Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

All iPads Any way to use a Mouse yet?

S

Sounds Good

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jul 8, 2007
1,692
57
Hi all,

There are times that I would love to be able to use a mouse with the iPad. Just wondering if anyone has figured out a way to do it yet.

Thanks.

PS -- Yeah, I know that the iPad wasn't designed to be used with a mouse, but I'd still like the option if at all possible.
 
Sounds Good said:
Hi all,

There are times that I would love to be able to use a mouse with the iPad. Just wondering if anyone has figured out a way to do it yet.

Thanks.

PS -- Yeah, I know that the iPad wasn't designed to be used with a mouse, but I'd still like the option if at all possible.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you want a Surface... Good luck with that.
 
RickTaylor said:
Have you considered using a stylus with an iPad? I suspect that would be more practical.
Click to expand...

I think the OP means that the iPad would be just used as a screen, standing upright on a tabletop while he uses a keyboard & mouse. Ive also wondered about this. It would get us closer to replacing the laptop completely. Or, almost completely.
 
s2mikey said:
I think the OP means that the iPad would be just used as a screen, standing upright on a tabletop while he uses a keyboard & mouse.
Click to expand...

But...using the mouse to do what? iPad has a touch-based user interface. It simply cannot be controlled with a mouse.
 
With no cursor how would you know where you are at on the screen?

You don't need a cursor with a touch device as your finger tip selects where you want to go. A mouse needs some kind of visual pointer, cursor to identify the position.
 
pat park said:
With no cursor how would you know where you are at on the screen?

You don't need a cursor with a touch device as your finger tip selects where you want to go. A mouse needs some kind of visual pointer, cursor to identify the position.
Click to expand...

Exactly. The OP hasn't thought this through very well.
 
chabig said:
My mistake. I though we were talking about iPads in this thread.
Click to expand...

We are, you implied the OP hadn't thought through his question because how would the iPad's touch UI show a cursor. I replied that just like any other touch UI that supports a mouse, once the mouse is connected the cursor is displayed, and when the mouse is disconnected the cursor is hidden.

That's how it would work on the iPad as well.
 
Sounds Good said:
Just wondering if anyone has figured out a way to do it yet.
Click to expand...

No one is going to "figure it out". There is zero mouse support in iOS. And there probably never will be. Even if you were somehow able to pair a mouse with it, a cursor will not magically appear.

If you jailbreak, that is different story. Almost anything is possible then. I have never heard of such a thing though.
 
chabig said:
But...using the mouse to do what? iPad has a touch-based user interface. It simply cannot be controlled with a mouse.
Click to expand...

chabig said:
Exactly. The OP hasn't thought this through very well.
Click to expand...

chabig said:
My mistake. I though we were talking about iPads in this thread.
Click to expand...

Looks like you aren't reading through this very well. It SIMPLY can be done on an IPAD.

----------
rrm74001 said:
No one is going to "figure it out". There is zero mouse support in iOS. And there probably never will be. Even if you were somehow able to pair a mouse with it, a cursor will not magically appear.

If you jailbreak, that is different story. Almost anything is possible then. I have never heard of such a thing though.
Click to expand...

Here you go: http://www.gizmag.com/jailbreak-tweak-allows-mouse-ipad/24468/

----------

Look, a cursor!

btc-mouse-trackpad-ios.jpg
 
Not a bad question at all. If someone wanted to do more "detailed" or precise editing of pics, slideshow, etc., a mouse would be welcome vs a finger. Surprised this is not an option as it does not seem like it would be that difficult.

As to the "no cursor" comment - come on folks. If there was a way to use a mouse, the software could create a cursor. Those comments are so off the wall.
 
From the link above....

Why?

In the world of multitouch, why would anyone want to use a mouse? When combined with a keyboard, it can transform your device. When using a keyboard dock, you would normally have to reach up to your docked device's display to navigate. This quickly diminishes that faux laptop effect. The addition of mouse support lets you use the iPad more like you would use a desktop PC.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back