Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - Confirmed

[rendezvouscp]

I don't believe this has come up yet...

The setup preferance panel is to recognize and set up the mouse and keyboard, but if this was your first computer, you would have no way of hooking up the mouse and keyboard until you had a functional USB mouse and keyboard (because they are wireless and not usable until they are recognized). This would cause major problems for new customers. So, I believe Apple would want to have both the mouse and keyboard to be wired for the first time and while charging, then you can remove the cable for wireless. Making chips for BlueTooth isn't very expensive I believe, so mabey it would be the same mouse and keyboard (or revised for buttons and such), only with the chips and that would cost users another (hopefully) 15-25 dollars. Apple could cover their costs, make money, and offer this type of enhancement for a price that would work for consumers. A wireless, wired capable mouse and keyboard for under $80 US (hopefully more buttons would be an option too, so you could still have a one button mouse if you wanted, but multi-button mouse if you wanted that instead), I think that would work.
-Chase

 

[Lepton]

Multi-button mouse probable

Apple's case against the multi-button mouse has a main point that the user can be confused by which button to push. So, it has a mouse where the whole thing is the (one) button.

The way Apple can solve the problem is by making it physically clear which is the main button - keep the whole-mouse-push for the main button, but add something unique for scrolling and additional functionality.

We know Apple has a tilt-disc design in the cupboard. And we know that the iPod has been acclaimed for its physical interface. I can see using these things. Put an iPod-like arrangement on the top surface of the current mouse, a center disc with four buttons surrounding. you can scroll with the center disk, perhaps push it for the scroll-wheel button, and the extra buttons are for, well, extra functionality.

I've been hooked on the MS Trackball Explorer, a five-button arrangement with scroll wheel, and those extra buttons really do add productivity.

In any case, after years and years of thinking about it, Apple is certainly not going to do something to catch up. It's going to do something to leapfrog.

 

[savar]

Re: I don't believe this has come up yet...

Originally posted by rendezvouscp
The setup preferance panel is to recognize and set up the mouse and keyboard, but if this was your first computer, you would have no way of hooking up the mouse and keyboard until you had a functional USB mouse and keyboard (because they are wireless and

Are you sure about this? It seems to me that since Bluetooth uses auto-discovery, its probably the case that a new wireless mouse works just like a new wired mouse. The Mac just creates a new profile with the default settings and driver.

I don't think Apple would force users to plug-in their wireless mice and keyboards.

 

[MM2270]

Maybe like this...

If Apple does what I really, REALLY hope they do, and comes out with a mouse with more than one button and scroll functions, then maybe it will be something similar to THIS

This is a pretty cool mouse if you ask me. It's stylish looking, is wireless with a docking station and RECHARGABLE batteries, not stupid AA's that have to be replaced periodically, and uses a touch sensor scrollwheel, unlike most scrollwheel mice out there.

That's just my thought and my 2¢ on the subject. Well, whatever Apple does, I really hope it's good, and not just a dumb wireless version of the existing mouse.

 

[rendezvouscp]

From what I understand...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the device have to be first recognized at some point and then it can be automatically connected? The day Apple wires our wireless devices is going to make all of us wonder what Apple is on, but to use it for charging and that first time use, I don't see that being such a problem.

 

[Ebawho]

Re: Maybe like this...

Originally posted by MM2270
If Apple does what I really, REALLY hope they do, and comes out with a mouse with more than one button and scroll functions, then maybe it will be something similar to THIS

This is a pretty cool mouse if you ask me. It's stylish looking, is wireless with a docking station and RECHARGABLE batteries, not stupid AA's that have to be replaced periodically, and uses a touch sensor scrollwheel, unlike most scrollwheel mice out there.

That's just my thought and my 2¢ on the subject. Well, whatever Apple does, I really hope it's good, and not just a dumb wireless version of the existing mouse.

!!!!!, thats the mouse i mentioned on the previous page, i think it looks awesome, and i like the touch pad type scrool wheel

 

[benixau]

BT = OK
Why?
If you live in apartments - the guy next door is probably within 10 meters of you or your computer.
.......
DIE EVIL BASTARD DIE
*tap space bar rapidly*
*SHOCK*
*computer has done - 'on its own' a CMD-OPT-ESC and wuit your game wile its at it*
.......

wouldn't want to be the neighbour - or the guy playing the game

 

[bennetsaysargh]

i know it's confirmed, but here is further stuff.

 

[Phil Of Mac]

Re: mesh mice

Originally posted by proglife
An aluminum mouse with perforated skin would be excellent. A little fan in it would be awesome as well to keep the working hand cool (power consumption....I know...I know.....).

Nah, too noisy.

Originally posted by esheep2001
I'm actually quite bothered by my iPod having an internal battery. What will I do when that stops holding juice? Chuck it away?! Send it off for a replacement which will likely cost more than a new iPod? Only be able to use it when it's plugged in?

That'd be a couple of years from now. Upgrade!

Originally posted by Tom800
have i missed something here? What is the point of having a wireless keyboard or mouse??

You can throw them.

Originally posted by srobert
Now if only Tesla would have completed his research on how to transmit electricity wirelessly. That would have been awesome. A full bluetooth and TeslaPowered computer and periphicals would be delightfull. ;-p

http://www.crazyapplerumors.com/2002_11_24_archive.htm

Originally posted by mstecker
I'm posting this right now from Omniweb 4 running on my NeXT Cube. My NeXT mouse has 2 buttons.

So, at some point, Steve saw the two-button light. It's only a matter of time before he brings Apple back around on this.

NeXTs were high-end computers, not consumer PC's. Still possible though

Originally posted by soggywulf
The Apple way is supposed to be intuitive and easy. Which do you think is more intuitive, control-clicking or right-clicking? Which do you think is easier?

I have a two-button mouse, but in defense of control-clicking, it keeps one hand on the keyboard, which makes you more productive for the same reason that keyboard shortcuts do--the time it takes to transition from keyboard to mouse and back. If you keep one hand on the keyboard, there's no transition time.

 

[Cooknn]

First Post - doing research before switching. While investigating the mouse issue I found my favorite mouse is indeed supported by OSX. The MS Wireless Intellimouse Explorer fits perfectly in my hand and more than the right mouse button - I live with the scroll function. As I read this forum it is how I navigate up and down.

Drivers for OSX IntelliPoint driver for Macintosh

Information about my current mouse of choice can be found here Wireless Intellimouse Explorer

I will be posting other questions regarding my future purchase in the Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion forum. Please take a look and offer me your advice please.

 

[Waldo Pepper]

Mouse

I still don't understand why people simply aren't using the hockey puck, It has to be one of Apple greatest designs ever.
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.....ok maybe not

 

[soggywulf]

Re: Re: mesh mice

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
I have a two-button mouse, but in defense of control-clicking, it keeps one hand on the keyboard, which makes you more productive for the same reason that keyboard shortcuts do--the time it takes to transition from keyboard to mouse and back. If you keep one hand on the keyboard, there's no transition time.

Hmm, I don't follow you here. Keyboard shortcuts are different, because you can keep both hands on the keyboard (plus of course they save time over moving the mouse around). But with control-clicks, you have to be on both the keyboard and mouse anyway. Plus you have to distract your pinky (and for me on a laptop, my eyes as well--this makes it doubly annoying) to the control key.

Originally posted by Waldo Pepper
I still don't understand why people simply aren't using the hockey puck, It has to be one of Apple greatest designs ever.
.
.
.

.....ok maybe not

LOL.

 

[trianglejuice]

Re: Re: Re: mesh mice

Originally posted by soggywulf
Hmm, I don't follow you here. Keyboard shortcuts are different, because you can keep both hands on the keyboard (plus of course they save time over moving the mouse around). But with control-clicks, you have to be on both the keyboard and mouse anyway. Plus you have to distract your pinky (and for me on a laptop, my eyes as well--this makes it doubly annoying) to the control key.

I told you that it's just a way of self-habit. My left hand always lies on the right side of my keyboard; ready to use the Ctrl, Alt or Cmd button. It's something you get used to when you're constantly working with e.g. Adobe Photoshop.

TJ.

 

[Phil Of Mac]

Re: Mouse

Originally posted by Waldo Pepper
I still don't understand why people simply aren't using the hockey puck, It has to be one of Apple greatest designs ever.

Actually, I liked the puck. Problem was that Apple thought too different and people didn't know what to do.

Guys, it's a finger mouse, not a hand mouse. You anchor the heel of your hand on the desk and hold the mouse lightly between your index and ring fingers, and slide it around.

Originally posted by soggywulf
Hmm, I don't follow you here. Keyboard shortcuts are different, because you can keep both hands on the keyboard (plus of course they save time over moving the mouse around). But with control-clicks, you have to be on both the keyboard and mouse anyway. Plus you have to distract your pinky (and for me on a laptop, my eyes as well--this makes it doubly annoying) to the control key.

The control key is the downmost, leftmost key. I don't see why it's so difficult to find.

My point was, with one hand on the keyboard and the other on the mouse, you can use the mouse while still firing off a few keyboard commands. You can even start typing while your hand moves from the mouse to the keyboard.

Or at least that's the argument.

 

[soggywulf]

Re: Re: Mouse

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Guys, it's a finger mouse, not a hand mouse. You anchor the heel of your hand on the desk and hold the mouse lightly between your index and ring fingers, and slide it around.

That was only half the problem. The other problem with the puck was that it did not naturally fall into the proper orientation. All other mice have a definite direction which is immediately detectable by your hand. Not so the puck--which means the mouse always moves a little off the heading you intend.

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
The control key is the downmost, leftmost key. I don't see why it's so difficult to find.

Not on an ibook--I believe the function key is there. Control is one in. I think. And since "Open in new Tab" is command-click (in Mozilla as well as Safari, I think), and the function key is needed for page up/down, I always have to stop and think and look and rethink and finally half the time I hit the wrong modifier anyway. A mess. Yeah sure, I can manage--but the point is, Apple is supposed to be easier and more intuitive. At this point, I think you will agree that right-clicking is better in that sense (perhaps with a caveat for absolute novice users).

 

[Phil Of Mac]

Re: Re: Re: Mouse

Originally posted by soggywulf
That was only half the problem. The other problem with the puck was that it did not naturally fall into the proper orientation. All other mice have a definite direction which is immediately detectable by your hand. Not so the puck--which means the mouse always moves a little off the heading you intend.

They added a groove on the second revision to solve that problem.

Originally posted by soggywulf
Not on an ibook--I believe the function key is there. Control is one in. I think. And since "Open in new Tab" is command-click (in Mozilla as well as Safari, I think), and the function key is needed for page up/down, I always have to stop and think and look and rethink and finally half the time I hit the wrong modifier anyway. A mess. Yeah sure, I can manage--but the point is, Apple is supposed to be easier and more intuitive. At this point, I think you will agree that right-clicking is better in that sense (perhaps with a caveat for absolute novice users).

Well, I use a dual-button wireless mouse with a clickable scroll wheel anyway, I was just offering that argument because I thought it was interesting.

 

[bennetsaysargh]

i use the puck!
i love it. i wish apple still made the puck.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Re: Re: come again

Originally posted by srobert

Now if only Tesla would have completed his research on how to transmit electricity wirelessly. That would have been awesome. A full bluetooth and TeslaPowered computer and periphicals would be delightfull. ;-p

Actually this can be done in a roundabout way. Not via the air. Not yet at any rate. But via a surface. I think it was about a year or so ago I was reading ZDNET or possibly news.com about a method of charging various devices through a plate. Instead of using cables your simply drop the device onto the plate and it automatically charges. Before you say what about getting a shock by touching the surface they mention in the article, I think, that the contacts have to be metal based.
What would be really cool is if in the future the desktop of all computer desks would use this method so any device: camera, mouse, keyboard, laptop, ipod, etc that gets set down on it would charge.
Hmm I need to find that article again. I thought this trick had come from HP but I could be wrong.

 

[Phil Of Mac]

Maybe it'll be the same way we recharge electric toothbrushes. My recharghing stand for my toothbrush doesn't do anything when I touch it, and water doesn't affect it, yet it still recharges the toothbrush. It's all plastic, too. On both ends.

The technology exists.

 

[iRiKliAN]

Apple Pro BTooth Mouse & <PRESENTER>

Without a doubt!

Apple Pro BTooth Mouse & <PRESENTER> ???

- 30-foot (9-meter) range and no line of sight required
- Optical mouse precision on almost any surface:
- Simple two-button design to move through presentations easily
- Power-saving switch and smart power management
- Carrying case included
- Two Rechargable AA batteries included
- Rapid firewire charge base station
- Five-year warranty
- Compatible with most presentation applications inc. Keynote

Apple Pro BTooth Keyboard

- Eliminate clutter with cordless freedom through bluetooth technology with secure encryption
- Enjoy total control of your Movies and iTunes directly from the keyboard
-Access favorite web sites and applications with one-touch hot keys
- 2 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries via Firewire Mouse charge station


Logitech anyone?

 

[iRiKliAN]

Really.. how much can Stevie talk up a cordless keyboard and mouse launch ?

Apple are definetly not the first. So what's the punch? Well theres obviously no clutter, it uses Bluetooth, and has a few extra buttons.

That does NOT impress me... it infuriates me. So much suffering, for so long, we have waited.

So i ask... is not Apple aware of the rage swelling deep within, at such an overdue release. YES. Completely aware.

Apple can not afford to tarnish its image at such a crucial peroid. So, it will anounce the mother of all MICE.

The Apple iMouse Presenter.