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Choosing a Non Apple mouse.

J

josephcohen

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 6, 2009
22
0
I'm looking for a good mouse, therefore, both the mighty and magic mouse are ruled out. What do you suggest?

I was thinking about the MX518, but it isn't designed for the mac, and I have never used one. I was also thinking about the MX revolution. I would love it, but it is a little expensive... Unless I bought it used for 40$. (ick, used.)

Open to all suggestions. Anyone used the microsoft sidewinder X5 on a mac?
 
SpokaneMac

SpokaneMac

macrumors newbie
Feb 9, 2010
15
0
Pacific NorthWest
My favorite mouse is still the plain old Microsoft basic WIRED 2 button mouse with scrolling wheel !

I just today returned the WhizBang 3000 MSFT blue track wireless mouse with 2 batts inside that was hard to move and stuttered when I used the pointer.. Sent back the wireless KB also as it could not keep up with my typing speed. . . cough cough...
 
Badger^2

Badger^2

macrumors 68000
Oct 29, 2009
1,962
2
Sacramento
josephcohen said:
I'm looking for a good mouse, therefore, both the mighty and magic mouse are ruled out.
Click to expand...

I can think of a few million people that would completely disagree with that statement.

How many hours have you used a new magic mouse?

Mice, like keyboards, are a totally personal preference thing.

I was like Chris for years -- bought simple Logitech optical wired mice with 2 buttons and a scroll wheel. They always worked perfectly. Moved up to a Razer Diamondback, but the same basics: wired, 2 buttons, scroll wheel.

Since you listed only "gaming" mice, maybe you originally meant to say "Im looking for a good *gaming* mouse..."

FWIW, the 518 will work with OS X, you just need to use Steermouse

http://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/
 
Heilage

Heilage

macrumors 68030
May 1, 2009
2,592
0
I always go with Logitech when choosing a mouse. I have had several, always been satisfied.

On another note, Microsofts mouses are actually pretty good, but I guess the OS X support is lacking on them (only an assumption).
 
N

nutritious

macrumors 6502
Mar 1, 2008
366
351
If you want wireless, go with the logitech mx performance or the older MX revolution.

If you want wired and gaming, I'd go with their g500
 
M

McDughf

macrumors regular
Mar 1, 2007
103
0
Great Britain
Although I hate to say it, my favourite mouse IS a a Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer - Its About Nine years old and is in my opinion the best mouse I've ever used. Its the one that is curved / leaning to one side so fits the hand curvature of right handed people amazingly - has five buttons ( buttons four and five rest beautifully on the thumb - perfect for expose / show desktop shortcuts ) and I love it.
Being an animator ( amongst other things... ), I find a wired mouse just THAT bit more responsive then a wireless one to be honest. I DO own a wireless mightymouse too, but only use that to remotely control a computer for presentations.
 
I

Igantius

macrumors 65816
Apr 29, 2007
1,244
3
josephcohen said:
....What do you suggest?

I was thinking about the MX518, but it isn't designed for the mac, and I have never used one. I was also thinking about the MX revolution. I would love it, but it is a little expensive... Unless I bought it used for 40$. (ick, used.)...
Click to expand...

Personally, I think the best thing is to go to a store that has a decent amount on display - even if you can't play with 'em, at least you can see how they fit!

With regards to the cost, I feel your pain - but how much are you going to be using the mouse and when do you think you'll be buying a new one? For a lot of people (like McDughf) they'll be using a mouse for a long time - just my opinion, but I feel it's easier biting the bullet when it comes to shelling out when I know it's for a good bit of kit that's going to last me a long time.

re: MX Revolution - from what I remember, there's a bit of an issue about replacing the battery. Although I think you can replace it yourself, it's not easy and the best way is to send it back to Logitech - personally, I wouldn't chance getting a second hand unit.
 
I

Igantius

macrumors 65816
Apr 29, 2007
1,244
3
miles01110 said:
The MX Revolution is still the best wireless mouse.
Click to expand...

I'm sure that many feel that way - it was just that as josephcohen did mention getting a second-hand unit, thought it might be helpful to mention that replacing the battery isn't the easiest thing.
 
S

splitpea

macrumors 65816
Oct 21, 2009
1,134
396
Among the starlings
Igantius said:
Personally, I think the best thing is to go to a store that has a decent amount on display - even if you can't play with 'em, at least you can see how they fit!
Click to expand...

I second this. I'd never buy a mouse without seeing how it fits in my hand (or a keyboard without testing out the key action).

I like the ergonomics of Logitech's mice, but I have small hands. Microsoft seems to make mice for people with bigger hands.
 
miles01110

miles01110

macrumors Core
Jul 24, 2006
19,260
36
The Ivory Tower (I'm not coming down)
Igantius said:
I'm sure that many feel that way - it was just that as josephcohen did mention getting a second-hand unit, thought it might be helpful to mention that replacing the battery isn't the easiest thing.
Click to expand...

Oh, I missed that part of your reply. Yeah I probably wouldn't get a second-hand unit either. That being said, my current battery has lasted 3 years and hasn't shown noticeable decrease in the amount of time I can go on one full charge.
 
D

dennis123123

macrumors member
Aug 30, 2009
61
0
Microsoft mice are awesome.

I've had several "Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse 500"s, and currently an Intellimouse explorer 3; and they are all brilliant. nice weight/feel/responsiveness.
 
I

Igantius

macrumors 65816
Apr 29, 2007
1,244
3
miles01110 said:
Oh, I missed that part of your reply. Yeah I probably wouldn't get a second-hand unit either. That being said, my current battery has lasted 3 years and hasn't shown noticeable decrease in the amount of time I can go on one full charge.
Click to expand...
An awful lot of people have said the same thing about the battery keeping its charge well (that I’ve seen, anyway!) – and it’s always good to hear someone else say it! Personally, I think it’s a great design and feels great – and suspect I’ll be getting one fairly soon…

Had a quick look about the battery and there was a good thread here, which has a step-by-step guide:

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/Mice-Trackballs/MX-Revolution-How-to-change-battery/m-p/163301
 
cluthz

cluthz

macrumors 68040
Jun 15, 2004
3,118
4
Norway
Badger^2 said:
....

FWIW, the 518 will work with OS X, you just need to use Steermouse

....
Click to expand...

The MX518 works great just out of the box, no need to buy any applications.
If you want to do more customization you can use the Logitech Control Center, which is free too.

The MX500 series are great, I've had a MX500, MX510 and MX518.
I did use to game a lot of they have gone thru tons of abuse, and still they have served for quite some time.
I've had a few Microsoft mice too, they are utter crap, they wear out very quickly compared to the 500 series ones from Logitech
 
T

tomllama

macrumors regular
Jan 7, 2007
175
1
CA
The first thing I do with any new mac is throw away the Apple mouse. I despise them.

I've had many Logitech mice over the years and always liked them. My current favorite for my MP is the MX Revolution. For my MBP (and my windows laptop at work) I really like the Microsoft 5000 bluetooth mouse - no dongle and a nice size.

The Logitech and Microsoft mice are plug and play. Logitech provides a system utility to tweak settings if you desire.
 
J

josephcohen

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 6, 2009
22
0
Thanks for all the input. I think I want to stay with wired mice. A wireless keyboard is one thing, but there is nothing worse, than a mouse with a dying battery jittering all over the screen. I was planning on also getting a logitech gaming keyboard but I have decided to go with the apple keyboard without the numpad so it can fit in my keyboard tray.

Igantius said:
Personally, I think the best thing is to go to a store that has a decent amount on display - even if you can't play with 'em, at least you can see how they fit!

With regards to the cost, I feel your pain - but how much are you going to be using the mouse and when do you think you'll be buying a new one? For a lot of people (like McDughf) they'll be using a mouse for a long time - just my opinion, but I feel it's easier biting the bullet when it comes to shelling out when I know it's for a good bit of kit that's going to last me a long time.

re: MX Revolution - from what I remember, there's a bit of an issue about replacing the battery. Although I think you can replace it yourself, it's not easy and the best way is to send it back to Logitech - personally, I wouldn't chance getting a second hand unit.
Click to expand...

I totally see your point. I use my computer for hours every day, and I am an intern and training to become a server admin and IT specialist. so that makes me think that I shouldn't think too much about the price. But at 14, without a steady income numbers like that scare me. But I have saved a few K over the years. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the 518, the M500, and I think I'll put the Revolution back in the running even though it is so expensive. What also bothers me is that I can only get it for mac, or pc, but I'd like to be able to use it later on, on my high end custom built computer.
 
RaZaK

RaZaK

macrumors regular
Jul 13, 2008
224
0
Heilage said:
I always go with Logitech when choosing a mouse. I have had several, always been satisfied.

On another note, Microsofts mouses are actually pretty good, but I guess the OS X support is lacking on them (only an assumption).
Click to expand...

OS X supports Microsoft Mice just fine without needing to install the software, even the wireless variety
 
D

dolphindolphin

macrumors regular
May 29, 2008
219
4
New York
Badger^2 said:
Well how about a Razer Diamondback? =)

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=razer+diamondback+3g&cid=7197993890094522403&sa=title#p

And Joe, you shouldnt use your real name as your handle... and at 14 I hope you wait a little longer before deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life -- cause "server admin" or "IT specialist" sounds pretty damn boring to me...
Click to expand...

LOL +1. Your post doesn't even addresss the fact that he knows he wants to take such a specific career path at 14. Joe, think long and hard about your career, but just not now.

As for the mouse, mx revolution ftw.
 
student_trap

student_trap

macrumors 68000
Mar 14, 2005
1,879
0
'Ol Smokey, UK
I find that the most important thing is to feel a few in your hand to see what feels most comfortable, then i compare the specs.

FYI, I am using a cheap corded logitech that is V comfortable but rather basic
 
Fishrrman

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
28,348
12,464
"I was thinking about the MX518, but it isn't designed for the mac"

Just because a USB mouse doesn't indicate "Mac support" or "designed for the Mac" on the box, doesn't mean it won't WORK with the Mac.

Example:
I bought a Logitech MX-610 because I wanted a mouse with a lot of buttons and I liked the way it felt in my hand. All indications on the box were that it was "Windows only" with no Mac support. I bought it anyway. Plugged it in and it was recognized immediately by OS X. Not only that, but the "volume up/down/mute" buttons worked automatically, too. I was able to use "USB Overdrive" to get control over the other buttons to program them.

My suggestion is to pick a mouse that "feels right" to you. Pay particular attention to the scroll wheel, as some are MUCH better than others.

Buy it. If no "Mac driver" comes in the box, get ahold of either "USB Overdrive" or "SteerMouse", and use them instead.
 
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