Magic Mouse

[barcode00]

I'm thinking of purchasing the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

I have no experience with those accessories, or their update frequency. Is Apple likely to update either of them either this year, or early next year?

Any thoughts are welcome - thank you.

 

[motty2307]

I have both of them, as well as the Magic Trackpad. Of the three, I feel like I get the most use from the Trackpad.

I enjoy the Magic Mouse for casual use, but if you're looking for more intensive use, I would go with another mouse. I use a Razer Naga, but options from Logitech and other companies are nice as well.

I'd also say the same for the keyboard, with a few additional comments. First, I do not like the lack of the number pad to the right of the keyboard. Also, since Apple has announced the MacBook Pro with Touchbar, I wouldn't be surprised if that is something they are looking at implementing in the next version of the Magic Keyboard.

 

[pastrychef]

It's hard to say when Apple will update any of their hardware with the exception of iPhones...

The original Magic Mouse was release in 2009 and wasn't updated until 2015, so if I had to guess, I would say the Magic Mouse 2 will probably stick around as-is for a while.

The Magic Keyboard is harder to guess because of the introduction of the Touch Bar. There's lots of hope that Apple will incorporate a Touch Bar in to their external keyboards but if/when that will happen is anyone's guess.

 

[Notario]

Out of the box, the Magic Mouse 2 is not so special, but used with some add-on software, it becomes a unique and truly GREAT input tool, combining the best of a mouse AND a trackpad. (Great for reducing RSI.)

The program is called BetterTouchTool, which lets you unleash the hardware's full potential. (Free to try, then pay what you want. )

Because the top surface of the mouse is touch sensitive, you can use the BetterTouchTool to convert it into an input tool that combines the precision cursor movement of a good mouse with the ease of hand/finger movement provided by a trackpad.

For example, you can simply tap to click, using your fingertip, rather than pressing the mouse down. rather than press. you can assign left click and right click functions to those parts of the surface, or wherever you want.

This makes the MM2 a truly unique product of high value, at least for general use. (Gaming? I don't know.)

Reviewers who have written negatively of this Apple accessory should go back and try it again with this add-on software.

This highlights the core problem with Apple computing these days - consistently excellent hardware, but growing gaps and snafus in Apple's software. The company could easily have put this extra functionality into the Magic Mouse 2 driver, to make it truly "magic" out-of-the-box, but didn't bother.

(This issue is what motivates me to write this post - the need for Apple to get back to making great software - I don't have any contact with the software company that offers BetterTouchTool.)

And by the way, the Magic Trackpad 2, too, is great. And likewise BetterTouchTool can be used to adjust its functionality in myriad ways.

Both Apple products are quality devices that are well worth the price.

Logitech mice? No thanks.

Magic Keyboard? Gives me RSI.

 

[richpjr]

Both Apple products are quality devices that are well worth the price.

Logitech mice? No thanks.

Magic Keyboard? Gives me RSI.

Different strokes for different folks. I just picked up the new versions of the Magic keyboard and mouse (also have the previous version) and they are okay at best. But Logitech keyboard and mice feel much, much better to me. With Apple forcing USB C on us it was easier to not deal with a dongle for the Logitech keyboard/mouse wireless receiver than to go Bluetooth. When the new TB3 docks are released and I pick one up, I'll likely go back to the Logitech.

But the bottom line is we have choices so there is stuff for every taste.

 

[Hyloba]

Out of the box, the Magic Mouse 2 is not so special, but used with some add-on software, it becomes a unique and truly GREAT input tool, combining the best of a mouse AND a trackpad. (Great for reducing RSI.)

The program is called BetterTouchTool, which lets you unleash the hardware's full potential. (Free to try, then pay what you want. )

Because the top surface of the mouse is touch sensitive, you can use the BetterTouchTool to convert it into an input tool that combines the precision cursor movement of a good mouse with the ease of hand/finger movement provided by a trackpad.

For example, you can simply tap to click, using your fingertip, rather than pressing the mouse down. rather than press. you can assign left click and right click functions to those parts of the surface, or wherever you want.

This makes the MM2 a truly unique product of high value, at least for general use. (Gaming? I don't know.)

Reviewers who have written negatively of this Apple accessory should go back and try it again with this add-on software.

This highlights the core problem with Apple computing these days - consistently excellent hardware, but growing gaps and snafus in Apple's software. The company could easily have put this extra functionality into the Magic Mouse 2 driver, to make it truly "magic" out-of-the-box, but didn't bother.

(This issue is what motivates me to write this post - the need for Apple to get back to making great software - I don't have any contact with the software company that offers BetterTouchTool.)

And by the way, the Magic Trackpad 2, too, is great. And likewise BetterTouchTool can be used to adjust its functionality in myriad ways.

Both Apple products are quality devices that are well worth the price.

Logitech mice? No thanks.

Magic Keyboard? Gives me RSI.

I'm having a hard time getting used to the magic mouse. Is it designed so you need to hover your fingers over the surface all the time? It seems like I have to with all the gestures and tapping and right click. It tires my muscles constantly.