TheOnlyJon
macrumors 6502a
Ditto. I have the VXR with the same practically-on-ball-bearings smoothscroll wheel. It's lovely 🙂
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Magic Mouse: 2 finger swiping is uncomfortable
- Thread starter Pagemakers
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Ditto. I have the VXR with the same practically-on-ball-bearings smoothscroll wheel. It's lovely 🙂
AppleThis&That
macrumors regular
VirtualRain
macrumors 603
I played with one at my local Apple store this afternoon and I left not liking it despite being really enthused about it prior.
While I found the scrolling and forward back gestures natural and intuitive, I found the mouse to be not 100% responsive. Sometimes a flick of my finger would initiate a nice smooth long scroll, while other times, the same motion would result in a couple of lines of movement of the screen. I found the amount of finger movement to screen scrolling to be very unpredictable which makes it pretty much useless.
If you are like me, you scroll up and down through forums and threads by scrolling the screen under the pointer... stopping when what you want click is under your mouse pointer... rather than moving the mouse pointer itself up and down on the screen... if this sounds like you then very predictable and fine control over scrolling is critical. This new magic mouse did not deliver that for me.
Another annoying design flaw is that the top surface of the mouse is a glossy plastic...like the white macbook enclosure. It's not very condusive to sliding a finger over... any amount of persperation causes your finger to stick and not drag smoothly... it's insane they did not go with a surface like the trackpads or even a brushed aluminum which seem to be immune from perspiration.
The other absolutely stupid thing about this mouse that I did not get use to in the short time I used it was that your mind quickly adapts to thinking it's a track pad... so you start wanting to tap the surface to click, not press the surface like a button. You also want to use two fingers to right click, which of course, doesn't work.
I think it's half baked. If you are a big track pad fan, you will be disappointed. If you are a big mouse fan, you will find the scrolling control unacceptable.
Just give me a damn track pad for my Mac Pro. I guess I'm going to try the Bamboo Touch. Maybe that's what I want.
While I found the scrolling and forward back gestures natural and intuitive, I found the mouse to be not 100% responsive. Sometimes a flick of my finger would initiate a nice smooth long scroll, while other times, the same motion would result in a couple of lines of movement of the screen. I found the amount of finger movement to screen scrolling to be very unpredictable which makes it pretty much useless.
If you are like me, you scroll up and down through forums and threads by scrolling the screen under the pointer... stopping when what you want click is under your mouse pointer... rather than moving the mouse pointer itself up and down on the screen... if this sounds like you then very predictable and fine control over scrolling is critical. This new magic mouse did not deliver that for me.
Another annoying design flaw is that the top surface of the mouse is a glossy plastic...like the white macbook enclosure. It's not very condusive to sliding a finger over... any amount of persperation causes your finger to stick and not drag smoothly... it's insane they did not go with a surface like the trackpads or even a brushed aluminum which seem to be immune from perspiration.
The other absolutely stupid thing about this mouse that I did not get use to in the short time I used it was that your mind quickly adapts to thinking it's a track pad... so you start wanting to tap the surface to click, not press the surface like a button. You also want to use two fingers to right click, which of course, doesn't work.
I think it's half baked. If you are a big track pad fan, you will be disappointed. If you are a big mouse fan, you will find the scrolling control unacceptable.
Just give me a damn track pad for my Mac Pro. I guess I'm going to try the Bamboo Touch. Maybe that's what I want.
D'oh. You mentioned a few points which are a sticking point for me. That's a bummer (i.e. trackpad style clicking and right click). Seems like that kind of thing could've been implemented. What about a software update in the future?
Did they at least make it rechargeable yet, or do we still have to use AA's in their "revolutionary" mice?
I agree, this is very interesting. Although I haven't used the new mouse, I think it would make sense what you are saying -- instead of using two fingers swipe, it should be two finger scroll, like it is on the MacBooks. They could then leave the swiping to either one finger or three (to match the MacBooks).
I think a two-finger scroll would make more sense (and be more comfortable) than a one-finger scroll.
eawmp1
macrumors 601
You could use revolutionary rechargeable AA batteries. Would you prefer a user non-replaceable battery (like on the iPhone)?
I played with the magic mouse earlier and it seemed good to me. I like the touchscreen on it. I didn't experience any discomfort from using it. I'll be sure to get one once it hits the stores. The one they had at the store was on display that came with the new iMacs.
Just to add my perspective to the thread. I have a new 21.5 with the Magic Mouse and have been using it a full two days now. I came from a Logitech VX.
I immediately adapted to the standard left and right click with no problem. The scrolling took me most of the first day to adapt to, and now I really like it... much better than a scroll wheel. I like the iPhone-like scroll behavior.
I have the mouse speed set on max and could go with a little faster setting.
Now on the two finger swipe. I am getting used to it and can pretty consistently make it do what I want. Still not as easy or consistent as the thumb button on the VX. I notice when doing a two finger swipe you must have your two fingers separated a little or the mouse does not do anything. It appears having two fingers close together makes the mouse think it is still one finger on the surface.
Unlike the VX where your palm actually rests atop the mouse, the MM is very thin and my wrist and the sides of my palm lay on the pad with the mouse below, and the mouse surface hardly touching my palm. Not a problem, just a little different way of operating.
I notice a lot of comments from users who have stopped by the Apple store to try the MM and hated it. I have found in general it is hard to test mice at any store because of the height of the mouse. I find it awkward to stand up and use a mouse on a table at waist height. I think this is exacerbated by the way the MM works and the thinness of it. If you can, get at the normal height and give it a try. I suspect some if the negative comments from Apple store MM tests come from testing while standing over the mouse.
I immediately adapted to the standard left and right click with no problem. The scrolling took me most of the first day to adapt to, and now I really like it... much better than a scroll wheel. I like the iPhone-like scroll behavior.
I have the mouse speed set on max and could go with a little faster setting.
Now on the two finger swipe. I am getting used to it and can pretty consistently make it do what I want. Still not as easy or consistent as the thumb button on the VX. I notice when doing a two finger swipe you must have your two fingers separated a little or the mouse does not do anything. It appears having two fingers close together makes the mouse think it is still one finger on the surface.
Unlike the VX where your palm actually rests atop the mouse, the MM is very thin and my wrist and the sides of my palm lay on the pad with the mouse below, and the mouse surface hardly touching my palm. Not a problem, just a little different way of operating.
I notice a lot of comments from users who have stopped by the Apple store to try the MM and hated it. I have found in general it is hard to test mice at any store because of the height of the mouse. I find it awkward to stand up and use a mouse on a table at waist height. I think this is exacerbated by the way the MM works and the thinness of it. If you can, get at the normal height and give it a try. I suspect some if the negative comments from Apple store MM tests come from testing while standing over the mouse.
TheOnlyJon
macrumors 6502a
That was the first thing I thought of when I saw it. Not that I'm a sweaty guy, lol, but a mouse should work ALL the time and in all circumstances. like my VXR 🙂
unlike many I quite like the old MM and the scroll ball works well for me. I just bought my third one several days ago and can return it and get the new mouse. After reading some of your comments I think I will probably like it (they aren't in store yet over here) but still not 100%
Who still prefers the old MM after getting the new one?
Who still prefers the old MM after getting the new one?
GoCubsGo
macrumors Nehalem
I think saying something feels wrong while testing it in store is premature at best. You're standing at a table and the feeling can be completely different while sitting at a desk. It's just a thought but I've heard people say it feels wrong in the store but at home it's good.
It is a new way to use a mouse no doubt and will be foreign to everyone but I am looking forward to buying.
It is a new way to use a mouse no doubt and will be foreign to everyone but I am looking forward to buying.
eawmp1
macrumors 601
I went to Apple Store and played around with the mouse. It didn't feel too bad but:
1) I miss the 2 side buttons from the previous mouse that allowed Expose window switching
2) The mini trackball allowed 360 degree cursor movement, whereas you have to move the entire mouse now
3) I prefer the tracking or a wired mouse to Bluetooth
? these will be features with software updates and possibly a wired version
1) I miss the 2 side buttons from the previous mouse that allowed Expose window switching
2) The mini trackball allowed 360 degree cursor movement, whereas you have to move the entire mouse now
3) I prefer the tracking or a wired mouse to Bluetooth
? these will be features with software updates and possibly a wired version
Exactly the same here. The shape alone turned me off the moment I tried it. It has sharp edges, and clicking pinched me.
For the price - it should be PERFECT. It isn't. It's pretty, it's a nice idea, but for me, it just doesn't deliver.
brasscat
macrumors 6502
I purchased a new iMac 27" a couple days ago and have been surprised at how much I love the mouse. Historically, I've truly hated Apple mouse designs.
I agree, swiping sideways is clumsy, and it's likely I'll never or barely use such a feature. So I totally agree with those opinions there...
The mouse does also feel different. I was so used to my standard MS mouse before, but after a few minutes I got very comfortable with it. It's not that it's any worse, it's just I was used to what I was using and had to adjust. I can understand a few initial seconds with it in the store might turn you off, but still, this is new, and it takes time to adjust. We've been trained to expect peripherals to feel a certain way, but not necessarily because it's the best way.
The scrolling is, in my opinion, far superior with the Magic Mouse. It doesn't matter where you scroll on the mouse, and this makes the action considerably more free than having to always sit a finger on the wheel itself. Also, the action is very light and smooth, and precise. It's a very free feeling using that mouse. And I do consider myself very picky with mice.
This mouse has no moving parts (other than the click), which means it should last forever and cleaning it will be a snap. Not having to wipe down a scroll wheel and not having gunk eventually build up between multiple top and side buttons is a big plus.
Mini-trackball support is still there. Try it next time -- With the Magic Mouse it just doesn't matter where you put your finger for 360 degree scrolling.
Bluetooth tracking in the "old days" I agree stunk. But technology improves. This new mouse is every bit as smooth as the precision gaming mice I've used in the past.
The battery is not rechargeable, but Apple does say you can use your own rechargeables if you want. I'm guessing the battery life will last 4 or 5 months, but we'll have to wait and see on that one.
If you're pinching yourself with this mouse, I would respectfully suggest holding it differently. I can't reproduce pinching myself even trying to, unless you're gripping the device from the sides with some pressure. The mouse, in my experience, works best by laying your hand on top. No gripping sides required.
My advice is this: The Magic Mouse is new and different. Give it time, and you may eventually come to like its touch surface even better that what you have been using.
I agree, swiping sideways is clumsy, and it's likely I'll never or barely use such a feature. So I totally agree with those opinions there...
The mouse does also feel different. I was so used to my standard MS mouse before, but after a few minutes I got very comfortable with it. It's not that it's any worse, it's just I was used to what I was using and had to adjust. I can understand a few initial seconds with it in the store might turn you off, but still, this is new, and it takes time to adjust. We've been trained to expect peripherals to feel a certain way, but not necessarily because it's the best way.
The scrolling is, in my opinion, far superior with the Magic Mouse. It doesn't matter where you scroll on the mouse, and this makes the action considerably more free than having to always sit a finger on the wheel itself. Also, the action is very light and smooth, and precise. It's a very free feeling using that mouse. And I do consider myself very picky with mice.
This mouse has no moving parts (other than the click), which means it should last forever and cleaning it will be a snap. Not having to wipe down a scroll wheel and not having gunk eventually build up between multiple top and side buttons is a big plus.
Mini-trackball support is still there. Try it next time -- With the Magic Mouse it just doesn't matter where you put your finger for 360 degree scrolling.
Bluetooth tracking in the "old days" I agree stunk. But technology improves. This new mouse is every bit as smooth as the precision gaming mice I've used in the past.
The battery is not rechargeable, but Apple does say you can use your own rechargeables if you want. I'm guessing the battery life will last 4 or 5 months, but we'll have to wait and see on that one.
If you're pinching yourself with this mouse, I would respectfully suggest holding it differently. I can't reproduce pinching myself even trying to, unless you're gripping the device from the sides with some pressure. The mouse, in my experience, works best by laying your hand on top. No gripping sides required.
My advice is this: The Magic Mouse is new and different. Give it time, and you may eventually come to like its touch surface even better that what you have been using.
My view on the mouse is that the edges are too 'sharp' and sort of dig in to your hand and that scrolling is awkward.
To put it simply, it's not an improvement on normal mice. Apple should halt trying to be innovative with the mouse because so far they have failed to improve it. Is the Magic Mouse easier to use than a normal mouse? Absolutely not and I would be very surprised if anyone says otherwise.
To put it simply, it's not an improvement on normal mice. Apple should halt trying to be innovative with the mouse because so far they have failed to improve it. Is the Magic Mouse easier to use than a normal mouse? Absolutely not and I would be very surprised if anyone says otherwise.
brasscat
macrumors 6502
SnowLeopard2008
macrumors 604
@Andy-V
Please use facts, these aren't your opinions. Just because you don't think it's better than normal mice doesn't mean we all do. So be prepared to be surprised because Apple stock went up $15 bucks. Apparently, many people are quite happy with it. Including me.
Please use facts, these aren't your opinions. Just because you don't think it's better than normal mice doesn't mean we all do. So be prepared to be surprised because Apple stock went up $15 bucks. Apparently, many people are quite happy with it. Including me.
arjen92
macrumors 65816
He probably was so excited about the new iMac and stuff,he was sweating on his entire body 😀
Currently I have a Mighty Mouse and use it with the SteerMouse software for additional options.
I set my mouse up as follows:
Left & right buttons
Ball left & right = back & forwards in web pages etc
Push ball = Expose
It work fantastically.
If the Magic Mouse would allow back and forward using 1 finger and not two Im convinced it would be better. Pressing both mouse buttons should give you Expose.
However, my biggest gripe about the mouse is, if you hands are anything but perfectly dry, they stick to the plastic surface making 2 finger gestures clumsy.
The mouse software seems half thought out to me. It needs to offer more options.
I set my mouse up as follows:
Left & right buttons
Ball left & right = back & forwards in web pages etc
Push ball = Expose
It work fantastically.
If the Magic Mouse would allow back and forward using 1 finger and not two Im convinced it would be better. Pressing both mouse buttons should give you Expose.
However, my biggest gripe about the mouse is, if you hands are anything but perfectly dry, they stick to the plastic surface making 2 finger gestures clumsy.
The mouse software seems half thought out to me. It needs to offer more options.