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Apple Phasing Out Magic Mouse in Favor of Magic Trackpad?
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I use Photoshop and Pages extensively, and have had no problems with my Magic Trackpad. I now find mice really clunky to use. As all computing devices gradually morph into touch screens, we'll be left wondering how anyone could get anything done with a mouse.
It doesn't surprise me that Apple would phase out the use of mice.
As far as trackpads go, I don't really mind them for general stuff, However when it comes to more in-depth applications, (i.e. games, pro-audio, photography and videography) I think people will continue to use mice, trackballs, joysticks or whatever they find most comfortable for that application.
Apple to me has always focused the majority of their products towards the "general public" well, Usually the "stay-at-home mom" or casual internet browser doesn't play games to the extent that she needs a high end gaming mouse, and etc. Most people should do, and eventually will do just fine with just a trackpad and no mouse.
As far as trackpads go, I don't really mind them for general stuff, However when it comes to more in-depth applications, (i.e. games, pro-audio, photography and videography) I think people will continue to use mice, trackballs, joysticks or whatever they find most comfortable for that application.
Apple to me has always focused the majority of their products towards the "general public" well, Usually the "stay-at-home mom" or casual internet browser doesn't play games to the extent that she needs a high end gaming mouse, and etc. Most people should do, and eventually will do just fine with just a trackpad and no mouse.
I remember mice, we still use those with the Windows XP machines at work! 
Seriously though, I doubt they're going to stop selling any kind of mouse, they're probably just updating it.
I love the Magic Trackpad, but I agree people doing high precision work are better off with a mouse. Having said that, is the Magic Mouse the right mouse for such people? Not only is it very low and unergonomical, but I always found the acceleration incredibly annoying and couldn't turn it off! If I want to play a game on my Mac (because the PC's plugged into the telly in the living room and the flatmate's using the telly, for example) I go get my Razor from the PC.
Seriously though, I doubt they're going to stop selling any kind of mouse, they're probably just updating it.
I love the Magic Trackpad, but I agree people doing high precision work are better off with a mouse. Having said that, is the Magic Mouse the right mouse for such people? Not only is it very low and unergonomical, but I always found the acceleration incredibly annoying and couldn't turn it off! If I want to play a game on my Mac (because the PC's plugged into the telly in the living room and the flatmate's using the telly, for example) I go get my Razor from the PC.
Need mouse buttons for Blender.
Mouse is smaller.
I wish Apple would keep our options open.
Not going to get a touchpad. I already have a wacom tablet. Desk is getting crowded.
Mouse is smaller.
I wish Apple would keep our options open.
Not going to get a touchpad. I already have a wacom tablet. Desk is getting crowded.
I kid. The original single-button USB mouse works with any computer, should you feel inclined to use it again.
I bought my iMac without a mouse, I just went and bought a mouse (not a magic one, I need a bigger one for my hands). The kids need one to play games better, clicking and moving is much easier on the mouse than the trackpad, yet the multitouch of the trackpad is great. I found out this week that two finger swipe sideways in safari is forward and back, yet this does not work in firefox. Also the trackpad is configurable so that you don't need to press the corners to select, a double tap is my prefered selection method, Its a shame this doesn't work so well in windows and the corners are the best way to select.
The track pad kills my wrist and arm after usage, I think its not so ergonomic
The track pad kills my wrist and arm after usage, I think its not so ergonomic
First - I (and steve based on his comments) don't believe that sole touch computing is practical. You either have a computer/screen or an iPad. If you have a touch screen - it wouldn't be for main input. Why? Because hand/arm fatigue if the screen is in front of you. And ask anyone that has an iPad on a mount + bluetooth keyboard how "fun" it is going between the two. Not so much.
Second - I sincerely hope this rumor isn't true. Because if it is - that means that (once again) Steve doesn't just think he knows more than some of his customers - but is willing to alienate them as well. I don't see it.
But ultimately - if Apple kills off their mice - then I'll happily just purchase a 3rd party solution. As will many I suppose - which won't exactly add to Apple's bottom line.
So again - I just don't see this rumor as good or even credible.
Second - I sincerely hope this rumor isn't true. Because if it is - that means that (once again) Steve doesn't just think he knows more than some of his customers - but is willing to alienate them as well. I don't see it.
But ultimately - if Apple kills off their mice - then I'll happily just purchase a 3rd party solution. As will many I suppose - which won't exactly add to Apple's bottom line.
So again - I just don't see this rumor as good or even credible.
Need a mouse too...
I have both and it's night and day depending on what you are doing whether you want a mouse or a trackpad. Casual browsing is nice with the trackpad but heavy editing or graphics needs the precision of the mouse. I hope they replace with something as good or better... The only problem I've ever had with my magic mouse is when I somehow turn it upside down and freak out for about 5 seconds before I realize what the problem is...
I have both and it's night and day depending on what you are doing whether you want a mouse or a trackpad. Casual browsing is nice with the trackpad but heavy editing or graphics needs the precision of the mouse. I hope they replace with something as good or better... The only problem I've ever had with my magic mouse is when I somehow turn it upside down and freak out for about 5 seconds before I realize what the problem is...
I remember my first Apple ][e.. it had no mouse. We then got a mouse and we thought hey this thing is neat.. the mouse never really did much for me until I discovered Dazzle Draw, that was cool.. when not drawing the mouse sat in the box. Most of the games.. Ultima IV, Bards Tale, etc.. never used mice (those games rocked back then). Now to the future... I phased out my desktop two years ago in favor of a laptop... haven't a mouse about, couldn't even tell you where it is. My main means of computing is keyboard followed by trackpad followed by Wacom pen (rare that I use it).. I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro etc.. and don't feel or notice any slow down without the mouse... actually mice feel a bit odd now to me.. so to sum up.. ya, I do believe that we are headed towards a mouse less computing world and Apple will be the first to do it.
Lemme guess, you're a physical therapist specializing in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment? Apple keyboards and mice must be good for business.
Seriously, though, the first thing our ergonomic folks at work do is strongly recommend we order different keyboards and mice for our Macs. I have Kinesis keyboards at work and a Happy Hacking keyboard at home. I can tolerate my laptops' keyboards for a short time, but I can't imagine using them all day long.
Apple's future vision is to have all users from iPads to desktops dragging their fingers around like apes.
Hey Apple.. you have pretty much completely left out pro users. The same people that kept Apple going in all the lean years. Now to thank us we are forced to adapt to gimmick simple minded pointing devices if we want an Apple mouse.
Whats next? Will OS X 10.8 disable all normal mouse use?
Hey Apple.. you have pretty much completely left out pro users. The same people that kept Apple going in all the lean years. Now to thank us we are forced to adapt to gimmick simple minded pointing devices if we want an Apple mouse.
Whats next? Will OS X 10.8 disable all normal mouse use?
we're entering the "post-mouse" era
Of course! IOS X 10.8 will be multi-touch only. No mouses at all.
All we need is the email from The Steve saying that "mouses are a bag of hurt" to rally the fans to the anti-mouse camp.
Of course! IOS X 10.8 will be multi-touch only. No mouses at all.
All we need is the email from The Steve saying that "mouses are a bag of hurt" to rally the fans to the anti-mouse camp.
They are not phasing out the mouse, they are phasing out the Magic Mouse. (if True) People will always need mice for precise work. Illustrators use a mouse to manage a UI and a Pen Tablet for strokes and brushes. Theres no reason to conclude a person could not use a Trackpad for UI navigation and a mouse to draw. They are not mutually exclusive.
I actually really love my Magic Mouse. It's the best mouse I've ever had... I find it hard to believe they would do away with it... if anything an update with multi-touch capabilities on it so we can pinch to zoom and what not (at least that's what I've always wanted on it!)...
Pretty much true. An article earlier in the week said Apple will completely kill off OSX and replace it with iOS in 2012.
Inclusion of LaunchPad was cited as the source
Not phasing out, but upgrading?
To automatically draw the conclusion that Apple would be phasing out the mouse completely because stock seems constrained is ridiculous. It would be a far more logical assumption that they're making an "upgraded" or all new design.
Phasing the mouse out.. Please. What is Cult Of Mac smoking?
[EDIT: I just remembered reading in some other blog that Microsoft is about to release their own strikingly familiar "Touch Mouse". From Microsoft's site:
"Featuring natural gestures, Microsoft® Touch Mouse is the most fluid way to navigate Windows®"
And..
"A superior multi-touch mouse for Windows. Microsoft Touch Mouse makes navigating Windows 7 a breeze. Discover how its elegant design quickly handles everyday on-screen actions like scrolling, minimizing/maximizing, and docking with easy-to-learn finger gestures."
It wouldn't surprise me at all if Apple decided to revamp their own Magic Mouse to remind everyone who the real king of "touch" really is.]
To automatically draw the conclusion that Apple would be phasing out the mouse completely because stock seems constrained is ridiculous. It would be a far more logical assumption that they're making an "upgraded" or all new design.
Phasing the mouse out.. Please. What is Cult Of Mac smoking?
[EDIT: I just remembered reading in some other blog that Microsoft is about to release their own strikingly familiar "Touch Mouse". From Microsoft's site:
"Featuring natural gestures, Microsoft® Touch Mouse is the most fluid way to navigate Windows®"
And..
"A superior multi-touch mouse for Windows. Microsoft Touch Mouse makes navigating Windows 7 a breeze. Discover how its elegant design quickly handles everyday on-screen actions like scrolling, minimizing/maximizing, and docking with easy-to-learn finger gestures."
It wouldn't surprise me at all if Apple decided to revamp their own Magic Mouse to remind everyone who the real king of "touch" really is.]
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