Apple Patents: Rotary Mouse

[GregA]

I wonder how this relates to the "gestures" ideas of using a mouse rumoured to be used with OS X 10.3.
Very interesting.

Apple, please if you're charging for 10.3, throw in a free new mouse. Hell, throw in a subscription to .Mac as well... I'm not asking for much am I? ;-)

Originally posted by vniow
to see the full size images, use Safari, wait for the page to load ctrl-click on it and save link to disk.

Or quicker, drag the image into the address bar (note if you drop in an image which is a link it will open the link, not the image).

 

[flyfish29]

trackpad and hockey pucks

I personally like using my hockey puck as well. You had to be willing to use it for a while to get used to it and now I think it will be hard to change back to a normal type mouse.

On the rotary mouse, it sounds like it might just be a small trackpad in the middle of a mouse?? being able to click on the pad, scroll left or right, up or down, etc. The words rotary do make it sound more like an iPod, but may be deceiving us on purpose.

Who knows?!!? Just glad they are trying to improve the input devices.

 

[theFly]

Originally posted by dongmin
i'm glad that apple is trying to innovate, but com'on, the scroll wheel is a good thing. most windows scroll up and down so it makes perfect sense to have a scroll wheel that works on one, vertical axis. the beauty of it is actually its simplicity. apple's proposal sounds quite complex.

On the web, you're correct.

But think about Apple's core market of creative folks. Being able to move around a large graphic in Photoshop is multi-directional.

Being able to scrub through a video is horizontal, not sure about a vertical use in video as I don't do much of it.

Edited to add:
I wouldn't be surprised if this is the same technology used in current solid-state iPods, except enlarged. The wheel on the iPod wasn't intuitive when you look at it, until you used it for the first time.

theFly
Fly on the Mac
www.flyonthemac.com
Rumors You Can Bet On

 

[boskie]

hopefully this is what users of Maya and shake will be after/have been waiting for. Maybe Apple will offer it free bundled with release 3 of shake? (mac OS X edition only of course )

 

[beez7777]

Re: click - click

Originally posted by a9mike
click - vertical
click - horizontal

The "rotary" section of the device will most certainly accept clicks as the iPod does. Click on it once (or by default without a click) and you control the vertical, click again & control the horizontal. Seems like it could be very intuative <envisioning> ... I think </envisioning>

if/when apple makes this mouse i don't think that there will be an option for horizontal scrolling. i just don't see a need for this. you can resize the window with the green button up top. on the powermate, there is no horizontal scrolling and i don't mind it. it works nicely, and with continuous scrolling, adding this feature to a mouse would be nice.

 

[moosecat]

I don't think this sounds like such a great idea... This might be hard to explain in a post, but here goes.

If you're using a scroll wheel mouse right now, twirl the wheel with whatever finger you usually use (for me, my middle finger). It's pretty comfortable, mainly because the motion corresponds with the way the joints in your finger are supposed to work. Finger joints (except the thumb) are not designed for lateral, side-to-side motion. They are designed for extension and retraction (in order to grasp things), and thus the motion of stroking a scroll wheel is natural.

Now, hold your mouse and move that same finger like you would if there were an iPod-like disk there. It just doesn't feel at all natural to me, because I have to move my finger in a circular motion it wasn't designed for. (If I try the motion with my index finger, it feels a little better, but still not as natural as twirling a vertically oriented scroll wheel.)

The iPod works because you use your thumb, which is designed like ball-and-socket and makes circular motions much more easily.

Anyhow, I'll stick with my current scroll wheel, I think.

 

[MorganX]

Seems they're spending more time justifying why they haven't adopted a more productive solution thus far, than describing their product.

Nice, but boring. Just standardize on a two-button mouse with whatever scrolling mechanism you like and be done with it. The mouse thing really is a mental issue with Jobs IMO.

I'll be glad when his mouse issue is over. I welcome Apple's improvements to the mouse. But it won't erase the past 19 years.

Sony has released a seamless two-button mouse. Apple should have a look. An iPod like scroll-wheel that also acts as a second button would be interesting also.

 

[MorganX]

Originally posted by moosecat
Now, hold your mouse and move that same finger like you would if there were an iPod-like disk there. It just doesn't feel at all natural to me, because I have to move my finger in a circular motion it wasn't designed for.

Feels pretting good to a centered trackball user.

 

[billyb]

one of the few things windows does better

I've been watching this site for a long time, thinking of switching to mac-land from windows. I've been wanting to switch for a while, but a few things have held me back. One is speed, which has been discussed elsewhere. But another is the input device. I use a MS Intellimouse that has 4 buttons and a scroll wheel, and use every digit on my hand except the pinky to control the computer. I've never figured out why Apple hasn't realized that we have multiple fingers and the mental capacity to control them separately. The note on how you might bump the scroll wheel while switching from one button to the other is hilarious to me--uh, you don't switch buttons. you have another finger. use it.

also, the scroll wheel has functionality that Apple hasn't considered. In addition to scrolling up and down, you can press the wheel (like a 5th button) and then when you move the mouse left or right, it scrolls left and right. One other user commented that you don't need to scroll left and right, just resize the window. That's true for web browsing and word documents, but what if you have a large spreadsheet or graphics somethingorother? then the left and right scroll comes in very handy.

Finally, I find that the control-click isn't as easy as people make it out to be (I use Macs all day at work). Sometimes you have to hold 'control' to get the special right-click. sometimes it's 'alt.' once i even had to use 'shift.' these are little gripes, but it's annoying to have to try 3 keys before finding the correct one--when all you want to do is find the right-click function.

 

[NavyIntel007]

Originally posted by buseman
I would like the scrollwheel to be vertical for the thumb. Scrolling sideways for the pointing finger is very unergonomic.

I totally agree. Upon doing clockwise motions on my index finger on my mouse it feels uncomfortable. The thumb does not.

 

[mkubal]

It seems to me that the scroll mechanism would work alot like the d-pad from a video game controller. It would be pressure sensitive and you could move in any direction. Kinda like those mouse buttons in the middle of the keyboard of some laptop PCs, but not so retarded.That would make the most sense. A scroll whell would be a bit confusing.

Matt

 

[NavyIntel007]

Re: one of the few things windows does better

Originally posted by billyb
I've been watching this site for a long time, thinking of switching to mac-land from windows. I've been wanting to switch for a while, but a few things have held me back. One is speed, which has been discussed elsewhere. But another is the input device. I use a MS Intellimouse that has 4 buttons and a scroll wheel, and use every digit on my hand except the pinky to control the computer. I've never figured out why Apple hasn't realized that we have multiple fingers and the mental capacity to control them separately. The note on how you might bump the scroll wheel while switching from one button to the other is hilarious to me--uh, you don't switch buttons. you have another finger. use it.

also, the scroll wheel has functionality that Apple hasn't considered. In addition to scrolling up and down, you can press the wheel (like a 5th button) and then when you move the mouse left or right, it scrolls left and right. One other user commented that you don't need to scroll left and right, just resize the window. That's true for web browsing and word documents, but what if you have a large spreadsheet or graphics somethingorother? then the left and right scroll comes in very handy.

Finally, I find that the control-click isn't as easy as people make it out to be (I use Macs all day at work). Sometimes you have to hold 'control' to get the special right-click. sometimes it's 'alt.' once i even had to use 'shift.' these are little gripes, but it's annoying to have to try 3 keys before finding the correct one--when all you want to do is find the right-click function.

I have a four button logitech mouse with my ibook... what's your point? If you don't like the mac mouse, you don't have to use it. I think apple sticks to having a single button mouse because 95% of the time, most people are just clicking or double clicking. And If by chance you are a designer or something like that you probably have one of those graphic tablets or some other kind of nifty mouse.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Spend $20 people!

I welcome the optional addition of multi button and scroll wheel / disc mice to Apple's line-up, but to those of you who say you won't (or other people) switch to Apple because of the one button mouse, I say grow up!

I hate the single button mouse, I really hated the hockey puck mouse that came with my old B&W G3. I went to CompUSA and bought a Logitech optical USB mouse for $20 which has 2 buttons plus a scroll wheel. It came with driver software for Windows an Mac OS 9 (which enabled the 2nd button and wheel) and when OS X Dev Preview came out, it worked with Apple's drivers. (Both buttons and wheel)

Apple supports the multi-button mice just fine. (And I just picked up a newer, higher resolution Logitech optical wheel mouse for $12 on sale at Staples) Sell your Apple Pro Mouse on eBay and buy a Logitech or MS Intellemouse with the money!

Oh - and the iPod style wheel sounds cool as a poor-man's audio/video scrubbing wheel.

[edit]PS: I cannot believe how often this comes up here.

 

[marklander]

It's the pod's pea!

You guys are missing the potential of this brilliant design!

In this case, function follows form. Suddenly Apple has reinvented the human interface to the personal computer allowing the entire OS to evolve into a three-dimensional GUI. Imagine a file system that is interlinked in a virtual circle surrounding you--like the internet. Instead of browsing horizontally and vertically on a square mouse pad, one would navigate infinitely clockwise or counter clockwise. Wider screens would eventually give way to virtual room sensations--made possible by a three-dimensional GUI.

OS 3d will blow Longhorn away!

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Re: It's the pod's pea!

Originally posted by marklander
You guys are missing the potential of this brilliant design!

In this case, function follows form. Suddenly Apple has reinvented the human interface to the personal computer allowing the entire OS to evolve into a three-dimensional GUI. Imagine a file system that is interlinked in a virtual circle surrounding you--like the internet. Instead of browsing horizontally and vertically on a square mouse pad, one would navigate infinitely clockwise or counter clockwise. Wider screens would eventually give way to virtual room sensations--made possible by a three-dimensional GUI.

OS 3d will blow Longhorn away!

puke!

 

[billyb]

Re: Spend $20 people!

but to those of you who say you won't (or other people) switch to Apple because of the one button mouse, I say grow up?QUOTE]

let me clarify...After re-reading my post, i think it was misplaced. Desktop users have the option of replacing their mice, but laptop users, if using the built-in pad, do not. I think apple should cut their laptop button in half, make it two, and add the ability to scroll using the pad (by moving your finger down the side or across the bottom of the pad) (and correct me if this has already been done as an add-on that i haven't found).

bb

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Re: Re: Spend $20 people!

Originally posted by billyb
but to those of you who say you won't (or other people) switch to Apple because of the one button mouse, I say grow up?QUOTE]

let me clarify...After re-reading my post, i think it was misplaced. Desktop users have the option of replacing their mice, but laptop users, if using the built-in pad, do not. I think apple should cut their laptop button in half, make it two, and add the ability to scroll using the pad (by moving your finger down the side or across the bottom of the pad) (and correct me if this has already been done as an add-on that i haven't found).

bb

Sorry, you have a good point here; not having a PowerBook/iBook I don't think about it. I hate all laptop pointing devices and carry a USB mouse with my work (Windows) laptop anyway.

 

[beatle888]

Originally posted by moosecat
Finger joints (except the thumb) are not designed for lateral, side-to-side motion. They are designed for extension and retraction (in order to grasp things), and thus the motion of stroking a scroll wheel is natural.

absolutely disagree. the fingers were "designed" for lateral motion, though it is limited. also, apple isnt suggesting any lateral movemnet that wouldnt be natural. they are simply suggesting a continuos swirl. i think every male and female past a certain age is already well aware with this (from your perspective) tricky maneuver.

 

[beatle888]

Re: Re: Spend $20 people!

Originally posted by billyb
I use a MS Intellimouse that has 4 buttons and a scroll wheel, and use every digit on my hand except the pinky to control the computer. I've never figured out why Apple hasn't realized that we have multiple fingers and the mental capacity to control them separately. The note on how you might bump the scroll wheel while switching from one button to the other is hilarious to me--uh, you don't switch buttons. you have another finger. use it.

Originally posted by billyb
let me clarify...After re-reading my post, i think it was misplaced. Desktop users have the option of replacing their mice, but laptop users, if using the built-in pad, do not. I think apple should cut their laptop button in half, make it two, and add the ability to scroll using the pad (by moving your finger down the side or across the bottom of the pad) (and correct me if this has already been done as an add-on that i haven't found).
bb

wait you first said that you were considering switching to a mac but havent because of a few problems. and the input device being one of those problems.....then you go on to describe how wonderful your multi button mouse is and how apple is a joke.

then someone points out your rediculous remark. you would THINK that you would have one less reason to hold you back from a mac right? cause someone just reminded you that you can use your super productive powerful tool, the intellimouse on the mac. i mean that WAS your ORIGNINAL argument RIGHT?

and now you change your argument to how the track pads on the laptop line are really why your not switching to the mac.

i thought the whole purpose of your original post was to describe how YOU werent switching to mac because of the single button mouse. now that you know that argument is too weak your switching to the track pad on lap tops?



seems to me your out to make apple sauce. well your not doing a very good job.

 

[MarksEvilTwin]

Removed

 

[Postal]

The more I think about it, the more I think that a circular scroll wheel is a deliberate move on Apple's part to appeal to audio/video editors. It makes sense in the apps they use, and it also gives an extra amount of travel for finer adjustments when compared to similar mice (like that one Kensington optical-scroll mouse).

 

[Bengt77]

What's the problem with horizontal scrolling?!...

I don't see what's the problem with horizontal scrolling?! I mean, hold down SHIFT and use the scroll wheel and you scroll left or right. Very easy and could very well be implemented with this possible new pointing device.



Don't you all use your keyboard or anything?!...

 

[MorganX]

Re: Re: one of the few things windows does better

Originally posted by NavyIntel007
I have a four button logitech mouse with my ibook... what's your point? If you don't like the mac mouse, you don't have to use it. I think apple sticks to having a single button mouse because 95% of the time, most people are just clicking or double clicking. And If by chance you are a designer or something like that you probably have one of those graphic tablets or some other kind of nifty mouse.

The point is until Apple standardizes on it, it's context menu implementation will always be lacking.

When in finder, everything relevant to the folder you are in should be accessible with a right-click.

As sloppy as Mac OS windows have always tended to be, you cannot right-click and access the view menu. What a waste to have to travel to the finder menu to clean up a folder you are already in. Context-menus are better than they've ever been on the Mac, thanks mostly to Adobe. But Apple still has a lot to implement here IMO. Standardizing on a 2 button mouse will get everyone on board.

 

[MorganX]

Originally posted by MarksEvilTwin
I agree about the inability to easily scroll horizontally, but the rest of it just sounds like excuses.mouse.

Mark

I don't scroll much horizontally at all, can't remember doing it since I had a 15" monitor years ago. At least I didn't in Windows. OS X's finder though, has you scrolling horizontally a lot . I do miss Explorer often.

 

[j33pd0g]

I liked the look of the "mock up" mouse. Maybe it'll be bluetooth.

I use a dual laser Logitech now... I like it because of the programable functions. Example: thumb click = command+c, and the scroll wheel click = command+v. Copy and paste has never been so fast. I hope the new mouse device at least has this kind of technology.