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New Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse Filings Appear on FCC Website
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I have scratched my head for years wondering why apple can build so many things so well except the mouse?They allways try to do something off the beaten path hence Apple mice have sucked for decades.
I love my wireless Mighty Mouse. I'm using it for over a year now and it works very well, also no problems with scrollball. I'm cleaning it once a month. I use it everyday for like 8 hours. No finger or palm pain etc., For me it's money well spent.
I have been hoping for a BT keyboard for the iPhone since introduction. Even the old iPaq's of 10 years ago had them.
So what makes you think they would add a keyboard for a tablet (just a larger iPhone).
Could you imagine how many keyboards they could sell if it integrated with the iPhone or Touch?
I really hope they don't get rid of the numeric keypad completely. Apple has a mixed history at best when it comes to keyboard and mouse peripherals.
Apple USB Keyboard (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro Keyboard (2000-2005) = Win
Apple Keyboard (2005-2007) = Fail
Apple Aluminum Keyboard (2007-2009) = Win
Apple Aluminum Keyboard without numeric pad (2009-) = Fail
Apple USB "hockey-puck" Mouse (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro "optical" Mouse (2000-2005) = Win, although I liked the version with the firmness setting better
Apple Mighty Mouse (2005-) = Win, when it works (stupid scroll ball/awkward secondary click)
Jobs hates keyboard keys. I say they'll drop the function and arrow keys next. They've made the function keys impossible to use (you have to actually turn them on in keyboard preferences) so no software developer uses them anymore. And Jobs will say what's the point in having arrow keys if you can use a mouse?
Apple USB Keyboard (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro Keyboard (2000-2005) = Win
Apple Keyboard (2005-2007) = Fail
Apple Aluminum Keyboard (2007-2009) = Win
Apple Aluminum Keyboard without numeric pad (2009-) = Fail
Apple USB "hockey-puck" Mouse (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro "optical" Mouse (2000-2005) = Win, although I liked the version with the firmness setting better
Apple Mighty Mouse (2005-) = Win, when it works (stupid scroll ball/awkward secondary click)
Jobs hates keyboard keys. I say they'll drop the function and arrow keys next. They've made the function keys impossible to use (you have to actually turn them on in keyboard preferences) so no software developer uses them anymore. And Jobs will say what's the point in having arrow keys if you can use a mouse?
How about both?
imagine the top of the mouse, a bit flatter than the current mouse, being a multi-touch surface.
- move your mouse, same as before
- or keep it static and move the finger on its surface, like a trackpad
- swipe your finger on its surface left-to-right or right-to-left to flip pages
(alternatively flick the whole mouse left or right)
- circle your finger on its surface like on an iPod touch wheel to scroll up/down
- use two fingers to zoom in/out
- tap one finger on left or right side for mouse clicks, might even support middle-click
- rotate two fingers on its surface to rotate the photo/window/document
(alternatively rotate the mouse itself)
This could be an amazing mouse.
If the mouse actually works like its supposed then I'll get one, i love my BT mouse, the ball hangs up occasionally but I don't think i've ever cleaned it.
If its aluminum then that would be sweet as well, match my new MBP of course i have an iskin on mine.
If its aluminum then that would be sweet as well, match my new MBP
of course i have an iskin on mine.
That's an interesting idea. Maybe it would be more of a "wand" controller. That would be great for me and my HTPC Mac Mini, but I don't know how the rest of the "sit-at-your-desk" world would benefit from that. Regardless, could this be the bridge between the current mouse and some old Apple patents?
My guess is just this: black backlight keys (same as on the notebook line) and a Li-Ion battery that charges via mini-usb instead of using AAA's.
That'd be great.
Smaller than the current BT keyboard? HOW? I'd find that uncomfortable to use. The current BT keyboard works fine!
As for the BT mouse - never liked that little ball to scroll. I'm using a wired Logitech G5 which works great. I don't see myself buying an Apple BT mouse anytime soon.
As for the BT mouse - never liked that little ball to scroll. I'm using a wired Logitech G5 which works great. I don't see myself buying an Apple BT mouse anytime soon.
Personally that's a lot to do on a mouse surface. You could simply have a bigger trackpad that would be able to span the entire screen with your finger movement. The reason finger gestures work so well on a track pad is because your hand is free to move. On a mouse you'd have to hold the mouse and have restricted movement. Part of a mouse's function is resting your hand. Imagine having to always be conscious of where your fingers are and not being able to just rest them on there when you are performing tasks. Its strange enough to lift a finger to right click, now lift a finger a trace a circle with your other finger...too tasking.
But yeah I could see them making a mouse like you described, I wouldn't buy it. I had zero luck with my BT Mighty Mouse. The right click was hit or miss for me and annoying. Forget ergonomics, it was awkward (though everyones hand is different).
But I like a click for each button because I don't miss click. Touchpads aren't as accurate like a button.
I'm curious as anyone to see what they made, I just hope its better than the Mighty Mouse.
I really hope they don't get rid of the numeric keypad completely. Apple has a mixed history at best when it comes to keyboard and mouse peripherals.
Apple USB Keyboard (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro Keyboard (2000-2005) = Win
Apple Keyboard (2005-2007) = Fail
Apple Aluminum Keyboard (2007-2009) = Win
Apple Aluminum Keyboard without numeric pad (2009-) = Fail
Apple USB "hockey-puck" Mouse (1998-2000) = Fail
Apple Pro "optical" Mouse (2000-2005) = Win, although I liked the version with the firmness setting better
Apple Mighty Mouse (2005-) = Win, when it works (stupid scroll ball/awkward secondary click)
Jobs hates keyboard keys. I say they'll drop the function and arrow keys next. They've made the function keys impossible to use (you have to actually turn them on in keyboard preferences) so no software developer uses them anymore. And Jobs will say what's the point in having arrow keys if you can use a mouse?
I have the aluminum BT keyboard minus the keypad and it works great. I don't do a lot of number entry so don't miss the keypad. As far as using the F keys - all you need to do is hold down the FN key while pressing the F key that you need and voila - that's all. This works for F8 - F12.
But you're right - there's barely any use for the F keys anymore these days. Although, I do find myself using FN F8 to get a bird's eye view on ALL spaces and FN F11 to show my desktop from time to time.
Many Windows mice already employ such features. One of the things I miss the most about using a good mouse on Windows is the ability to be able to go back and forward while browsing the web by using the arrow keys on the side of the mouse, which get activated by the thumb.
What we need is this ability on Safari, or maybe better drivers from the mice manufacturers to work with OS X.
I wonder what people would think if Apple were to release a MacPro laptop type square glass gesture motion response mouse, where your fingers move the cursor while the "mouse" remains at a standstill and Apple can encase it and add a few flush buttons on the casing and the glass mouse itself, the whole unit when pressed is the clicker... or should Apple stay with the recognizable standard mouse housing that cups in your palm, has a trackball, some buttons and uses laser light to move the cursor... 
Ok, I just got a LOT more excited about the iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook updates!!!
Now They just need to update the Mac Pro and add the new keyboard and multi-touch mouse. Oh, and add a 30" LED Cinema Display. Then I can finally buy my decked out video editing system with dual displays!!! Probably won't happen till Q1 2010 though.
The fact that iPhone OS 3.0 added support for hardware! It will happen, first on the tablet, then the iPhone!
Me too! I honestly really did not like the Mighty Mouse at first, but once I gave it a try for a while I would never go back to those clunky, ugly, cluttered PC mice now. The mighty mouse is simple, ergonomic, and very usable with the scrolling etc. Yes the scroll ball clogs up some times, but all I have to do is get a little water and soap on my finger then roll it around like crazy for a sec, and then its clean and clear and works great again!
Now They just need to update the Mac Pro and add the new keyboard and multi-touch mouse. Oh, and add a 30" LED Cinema Display. Then I can finally buy my decked out video editing system with dual displays!!!
Probably won't happen till Q1 2010 though. The fact that iPhone OS 3.0 added support for hardware! It will happen, first on the tablet, then the iPhone!
Me too!
I honestly really did not like the Mighty Mouse at first, but once I gave it a try for a while I would never go back to those clunky, ugly, cluttered PC mice now. The mighty mouse is simple, ergonomic, and very usable with the scrolling etc. Yes the scroll ball clogs up some times, but all I have to do is get a little water and soap on my finger then roll it around like crazy for a sec, and then its clean and clear and works great again! 
Seconded.
Why on earth won't Apple make a backlit keyboard?!?
Oooo...purple backlighting.
I have scratched my head for years wondering why apple can build so many things so well except the mouse?
I totally agree. Remember the 1 button hockey puck mouse? What an ergonomic disaster! I hate to admit this but, even Microsoft makes better mice than Apple.
"but these keyboard dimensions are also smaller than the current model, which rules out a return of the numeric keypad -- sorry to dash your hopes, Excel jockeys."
i dont get it. they still sell the keyboard with numeric keypad in the apple store.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A
i dont get it. they still sell the keyboard with numeric keypad in the apple store.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A
Ugh... Bluetooth. Why can't Apple be a little forward and develop their own proprietary wireless tech, like Logitech?
Several Logitech mouse and keyboard models have had rechargeable Li-Ion batteries for years. With Apple you're stuck with stinky old AA batteries. That's OK for a small portable laptop mouse, not for desktop stuff like the Mighty Mouse and wireless alu keyboard. And now Logi has the Darkfield laser that works on transparent surfaces such as glass tables... not to mention the kickass free spin scroll wheel... or the MX Air that works in mid air... makes Apple's sad excuse for a mouse look ancient.
Logitech's wireless tech is e x t r e m e l y energy efficient, and yet has faster response and better precision than BT (and no lag). How energy efficient? Well... I have two Logitech mice called M555b and V550. They're identical, both run on two AA batteries. The difference is that one is Bluetooth and the other is Logitech's proprietary tech. The battery life for the BT version is 75 days. On the other one it's 400 days, and that's no exaggeration... I've used mine daily for 8 months and there's still 40% battery left.
Sure, BT is an industry standard, but it stinks for input devices...
Several Logitech mouse and keyboard models have had rechargeable Li-Ion batteries for years. With Apple you're stuck with stinky old AA batteries. That's OK for a small portable laptop mouse, not for desktop stuff like the Mighty Mouse and wireless alu keyboard. And now Logi has the Darkfield laser that works on transparent surfaces such as glass tables... not to mention the kickass free spin scroll wheel... or the MX Air that works in mid air... makes Apple's sad excuse for a mouse look ancient.
Logitech's wireless tech is e x t r e m e l y energy efficient, and yet has faster response and better precision than BT (and no lag). How energy efficient? Well... I have two Logitech mice called M555b and V550. They're identical, both run on two AA batteries. The difference is that one is Bluetooth and the other is Logitech's proprietary tech. The battery life for the BT version is 75 days. On the other one it's 400 days, and that's no exaggeration... I've used mine daily for 8 months and there's still 40% battery left.
Sure, BT is an industry standard, but it stinks for input devices...
I'm no Excel jockey but I'm still lost without the numpad because it works as the remote control for nearly all of my audio applications... Play, Rec, FF, Rewind, loop on/off, L and R locators... there's no room for all those shortcuts on a keyboard without numpad, so without those keys you're stuck with using the mouse for transport controls, which sucks big time.
People are upset, I suppose, because there's no longer a bluetooth version of the keyboard with a numeric keypad.
