not implemented.

But, the way your post is put together it sounded to me like you were saying the buttons were not recognized:
can't assign any of the 5 buttons, so it only works 'standard' with 2buttons + scroll

This seems to imply that they are not recognized at all, and judging by the comments I see on this and Apple's boards a lot of people are confused by the comments like this.

If we are a bit more careful with our terminology we can avoid things like the 15 different threads on this board, all asking what bluetooth mice work with a powerbook.

This is an important issue with me, because I am very happily using all 5 buttons on my bluetooth mouse, and keep having to correct people who have decided not to buy one because only 3 buttons are supported.

[Tommy!]

Originally posted by oldschool
no

wrongo ;) I closed the lid of my PB, then stuck a toothpick in to press a key. Works like a dream :). Hello 1600*1024 resolution

[oldschool]

Originally posted by Tommy!
wrongo ;) I closed the lid of my PB, then stuck a toothpick in to press a key. Works like a dream :). Hello 1600*1024 resolution
hahaha

you could also close it, then open it again and close it very quickly. It stays on most of the time when i do this.

BUT don't use it, you could screw it up from the heat.

[idkew]

Originally posted by Felix_the_Mac
Sorry to labour the point but which software do you mean? Is it the Apple Bluetooth drivers?

Does anyone think that there is any way I can improve the accuracy on my bluetooth mouse?
For example installing it on a PC with all the MS drivers etc and configuring it?

The problem is basically that it sticks a bit as you move it across the desktop which makes the movement jerky.
Optical mice are supposed to work on any surface aren't they? I use mine on various desks with smooth wood or plastic finishes.

I would appreciate any advice.


wood can be a problem for optical mice. i think it gets confused b/c all of the random line in it.

[Westside guy]

Originally posted by 7on
I'm pretty sure you can run Powerbooks in closed lid mode. With an external monitor, mouse, and keypad connected to my Tibook it woke up when I accedentally hit a key on the keypad. Try closing the lid and pressing a key on the Keyboard.

I do this all the time at work. The trick is to leave the AC power detached until you've plugged in your monitor and keyboard.

1) Start with your computer in "sleep" mode, and no AC power connection.
2) Connect the external monitor and turn it on.
3) Connect the USB keyboard (and mouse).
4) Connect the AC power.
5) Hit any key on the keyboard. The computer should wake from sleep.
6) You may find that you have to use the "detect monitors" function to get the higher resolution options.

I believe I found these steps somewhere in Apple's Knowledgebase; but in any case it works like a charm.

[QCassidy352]

westside guy - and the computer doesn't overheat when you do this?

[Jo-Kun]

I mean only that you can't use the full functionallity of the buttons like you can with other MS mouses...

you can assign expose to these buttons but I don't need that, and most of us aren't looking to add expose to their mouse I guess...

the buttons ONLY work for expose... thats what I mean with not assignable for other tasks like other mouse do...

even the Logitech BT mouse has no Apple Drivers so you won't be able to use these allso except for expose I guess...

grts J

[Westside guy]

Originally posted by QCassidy352
westside guy - and the computer doesn't overheat when you do this?

No, not at all. If you look at the lower side of the back when the lid's closed, you'll see the ventilation openings are more or less exposed.

[7on]

And I like to add that the old Tibooks have 2 vents on the sides and one in back, none of which are covered while in closed lid mode.

[inocen1]

Hey all,
I own a new powerbook with bluetooth built in and a MX900 mouse.
I thought I'd just correct everyone who says that only the scroll wheel, and the right and left buttons have functions sans expose'. This is not entirely true. There are two other buttons, one directly above and one directly below the scroll wheel that also function without expose. Of course they pretty much just move the page up or down depending on which button you push (meaning they do the same thing as the scroll wheel). Pretty pointless function, but I think its important to mention that EVERY button (except one) CAN be utilized on the MX900.
1. Right button- used
2. left button- used
scroll wheel- used
3. scroll wheel button- CAN be used by expose
4. button above scroll wheel- used (or used for expose)
5. button below scroll wheel- used (or used for expose)
6. front thumb button- CAN be used by expose
7. back thumb button- CAN be used by expose
8. panel switch button that is 2nd above scroll wheel- CAN be used by expose

Notice I have four "CAN"s and only three expose button functions, therefore ONE button will not be used. Personally I think the panel switch button on the top of the mouse is the worst button on the mouse because your finger will never be in a regular position to hit it. I'd leave that one unused if I were you.

Matthew

[Jo-Kun]

yes now we know that any of the BT mouses work with expose, but actally that's nothing that I want... because I allmost never use expose...

I wanted to know if any of these buttons can be assigned to anything else (like the non BT versions ALL do...)

but it seems NOT...

thnx...

[inocen1]

true, but that wasn't the point of my reply. I just wanted to let you know about those other two non expose buttons that no one seems to mention. Too bad they really don't help much. Oh well.

[oldschool]

Great reply inocen1

I really want the mx900 but it hasn't come out in Canada yet...

[inocen1]

Thanks Oldschool,

I'd be careful with getting one though. I'm sure peoples experiences with it vary, but on my dads new Imac the pointer jumps around for no apparent reason quite often. I've looked into plenty of different ideas on why its doing that, but none seem to fit as a cause, especially not one that should happen with any decent mouse. Its just random and gets worse pretty quickly. Oh well. Not much to be done. Hope this helps a little.

Come on manufacturers get on the ball and make at least ONE decent mouse that works specifically with Macs. Its not that hard.

[inocen1]

Also, I'm curious Oldschool, why couldn't you just buy it online from someone in the States and get it shipped to you in Canada? I'd be surprised if you told me that its some kind of different bluetooth standard on Macs in Canada.

[Jo-Kun]

bluetooth is a worldwide standard.
So even if I would ge mine in the US or wherever, it schould allso work on my European Bluetooth enabled computers...

greets J

[oldschool]

Originally posted by inocen1
Also, I'm curious Oldschool, why couldn't you just buy it online from someone in the States and get it shipped to you in Canada? I'd be surprised if you told me that its some kind of different bluetooth standard on Macs in Canada.

No its nothing to do with the bluetooth. I just don't want to pay the shipping charges then the 30 dollar customs charges.

[dongmin]

This is a little off topic, but is Bluetooth good for anything else besides cordless mice, keyboards, and phones? I thought we'd be innundated with BT printers, scanners, speakers, and headphones by now.

What I'm really interested in seeing is a USB hub that connects to my iBook via bluetooth so that I can have all my peripherals connected to this hub and tuck away all the cords out of view. Right now I have too many cords going into my iBooks (power, usb mice, speaker, and printer for starters). Is such a bluetooth-USB hub purely a fantasy?

[inocen1]

30 DOLLARS!! Holy crap! It's quite understandable that you wouldn't want to pay that. Man, I never knew. Chalk one up to good old U.S. ignorance. But now I know and knowing is half the battle. Go Joe!

[inocen1]

Dongmin,
You know what, I completely agree. I remember reading all kinds of articles on the technology back in the day and haven't seen practically any of it realized. Bluetooth is like molasses it seems. Especially compared to other technologies out there. I get the whole "it hasn't been accepted enough" argument, but still, wouldn't something be a whole lot more accepted if companies would put out cool pieces of tech that used it.

I look forward to the day where I can get some bluetooth speakers. That would be sweet. I suppose I kind of see why speakers haven't come out yet. Have you ever transferred a MP3 from one bluetooth equipped mac to another. My GOD talk about slow! Can you imagine a WAV file! Compared to 802.11b or g you'll feel like youre back in the stone ages. So I imagine that unless they find some way to seriously compress whatever signal would have to be sent to the speakers (hmmm wouldn't that be an analog signal?...interesting) you'd either be hearing some seriously degraded music or maybe you'd have to wait awhile...or maybe I have no idea what the hell I'm talkin about.

Besides that I'm pretty much wireless already. When I got my new powerbook I also got the Airport extreme and connected my printer to the USB port on that, which makes for wireless printing and wireless ethernet. I got a bluetooth mouse and keyboard. So other than that I just have to plug in the AC adapter and I'm good to go.

I have speakers which I plug in once in awhile and a scanner which I have to plug in very rarely as well. Though it would be nice to go wireless with these, its a pretty minor inconvenience.

So Dongmin, if you decide to maybe go my route to make your life a bit easier, just one word of warning, be very careful what printer you get for the airport extreme. Its only compatible with certain ones. Theres a list somewhere on apples site. Yeah, I mention this cause I had to send a printer back because of it.

Lastly, this is kind of interesting to note. My printer is that HP 995C bluetooth printer. I got it about 1 and a half years ago. I think it was the first one to come out with bluetooth already in it. Course I don't use that bluetooth function at all (I got it to work one time with my Compaq Ipaq) , but its kind of funny that it has bluetooth but I'm using it wirelessly with 802.11g instead. Yep, What a good old fashion waste of money that bluetooth function was. Oh well.
I got very lucky that it happened to be compatible with the Airport Extreme USB printer.

Hope I helped give you some options.

[nbs2]

I know this is an old thread, and if I really try I can find the answer, but the original question is still bothering me. Is it possible to find a cheap ($30-40) BT mouse that is convenient for travelling? I'm thinking 2 or 3 buttons and a scroll wheel. I saw the BlueTake BT500 was close to what I'm looking for. How is its quality/reliability/compatability/etc?

[JOD8FY]

I've heard of a really nice 2-button, scroll wheel mouse made by Mac Mice that looks exactly like the Apple Pro Mouse. A Bluetooth version is coming out in June. You can find the wired version here:

http://www.macmice.com/themouse.html

I'm getting the Bluetooth one in June for my PB. Hope this helps.

JOD8FY

[nbs2]

I emailed them - MSRP is $69.99. That's more than I am looking to spend. I'll just get my girlfriend to buy it for me.

[oldschool]

just get a usb mouse...

a nice and light usb would be great for travelling. I have the macally ice mouse and i love it.


i also finally got an mX900 and it was more hype than anything else. the damn thing is so heavy my wrist is in pain after five minutes of use. and my wrist isn't weak ;)

[aswitcher]

i also finally got an mX900 and it was more hype than anything else. the damn thing is so heavy my wrist is in pain after five minutes of use. and my wrist isn't weak ;)

Really the MX900 is heavy...mmm...that was my current mouse choice when I switch...maybe I'll take another good look around when I buy in July (when of course my G5PB will appear!).

[inocen1]

Just thought I'd add a couple things to this thread. As you all might know from reading my posts, I have the logitech mx900. Still lovin it, still a great mouse. Old School, are you actually a 5 year old girl and your saying your wrists aren't weak for a girl your age or what? My wrists have never once hurt from using the mouse and I don't really consider it all that heavy either.

Also, I fixed my dads problem. Luckily he has an imac and plugging in the usb part of the bluetooth charger for the mouse was not a big deal to him. Once I bypassed the internal bluetooth and used the one on the logitech it worked extremely well, and still is actually.

An INTERESTING NEW FEATURE I found when doing this with the logitech bluetooth adapter is that it actually made the left buttons work on Safari as back and forward buttons automatically. Weird huh? Kinda nice. I could change them to expose buttons but they are nice to have them do this feature by default.

Lastly, I too am waiting the ever-extending time for that darn macmice BT mouse for my travel purposes. I hope its worth waiting for.

Hope that helps

[aswitcher]

Also, I fixed my dads problem. Luckily he has an imac and plugging in the usb part of the bluetooth charger for the mouse was not a big deal to him. Once I bypassed the internal bluetooth and used the one on the logitech it worked extremely well, and still is actually.



You have had conflict problems with iMacs and other macs unless you use the adapter? :(
What sort of problems?



An INTERESTING NEW FEATURE I found when doing this with the logitech bluetooth adapter is that it actually made the left buttons work on Safari as back and forward buttons automatically. Weird huh? Kinda nice. I could change them to expose buttons but they are nice to have them do this feature by default.

Lastly, I too am waiting the ever-extending time for that darn macmice BT mouse for my travel purposes. I hope its worth waiting for.

Hope that helps


Mmm. I want one for a PB so I don't want to have to use an adapter. Hope the macmice bt is out soon as well and proves to be fully operable.

[inocen1]

Much like one of the earlier posts with the guy with the Bluetake, the damn mouse was jumping all over the screen from time to time. It was very aggravating. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what the problem was. Looks like its the bluetooth in the mac.

Matthew

[SilentPanda]

Much like one of the earlier posts with the guy with the Bluetake, the damn mouse was jumping all over the screen from time to time. It was very aggravating. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what the problem was. Looks like its the bluetooth in the mac.

Matthew

Your BlueTake mouse acts stupid too? I'm using the internal bluetooth on my iBook G4. Mine just stops tracking (the flickering red light underneath just stays on instead of flickering). So now it sits on the floor somewhere I think. Anybody want to buy it for $25? :) (I'm serious)

[inocen1]

Ha, sorry man I think I gotta pass on the bum mouse. :-)
Matthew