Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

[j763]

I'm a mac zealot. More than happy to admit it.

However, the decision by Jobs to remain with one mouse button is *so* bloody stupid.

I love Mac OS X and some of the other cool stuff that Apple's doing, but their mice just suck. I've never bought a mac without buying a 3rd party mouse product.

As for those who say that if Apple made a two-button mice, 3rd parties wouldn't support the Mac... That's an incredibly stupid argument if you look at Apple's treatment of 3rd party developers -- both H/W and S/W over the last 5 years.

j.

 

[Jookbox]

Re: Re: Pro models

Originally posted by ChronoIMG
I hope your right, however... has Apple ever released a Pro mouse before?

i opened my office drawer and dusted off the mouse that came with my g4. on the bottom it says "PRO MOUSE"

 

[grapeice]

Stop complaining and do something about it

Guys,

I like Apple's choice to be simple and go with a 1 button mouse. But there are others out there that like to use a 2 button mouse with a scrollwheel. That's cool too. Nothing wrong with that. I think, after reading a majority of these posts, that something that Apple *could* do to help out the situation easily is have an option to not bundle the mouse and keyboard with a new system purchase.

This would involve packaging changes and additions to inventory and shipping applications that they have, which all cost money. However, the whole existence of Apple is to cater to its customers. If many people are complaining about having to pay for a mouse and keyboard they don't want with a new system, then we need to let Apple know in a logical way.

Someone should create a list of signatures all signing a petition that states they would like the mouse and keyboard to be an option when purchasing a new system. If you organize yourselves, you can show Apple how much you want this done. Then, people who want 1-button mice will still like the idea because it gives others a choice and still allows them to keep their mouse, and other mouse people will like it because they have the option to get something else.

Now all you need is someone to step up and accept the challenge to organize this... Come on people, the only way to get change to happen is to be civil and let Apple know what you want. Plain and simple.

Jon

 

[Jookbox]

Originally posted by merges


I'm just going to repeat, for good measure: IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T BUY IT.

But if you think you know better, then show me YOUR company.

for the last friggin time:
IF YOU BUY A MAC, YOU'RE FORCED TO BUY A 1 BUTTON MOUSE. what don't you understand about that?

 

[LimeiBook86]

hhmmmm...

Well I like the new keyboard, I may buy one but then I need a bluetooth adapter for my Power Mac G3 MiniTower. This then gets too expensive, I might as well buy the cheaper Apple USB (wired) keyboard, I guess my ADB Keyboard should go back with the Apple IIgs from which it came...

I use the IIgs keyboard everyday, nice and compact Maybe it's time to crossover to 2003

 

[bretm]

Originally posted by johnnowak

As for the right click.. the key command is usually faster anyway, so who cares?

As a guy with only one arm, I care. I would prefer the 2 button mouse.

 

[bretm]

Re: Stop complaining and do something about it

Originally posted by grapeice
Guys,

I like Apple's choice to be simple and go with a 1 button mouse. But there are others out there that like to use a 2 button mouse with a scrollwheel. That's cool too. Nothing wrong with that. I think, after reading a majority of these posts, that something that Apple *could* do to help out the situation easily is have an option to not bundle the mouse and keyboard with a new system purchase.

This would involve packaging changes and additions to inventory and shipping applications that they have, which all cost money. However, the whole existence of Apple is to cater to its customers. If many people are complaining about having to pay for a mouse and keyboard they don't want with a new system, then we need to let Apple know in a logical way.

Someone should create a list of signatures all signing a petition that states they would like the mouse and keyboard to be an option when purchasing a new system. If you organize yourselves, you can show Apple how much you want this done. Then, people who want 1-button mice will still like the idea because it gives others a choice and still allows them to keep their mouse, and other mouse people will like it because they have the option to get something else.

Now all you need is someone to step up and accept the challenge to organize this... Come on people, the only way to get change to happen is to be civil and let Apple know what you want. Plain and simple.

Jon

Maybe you don't recall, but macintoshes didn't use to come with keyboards. My guess is that that type of "catering" pissed off more people than it catered to. How'd you like to come home with your pricey macintosh to show it off, and then discover you had to dish out another 80 bucks if you thought typing was important?

I think they ought to throw two friggin mice in there if there's an option. Or, even better and more logical... throw a two button mouse in the box!!!! How's this argument... "If you don't want to use the second button, DON'T!"

Is there ANYONE out there that has a 2 button mouse that finds control clicking to be easier and therefore refuses to use the second button? Of course not.

 

[grapeice]

Re: Re: Stop complaining and do something about it

Originally posted by bretm
Maybe you don't recall, but macintoshes didn't use to come with keyboards. My guess is that that type of "catering" pissed off more people than it catered to. How'd you like to come home with your pricey macintosh to show it off, and then discover you had to dish out another 80 bucks if you thought typing was important?

I think they ought to throw two friggin mice in there if there's an option. Or, even better and more logical... throw a two button mouse in the box!!!! How's this argument... "If you don't want to use the second button, DON'T!"

Is there ANYONE out there that has a 2 button mouse that finds control clicking to be easier and therefore refuses to use the second button? Of course not.

Hmm, no, I didn't know that Macs came without keyboards. However, the way you put it, there was no option to add a keyboard with the system that you purchased. What about making it default that the keyboard and mouse are part of the system, but just as with other components, you can change the mouse to something else or remove them entirely?

I think you're missing the point about the mice. No one is ever going to solve an argument about whether 1-button mice or 2-button mice are better. Different people have different preferences, and there's nothing wrong with that. Think of this as a business roadmap:

1. Make a keyboard and mouse both as an option to buying a new system. This involves packaging changes, inventory and ordering software changes, and creating projects for workers to implement such a change. Believe it or not, this consumes resources!

2. (Eventually) Design and sell a two-button and scrollwheel mouse and add that as an option when selling new systems. This will consume a great deal of resources, including R&D, manufacturing, changes to inventory, maybe even packaging, advertising, etc. It takes a lot to make this happen, despite what some people think!

When it's default, people get the keyboard and mouse that they want, and since it can be chosen to remove the mouse and/or keyboard, others can choose to get a third party mouse and keyboard, or eventually choose a newer product from Apple.

As for saying not to use the second button if you don't want to, that's rather silly to those that rarely use a computer and just want something simple. I know many of you guys are smart and handling a two-button mouse is trivial, but for others it gets confusing. My parents had a tough time using a two-button mouse, as did others that I helped when trying to learn the PC. You have to think about everyone in these situations, not just you and the others that are insisting there is nothing else but a 2-button mouse.

Also, there were several people posting here that stated they thought control-clicking was faster and easier for them than using a right-click. Be careful to not make your opinions fact for everyone else. Be mindful of all users.

 

[rainman::|:|]

jesus christ you people bitch a lot. i can't even sort through the 180+ previous posts because they're all the same thing, blah blah blah. okay, we get it, you want a two button mouse, you didnt GET one, deal with it. If you want Apple to know that you want one, EMAIL THEM. don't just assume that because you anonymously post it on some rumor site, Apple is going to come jumping along with what you want. The rest of us, cannot do anything, and don't really want to hear this... i think it's time for a two button mouse too, but i'm not ready to write a novella about it.

That said, question. Can you simply leave the keyboard and mouse on 24/7, and the "advanced power management" basically shuts it down-- or is that just for short periods, like a couple of hours, and then you're supposed to turn it off for the night. I want one of both of these, but i jump on and off of the computer dozens of times per day, i don't want to have to flip the keyboard over, turn it on, flip it back, pick up the mouse, turn it on... each time...

but yeah, i'm prepared to go shell out cash for these, as i think most of you are, secretly. it's a cool new toy to play with, even if it's not the right color, or button count. i honestly think apple will not take much of a dip in sales of these-- actually they might go up, because it was hard to justify $60 for just a keyboard-- but $69 adds wireless capability... a bit better. you might not even notice that they didn't follow the adjustable-form factor of the pro keyboard... which no doubt decreases production cost a lot.

wonder how much apple makes on each keyboard/mouse? i thought membrane keyboards were supposed to be cheaper...

pnw

 

[noel4r]

hmm, $69.00 for a single button wireless mouse? what am i stupid? i got my Microsoft 2 button with scroll wireless for $20.00.

 

[bidge]

Here's a pic from underneath

 

[iHack]

Re: Re: Re: Stop complaining and do something about it

Originally posted by grapeice
snip

As for saying not to use the second button if you don't want to, that's rather silly to those that rarely use a computer and just want something simple. I know many of you guys are smart and handling a two-button mouse is trivial, but for others it gets confusing. My parents had a tough time using a two-button mouse, as did others that I helped when trying to learn the PC. You have to think about everyone in these situations, not just you and the others that are insisting there is nothing else but a 2-button mouse.

snip

And there actually are people who have avoided getting the general idea of a mouse altogether. This brings to mind an incident a few years ago with our former prime minister (Wim Kok - I'm in the Netherlands). An 8th grader was showing him some project on a computer (I believe it was a PC) and invited him to see for himself what her project was about. He actually picked up the mouse and pointed it to the screen, as if it was some TV remote... Of course, the incident got all the media attention it deserved.

M.

oh, for Americans reading this: we are actually used to politicians being quite intelligent, especially those in charge.

 

[bretm]

Re: Re: Re: Stop complaining and do something about it

Originally posted by grapeice


Also, there were several people posting here that stated they thought control-clicking was faster and easier for them than using a right-click. Be careful to not make your opinions fact for everyone else. Be mindful of all users.

Well, as a one armed guy I guess I am biased. It's just my nose is getting a little raw and the control key is getting a little snotty.

Your options are as you pointed out consuming to resources. Exactly what a company doesn't want. They also shouldn't confuse the cosumer (as you pointed out about the 2 button mouse and your parents).

Giving the new user options about a 1 and 2 button mouse is definitely not what they need. When they ask which is better for them, they'll get techno speak about how one or the other is better, etc. but in the end, it will be a meaningless diatribe, since of course, they are a new user.

The keyboards were a choice before. They did cost extra and weren't included in the computer price. MOST people selling you the computer remembered to ask which you want. They of course always told me I needed the more expensive one. Since they didn't really know, they just covered their butts. I'm sure some just forgot about it altogether and didn't sell you a keyboard at all.

I like the simplest solutions. I haven't read a single post by anyone that prefers a one button mouse complaining that they were FORCED to buy apple's one button mouse. I think they expect a mouse to come with a computer and are either perfectly happy with the apple one button, or perfectly happy buying their favorite 3rd party one button mouse.

What I have seen is an unlimited number of 2 button mouse lovers complaining that they were FORCED to buy a 1 button mouse from apple. To them it was a useless purchase. To the other group mentioned above, it's an extra mouse. Big difference.

As much as I feel for your parents inability to understand the 2 buttons because they are new computer users, I feel that that is just part of the experience of learning a computer. I'm sure new users are confused by all sorts of things on a computer. But just because it could be simpler doesn't mean it should be. I mean, the mac would be simpler to use if somewhere on the screen it said "start" but it doesn't mean we should add it. Maybe programs shouldn't have so many menu items because they'd be easier to use. Maybe we shouldn't have a caps lock key either because someone might accidentally turn it on and not know how to turn it off.

Seriously though, technology can only cater so much to those that find it difficult. I'm sure the second mouse button is confusing to new users. Until they learn what it is. Just like they have to learn to press the enter key, and to double click on items, and to click and hold, or to option click, or to control click.

IMHO, putting a 2 mouse button in the box would solve 95% of the issues and only cause a couple confusion issues with new users. Giving the choice at purchase would solve the issue with advanced users that know what they want, but would add purchasing confusion with new users and possible ordering mixups. Some people would be angry they got the wrong mouse or didn't get a mouse. Most likely, sales people would simply get them the 2 button mouse to avoid discussing the option with them and to cover their butts. Stores might run out of 2 button mice and only have 1 button mice available. That would sure tick a purchaser off! Then of course what do they or apple do with the extra mice? Not knowing exactly how many mice to produce would mean a certain amount of waste that would have to be accounted for in the pricing of all the mice.

Just put a 2 button mouse in the box an let your parents be confused for 2 or 3 minutes. They'll be ok. Really.

 

[dhdave]

Bottom line is, if you don't like the thread don't read it. I don't know which is worse, those bitching or those bitching about those bitching. I don't think I've ever seen this community as fractous as it is right now. People don't always agree. Get over it people. Stop being so offended that somebody would criticize Apple. I love Apple, but personally I think they've missed the boat for YEARS on the mouse thing. The two button functionality is built right in to the OS for heaven's sake. Why they won't offer a two button mouse, if even only for "pros", is beyond me. But that's just my .02, which incidently is what I thought these forums were for to begin with.

dh

 

[Mehmet]

blahness..

mx700 here i come..

another thing to think about, i guess apple never really thought of 3d designers when they did this. Maya pretty much REQUIRES a 3 button mouse, i love using my 3 button mouse to dolly/zoom the view, lot more convinient then clicking once on the move button then on the dolly button, and then the zoom...

Definetly a step back..

 

[tazznb]

WHYYYYYY???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by gotohamish
Sell it then - you get almost all your money back selling them on eBay.

I bought 11 iMacs last year, and sold all the keyboards and mice and all sold within $5 of the Apple asking price.

Why should I go through all the trouble of going to ebay to sell something Apple dumped on me!

I don't know who makes me angrier; MS apologists, or Apple apologists.

A dumb idea is a dumb idea, is a dumb idea.

 

[grapeice]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Stop complaining and do something about it

Originally posted by bretm
Your options are as you pointed out consuming to resources. Exactly what a company doesn't want. They also shouldn't confuse the cosumer (as you pointed out about the 2 button mouse and your parents).

Giving the new user options about a 1 and 2 button mouse is definitely not what they need. When they ask which is better for them, they'll get techno speak about how one or the other is better, etc. but in the end, it will be a meaningless diatribe, since of course, they are a new user.

Perhaps we're thinking too hard about this (everyone, not just you or me). Why do we need to decide how everything is done? Some people want 1-button mice, and some want 2-buttons with a scrollwheel. Since 2-buttons with a scrollwheel is not an offering from Apple, why don't we just get a petition together showing Apple that this is something the Mac community wants. Let Apple decide what they need to do in terms of cost and a business plan to get to the point where a 2-button mouse can be offered as an option.

What do you think?

 

[mvc]

Bring on Haptics

Originally posted by tazznb
A dumb idea is a dumb idea, is a dumb idea.

Yeah, actually, its the entire mouse concept that's a dumb idea. Great for beginners and grade schoolers, but what pros really need are holographic 3D haptics - Anyone seen Minority Report?

Give me a rig like that and I'd get some serious work done

 

[dr weebl]

Originally posted by sockgap
Garbage. That thing costs $50 from the Apple store, and the cheapest I can see them online is $31 ($37.95 with shipping).

erm ingram micro is a distributor and dont sell to end users the price from them when i ordered it was about £11 +vat which works out at under $20 just means that apples making around $30 on each one

 

[VIREBEL661]

Man, I gotta agree with everyone else on this point. I have the MacAlly iOpti Jr. 3 button scroll wheel mouse on all my Macs, I love it, it rocks. It's wired.. Call me jaded, but if my keyboard and mouse were wireless, I'd probably lose them, especially the mouse (cats like to knock stuff off the desk and hide it)! ALSO, worry about batteries? I would rather have the keyboard tethered and illuminated, now THAT would rock. Being a huge Mac fan, it really bugs me they can't get over the 1 button 1984 mouse thing either. C'mon guys, we're on UNIX now, where mice have been 3 BUTTON forever. It's gotta be a Stevism... Well, he usually does a great job, I guess nobody's perfect..

 

[VIREBEL661]

And one more niggle - the mouse is too big! Just my opinion - anyone from Apple, are you reading??

 

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by dhdave
Bottom line is, if you don't like the thread don't read it. I don't know which is worse, those bitching or those bitching about those bitching. I don't think I've ever seen this community as fractous as it is right now. People don't always agree. Get over it people. Stop being so offended that somebody would criticize Apple. I love Apple, but personally I think they've missed the boat for YEARS on the mouse thing. The two button functionality is built right in to the OS for heaven's sake. Why they won't offer a two button mouse, if even only for "pros", is beyond me. But that's just my .02, which incidently is what I thought these forums were for to begin with.

dh

Totallly agree - the weird thing is, that when you use a multi button mouse, like, all the menus are there - on cross platform apps like Dreamweaver, they're the same as windoze! So a lot of Mac users could be missing a degree of functionality, which is a drag...

 

[gello2424]

I think they look nice but they still look the same so that is pointless. I agree most people would not find any use for a one button mouse so I am with everyone there.

But what I would miss most is that keyboard USB ports. I have 10 of the now with a add in card and sometimes find myself wish I had just one more. I know that this is not possible but that is what would stop me from getting the keyboard and mouse.

I think Apple will hopefully have a two button mouse with scroll wheel but till then I look at this way I can save 30 bones going anb buying a Logitech cordless mouse.

I am positive that when games start really taking off on Macs we will start seeing the really useful things like the normal mouse.

 

[simX]

A solution!

As I said before: "Blah, blah, blah, no multiple buttons, no scroll wheel, blah, blah, blah." How did I guess it was going to turn into a complain-o-thread about how Apple was so bone-headed to not make a two-button mouse? Big freaking WHOOP.

For all of those people that are complaining about the one button mouse that Apple ships with its computers:

Please find my physical mailing address here. You can also e-mail me directly by clicking here. I will buy your Apple mouse from you, gladly reimbursing you the shipping costs, plus giving you an extra $10 for the "inconvenience" that Apple caused you by "forcing" you to buy the standard one-button mouse, as long as you will SHUT THE HELL UP already.

Oh, and by the way, in case anyone was wondering, I am completely serious about buying your Apple mice from you. Of course, if you don't want to sell it, I'll just assume that you're a closet one-button mouse user or a hypocrite.

 

[zoozx]

I don't give a Rats A-SS what the friggin mouse or keyboard looks like, GEEZ.
Buy a flower if that is important and shove it up ur .......... apple.

As a professional I want something that is going to speed up my work flow, is comfortable, durable, and has a 2 button mouse with a frigging scroll wheel.
For the millionth time!
When my G5 dual arrives, If Ever

apple, I'm taking that piece O C-rap 1 button obsolete piece of monkey spunk with a tail and throwing the thing out the window. First a round mouse then this monkey SH!!!
WAKE UP APPLE.