When will Apple make a laptop with the 2 button mouse

[Caddy]

Still waiting, does anyone know? (On the laptop that is)!

[johnnowak]

I donno, building a mouse into a laptop sounds awfully stupid to me. :cool:

[Counterfit]

Hmm, I'd say never, or at least until pigs fly, seeing as hell is already frozen over...

[Sunrunner]

Apple most likely doesnt see the point, since you can get a portable 3-button mouse for a laptop for like 10 bucks... much better to "keep it simple".

[Wardofsky]

Look, Apple doesn't make the mistake of removing a two button mouse (if it even had one) and then bringing it back.
You know what Ive said "Simplicity is the key".

[Kwyjibo]

i don't think apple will have two buton trackpads until they have two buttons mice and right now i dont' think they need either my habits of ctrl + click are more than fluid

[manitoubalck]

Originally posted by Counterfit
seeing as hell is already frozen over...

Hell froze over when the Eagles got back together.

[Spock]

Originally posted by Counterfit
Hmm, I'd say never, or at least until pigs fly, seeing as hell is already frozen over...

Well I think Pigs got wings and Hell froze over in 1991...

[~Shard~]

This debate is just never going to end, is it? Poeple will always want Apple to make 2-button mice, and Apple doesn't seem like they're ever going to do it. Why Apple doesn't do it, I'm not sure - it would nice to have that right-click option besides ctrl-click, and a scroll wheel too, but who knows what the reasoning is.

This 2-button mouse debate is just one of those on-going things that will never be resolved. Because I bet you even if Apple does release a 2-button mouse someday, they'll make it like their latest wireless mouse, charge $99 CAD for it, and people will then complain that it's priced astronomically high when you can pick up a 3-button mouse with scroll wheel and more for more like $20. ;)

[ksz]

Apple has been a proponent of the one-button mouse for too long. The old argument, "...so you can never press the wrong button", is short-sighted and no longer makes much sense. In fact, Apple's own Shake software requires a 3-button mouse.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71701/wo/7l1HuwVb9ju827JIxJbS32yu4DH/2.3.0.5.10.3.30.13.0

Yes this is a vertical market ($$$) application, but the fact still remains.

[TEG]

Originally posted by Spock
Well I think Pigs got wings and Hell froze over in 1991...

Well the two buttons on the early PowerBook as shown above, was actually just two of the same button. One was for quick work (The one at the top), and the other was when using the trackball in the two-handed form.

TEG

[RandomDeadHead]

As soon as people stop asking for a 2 button mouse.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally posted by Caddy
Still waiting, does anyone know? (On the laptop that is)!

Answer:
When Jobs
A. Dies
B. Quits
C. Is fired


This has been discussed into the ground. And I still stand firm that if you can't figure out how to use a 2 button mouse you can't figure out how to breath and are dead already anyways so :P

We aren't talking about brain surgery people, its a dang mouse after all. In a MacPoll the question was posed. 57% said they used a 2 button mouse. And as I've pointed out before.
On a PC all functionality of a mouse is done on that mouse. On a Mac you have to use the mouse and the keyboard. It would be like requiring a user to hold the enter button when you click on a Mac mouse. Its extra step that isn't necessary and ultimately make things harder. I'm willing to bet there are more then a few Mac users that don't even know about right clicking on the Mac because the method of accessing the context sensitive options is unnatural. So why is the single mouse "easier"? Simple. Because there are users that don't even know about it or because they are use to it. Both are not valid reasons IMHO.

I can understand a 1 button touchpad\mouse for the consumer devices and I can see it even for PowerMacs because users can go out and buy a new 2 button mouse. (Sorry guys. You spend $2,000+ on a computer you CAN'T complain at about $50-$100) but there is zero freaking excuse for PowerBooks. As even the name implies it's designed for the power user and many of those users use 2 button mice. And as for the poor argument of using an external mouse. Please. I drag enough crap with me as it stands. My Dell Latitude laptop has 2 batteries so I don't even have to carry a power cable. I despise accessories. And an external mouse is NO exception.

This is no longer about ease of use. It's about Jobs being a stubborn ***.

What really erks me is that my Toshiba Sat laptop that I also have as my current POWER laptop has a mouse touchpoint. (Those eraserheads.) I hate those things but I was pushed into the laptop because of the specs and had to just live with the touchpoint even though I hate it.
The kicker is the same dang thing is going to happen when I get a PowerBook. GRRRRR. :mad:

[celaurie]

I would say "when hell freezes over," but that already happened...

[Char]

I just felt like throwing in my two cents.

That I think they aren't even thinking about it.. I mean come on, their bluetooth mouse has one button, that alone makes me not want it. Id rather buy a MX700.

This debate also came out Allot when the rumor of the bluetooth keyboard and mouse from apple was confirmed. Sadly half the people that use Apple are die hard fans that want one button just because its an Apple trade mark.

Myself.. I say have at-least two, if not more, and a wheel. Anymore thats what you need. Hell I have that and I want more now, but mostly for gaming. I will say on the OS I probably wont be using more then two and a wheel. But on a browser I do like the forward and back buttons on a mouse as well as having five buttons for games at my finger tips. And thats really where you need it the most is games, the more you have to look for keys on the keyboard the more you're distracted and can be killed easier.

And of course you don't really NEED it, but its more convenient. Plus if you look at Windows, nothing on the keyboard will bring up that right click, its a unique button in itself, just like the left click. (Thank god for Apple putting a "right click" in their OS/Apps.)

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by Char
Plus if you look at Windows, nothing on the keyboard will bring up that right click, its a unique button in itself, just like the left click. (Thank god for Apple putting a "right click" in their OS/Apps.)

This is completely incorrect. On any standard keyboard nowadays the key to the left of the control key on the right side of the keyboard will bring up the right-click menu. It's been this ways for years now. It goes "Alt, Windows key, right click menu, control".

[Char]

Okay, so most keyboards do now.. the point was it use to be a unique button.

[yamabushi]

I would like to see a modular pointing device in Apple laptops so that we could use whichever one we preferred. Then Apple could offer build to order options for two button trackpads and trackballs. Third parties such as logitech might offer their own replacements with even more buttons, scroll wheels, or other features.

[MoparShaha]

First of all, I agree that apple needs to step into the 21st century and add a right-click button to their pointing products, both desktop and laptop. A scroll wheel would also be nice.

That said, I was very distressed about buy a PowerBook because of the lack of right-click. Not being that shallow, I bought it and I'm happy. But, I did stumble upon a great program called SideTrack (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/20854&vid=115855). It lets you map the hardware button to right click, and even adds scrolling functionality to the trackpad. I'm using it under Panther right now, and have had no problems at all. Since using it, I could care less if Apple added a right click button to their laptops, because I already have one.

[Spock]

Originally posted by TEG
Well the two buttons



Exactly Two buttons I did not say what they did.

[Caddy]

I guess I am pretty shallow, but I had to return my Mac because of this!

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by Caddy
I guess I am pretty shallow, but I had to return my Mac because of this!

You returned your Mac because it didn't have a 2-button mouse? Yikes. Wouldn't it have been more logical to just pay the $25 to get a nice 2-button scroll wheel optical mouse and keep the Mac?!? I can't fathom giving up such a superior piece of hardware with arguably the best OS in the world because it didn't ship with the "right" mouse for me!

Hmm, that's like returning a Porsche because the seatbelt release button isn't your favorite shade of red... :cool:

[riwanami]

I sort of understand Caddy's decision. I'm a current Windows user wanting to make the switch, and I think the mouse is one thing that you really can't avoid using in GUI operating systems. Although many people may not realize it, it's one of the major concerns for Windows users who want to switch to Macs. We've become so used to the right-click options that it's really something that we must have. I know that ctrl+click is an option, but those who are used to the right mouse button, it's just a hastle.

I think that Apple can design a mouse or a laptop trackpad button (as this Sony model already has in Japan) that looks like one button, but actually are two buttons, depending on where you click. I'm sure Apple can come up with a software utility that will allow it to disable a right-click feature for those users who don't want it.

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by riwanami
I sort of understand Caddy's decision. I'm a current Windows user wanting to make the switch, and I think the mouse is one thing that you really can't avoid using in GUI operating systems. Although many people may not realize it, it's one of the major concerns for Windows users who want to switch to Macs. We've become so used to the right-click options that it's really something that we must have. I know that ctrl+click is an option, but those who are used to the right mouse button, it's just a hastle.

I'm all for it, but still, what does a 2-button scroll wheel mouse cost? Why are people against buying their own mouse and even throwing away the Apple mouse if they so choose? I don't understand how a $25 piece of equipment can hold you back from purchasing such an amazing system that you'd obviously be willing to spend $2000-$3000 on in the first place. When people buy PCs, do they get absolutely every specific piece of equipment they want? Maybe they do. Do PC users never buy a new mouse or joystick, for gaming let's say, better speakers than the factory ones, etc.? I realize it's not quite the same thing, but still, I don't understand why that would keep someone from switching - seems like a moot point to me.

If a 2-button mouse is such a necessity you can't live without, buy a Mac, buy a $25 mouse, and quit complaining!

Don't get me wrong, I don't understand why Apple doesn't have 2-button mice myself, but all I'm saying is that it's a weak excuse for returning a Mac or not buying one. I just bought my first Mac and have no concerns over the mouse whatsoever.

[jonapete2001]

Apple needs to adress this issue. This is something the majority of consumers want. It 3rd party mice are so more conveniant due to the 2nd button and scroll. I hate using the keyboard for tasks that are much more conveniant on the mouse.

The one button deal is stupid and annoying. 2 buttons and scroll is not some engeneering feet that costs billions of dollars. This is jobs just being stuborn and i hate it. It is just annoying.

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by jonapete2001
Apple needs to adress this issue. This is something the majority of consumers want. It 3rd party mice are so more conveniant due to the 2nd button and scroll. I hate using the keyboard for tasks that are much more conveniant on the mouse.

The one button deal is stupid and annoying. 2 buttons and scroll is not some engeneering feet that costs billions of dollars. This is jobs just being stuborn and i hate it. It is just annoying.

As I've stated in my other posts, I am completely tolerant of the current situation and the decison Jobs has made, so I am not really ticked off about it as some of you other posters appear to be, but I do agree - how much trouble is it to make something that is so mainstream and cheap? ProUser programs such as Shake require 3-button mouses, do they not?

It doesn't bother me, per se, but does confuse me....

[ChrisH3677]

I switched three months ago and have no issue with the one-button mouse. I had read lots of Mac users complaining about it so was a bit worried beforehand.

In fact, I think it has a lot of merit.

I realized how lazy I'd become as a Windows user, doing everything from the keyboard. Just sitting there slouched in my chair doing most things by click I was a mouse slob! (And still am)

Yes I get lazy when I plug the 2-button mouse in at work (I use it for VPC and it came that way with my wireless kbd and mouse). Altho I do try to use only one button when in OSX.

I'm sure the one-button mouse is better at preventing RSI as it involves more hand movements.

Also, it means Apple can have multiple "right clicks", eg Ctrl, Command, Option, Shift. So you effectively get a 5-button mouse!


So this switcher says, long live the one button mouse.

Altho I would like to see is the scroll-wheel added.

[bensisko]

I, for one apparently, hope that Apple never comes out with a two-button mouse. I rarely use two buttons, and when i do I have a Microsoft Optical mouse. I know there are people out there that would add a two button mouse, external iTunes buttons, and other crud onto the laptops, but the powerbooks, especially the AlBooks, look soooo attractive because they are not cluttered with junk like your average PC notebook. I don't need, nor want, external volume controls, play buttons, and a PDA on my mouse pad (I actually saw it once on a PC laptop!!). A two-button mouse on the laptops would only lead to stuff like this.

The powerbooks look like a work of art. Two buttons would ruin it.

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by bensisko
I, for one apparently, hope that Apple never comes out with a two-button mouse. I rarely use two buttons, and when i do I have a Microsoft Optical mouse. I know there are people out there that would add a two button mouse, external iTunes buttons, and other crud onto the laptops, but the powerbooks, especially the AlBooks, look soooo attractive because they are not cluttered with junk like your average PC notebook. I don't need, nor want, external volume controls, play buttons, and a PDA on my mouse pad (I actually saw it once on a PC laptop!!). A two-button mouse on the laptops would only lead to stuff like this.

The powerbooks look like a work of art. Two buttons would ruin it.

Very good point - Apple strives on its "minimalist" design - crisp, clean, only the necessities. I'm not saying a second button will add a huge amount of clutter by any means, but it does add something, nonetheless.

[Counterfit]

I once heard someone say that the blank areas above the left and right arrow buttons should not go unused. And then I would have to look at the keys to make I was pressing the right ones!

[coolsoldier]

Try SideTrack (Search for it on MacUpdate) if you want right-click and scroll wheel.

With SideTrack, you can add a scroll "wheel" function to the edge of your trackpad and can map trackpad taps to right clicks.

This way you get keyboard-free right clicks and scrolling, without confusing the users who can't figure out how a mouse works :rolleyes: or needing an external mouse. SideTrack just replaces the build-in trackpad driver and adds a preference pane to control it.

[5300cs]

Apple's laptops are slick and streamlined, without all the extra bells and whistles. While a 2-button mouse isn't neccesarily an extra, Apple's been using 1-button mice for forever and a day, and I doubt they'll be changing that anytime soon. I'll admit though, I was surprised when they killed the Happy Mac face from the Mac OS startup. THAT pissed me off more than any mouse.

And even if Apple DID make a 2-button mouse, would you buy one? As another poster early on said, it'd probably go for around $100.

[Counterfit]

How could you hate the smiling folder and splash screen? :eek:

[snahabed]

Apple's stubbornness about the one-button mouse is insane and undefendable... arguments for "minimalism" and "ease of use" are laughable and antiquated, and completely negated by the fact that 95% of the world uses Windows, and they are all morons, and they can handle a right click :)

That said, Apple AIN'T gonna change this, so for PowerBooks, use SideTrack as linked above, and for desktops, buy a 3rd party mouse. The Kensington Studio Mouse works great and looks nice too.

[5300cs]

Originally posted by Counterfit
How could you hate the smiling folder and splash screen? :eek:

I'm sorry, what are you talking about?

[Counterfit]

Well, it's obviously not undefendable, seeing as it is being defended.

But maybe if instead of having two separate buttons on the notebooks, make two separate switch/sensor thingies on the one button with a strong axle in between. Then provide the option of that working as one or two buttons. It keeps the clean look, and satisfies both camps (well, maybe)

[Counterfit]

5300cs: sorry, I misread your post. I thought it was the smily face that pissed you off :rolleyes:

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by snahabed
Apple's stubbornness about the one-button mouse is insane and undefendable... arguments for "minimalism" and "ease of use" are laughable and antiquated, and completely negated by the fact that 95% of the world uses Windows, and they are all morons, and they can handle a right click :)

That said, Apple AIN'T gonna change this, so for PowerBooks, use SideTrack as linked above, and for desktops, buy a 3rd party mouse. The Kensington Studio Mouse works great and looks nice too.

Yah, but no matter what, there are always going to be people who like 2-button mice and find them essential, and other people who don't care and maybe even prefer 1-button mice. As you say, 95% of the world uses Windows and can handle right-clicking - but that doesn't make it right - after all, 95% of the world uses Windows - does that mean Apple should scrap OSX and go with Windows because "everyone else" uses it? Need I say more? Just having some fun... ;)

[ChrisH3677]

CoolSoldier

As I have a Powerbook I absolutely agree about SideTrack. It's a fantastic app. I hope Apple builds it into future trackpad drivers. But I only use the tap for right menu coz I find the crtrl-click on a powerbook's trackpad quite cumbersome (unlike a mouse ctrl-click).

Originally posted by snahabed
...95% of the world uses Windows, and they are all morons, and they can handle a right click ...

Me thinks that's why they're morons! They've become brain dead by point and clicking hour after hour after hour.

Windoze trains you slouch back and be a mouse moron, drearily clicking the hours away.

Mac trains you to sit up and get involved!!

[ZildjianKX]

Mac laptops will get two clickable buttons the day I buy one... I refuse to buy one until they do. Here are some reasons:

A) Its a hassle to carry around a seperate wired mouse (would have been a great opportunity for Apple to release a 2 button bluetooth mouse to combat this).

B) On a 17" powerbook, its really hard to reach and do a CTRL + click.

When I got my G5, the mouse was the first thing to go, its a pitty I had to pay for the 1 button mouse to begin with.

[Counterfit]

Well then, looks like you're going to be waiting a while...

[sethypoo]

We'll see a two button mouse on a laptop when Hell freezes.....oh, wait.

:D

[powerbookje]

I hope they will never release a 2 button laptop, reminds @ peecee craptops, if you want 2 buttons just but an usb mouse

[7on]

Buy a 3-button mouse for $20 and sell your Apple Pro Mouse for $30. $10 Profit. On the 15" Powerbook the ctrl key is maybe 5" from the mouse button. Really, are you that lazy? Also, there is some sort of "rule" for correct posture that a requires one hand to always be on the keyboard, if I'm correct. Apple is just incorporating correct posture in their design.