New 'Magic Mouse 2' and Apple Wireless Keyboard With Bluetooth 4.2 Appear in FCC Filings

[MrJM]

I really like the magic mouse, changing batteries has never really been a problem though!

 

[KohPhiPhi]

Quite frankly... other than wireless charging, I cannot think of anything I miss in my Magic Mouse and Keyboard. They're both simply awesome as they are.

 

[nando87]

To me, the current magic mouse's ergonomics are horrible

 

[iosuser]

I use Turbotax to prepare and file three 1040s a year. I have to enter about ten numbers for each W2. That's about thirty numbers total. I don't use a numeric keypad. I would estimate using a numeric keypad would save me up to four seconds per year.

What would save a lot of time if one does a lot of number inputs is to learn to touch type from the top number keys. I did data entry while in school. No exaggeration, I did the same amount of work of 3 people. My alpha-numeric keystroke per hour test was nearly 30k at the temp agency that placed me.

I haven't seen much talk of the new Logitech MX Master mouse. This is the Rolls-Royce of computer mice. All multi-touch gestures from the Apple trackpad can be duplicated on this mouse. This is probably the first Logitech mouse that does more in OS X than in Windows. I have 3 computers connected on my desk all using this one mouse - you can quickly switch between 3 computers pressing a button on the bottom of the mouse. I do wish Logitech kept the power source on AA batteries like the old Performance MX mouse.. Hopefully this mouse will become popular and 3rd party replacement batteries become available. Otherwise when the battery wear out there goes a $100 mouse..

Also checkout the Logitech K810 keyboard. It can also quickly switch between 3 computers. It has much better key travel than the Apple keyboard. There's also a Mac version K811, but the K810 works perfectly fine in OS X, just have to remap the command and option key. Yes the keys are backlit on this keyboard.

 

[bbeagle]

To me, the current magic mouse's ergonomics are horrible

I agree - I use a regular mouse on the right side of my keyboard with a magic touch pad on the left side.



It's a perfect setup to me. The mouse is used for everything it normally is - precision, moving the cursor around the screen. Then the touch pad is used for 2-finger scrolling, swiping amongst screens, zooming in and out on pages, and mission control.

 

[McGiord]

Do you really get more than a few day with the Apple AA rechargeable batteries??? I only get a few days, less than a week all the time. The magic mouse dies first.

 

[bbeagle]

Do you really get more than a few day with the Apple AA rechargeable batteries??? I only get a few days, less than a week all the time. The magic mouse dies first.

That seems really low. I use my computer for work, 40 hours a week. I get about 2 months out of my wireless keyboard and wireless track pad batteries. Of course, I have to remember to turn each device off at the end of the work day. If I don't, they seem to last only about 2 weeks. But 2 days seems REALLY short.

Is it possible that you leave the mouse on when you're not at your desk, and the desk is rumbling a bit, or maybe sunlight is glaring down on like a glass desk and bouncing up causing the mouse to do lots of work when you're not using it?

 

[McGiord]

What is seriously overdue is that Apple hasn't released anything like these highly configurable keyboards:
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

They should buy their patents/concepts or make their own versions for a 2016+ kind of environment.
Adding Force Touch and any other Apple feature will produce a killer user experience.

With a real customizable solution there is a simplification of the plethora of part numbers needed to cater all the markets languages. One keyboard to rule them all.

It will make easier to standardize software development kit to enable SW developers an easy way to configure how the inputs are given to the games and apps. And the end users can easily see what each key is for, and make adjustments as you want.

There are various models and version so those who don't want the extended numpad and arrows keys can get the tiny ones...

 

[diggy33]

I was very happy when Apple released the Magic TrackPad. I've got both the TrackPad and Magic Mouse, and though I like the features of the mouse, I can only use it for short periods of time because its just too small in my hand. At home, the Logitch K750 is the way to go for me - best feeling keyboard ever

 

[applepuree]

So, numbers are irrelevant in 2015?

yes they are, and whilst we are about it can we please remove q u x z s e i f and k as well ? I mean its almost 2016 and who needs them ?

 

[McGiord]

Another nice concept for those who don't like it colorful http://blog.wanken.com/12703/the-e-inkey-keyboard-concept/

 

[navaira]

I don't think Apple ever particularly cared about ergonomics. The inventors of hockey puck mouse and of miniature keyboards for 27" computers. If you look at the keyboard shape in original Macrumors post, there is no way it will contain a numeric keypad.

I have a love-hate relationship with my magic mouse. I love how it works (once I disabled some gestures, because more often than not I'd be typing something, like this post now, then inadvertently go to previous page, quickly come back and discover what I was typing disappeared). I don't love how it makes my wrists hurt.

The best keyboard I ever used was Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. Their new keyboard, Sculpt, well... I've been using it a few weeks and let's say I am not convinced. I used the iMac keyboard for about five minutes but it was extremely uncomfortable. If the main change is making it thinn... I mean flat, I will continue not using it. I am, however, curious about the mouse. But, again, the drawing doesn't suggest any shape change.

 

[adnbek]

It demands a completely different way of holding a mouse that, once you get used to it, works very well and it is hard to go back to a big mouse

So what you're saying is..... we're holding it wrong?

 

[JackieInCo]

Rechargeable peripherals have never sat well with my workflow. It's much easier to swap AAs than to be inconvenienced while it charges. Hopefully there's an elegant solution in the works.

This is why I am not anxious to replace my current Apple wireless keyboard. I prefer to simply change the batteries. I may buy another Apple wireless keyboard quickly just to keep as a spare.

 

[apstewart]

You guys remember USB? I would much rather plug my Magic Mouse into a port and NEVER have to worry about dead batteries of any flavor. Too bad that doesn't mesh with Apple's design.

*clutches onto USB keyboard with number pad for dear life*

 

[Kebabselector]

Another nice concept for those who don't like it colorful http://blog.wanken.com/12703/the-e-inkey-keyboard-concept/

Nice concept, but the blog name.......

You guys remember USB? I would much rather plug my Magic Mouse into a port and NEVER have to worry about dead batteries of any flavor. Too bad that doesn't mesh with Apple's design.

*clutches onto USB keyboard with number pad for dear life*

Agreed, especially if back lit and haptic feedback are on the next gen.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

What would save a lot of time if one does a lot of number inputs is to learn to touch type from the top number keys. I did data entry while in school. No exaggeration, I did the same amount of work of 3 people. My alpha-numeric keystroke per hour test was nearly 30k at the temp agency that placed me.

I haven't seen much talk of the new Logitech MX Master mouse. This is the Rolls-Royce of computer mice. All multi-touch gestures from the Apple trackpad can be duplicated on this mouse. This is probably the first Logitech mouse that does more in OS X than in Windows. I have 3 computers connected on my desk all using this one mouse - you can quickly switch between 3 computers pressing a button on the bottom of the mouse. I do wish Logitech kept the power source on AA batteries like the old Performance MX mouse.. Hopefully this mouse will become popular and 3rd party replacement batteries become available. Otherwise when the battery wear out there goes a $100 mouse..

Also checkout the Logitech K810 keyboard. It can also quickly switch between 3 computers. It has much better key travel than the Apple keyboard. There's also a Mac version K811, but the K810 works perfectly fine in OS X, just have to remap the command and option key. Yes the keys are backlit on this keyboard.

I just got the Performance MX. It's damn good in OSX and Windows. Just waiting for the set point software to allow a Cortana shortcut.

But I do want an Apple keyboard with backlight.

 

[cocky jeremy]

I want a TouchID keyboard!!! No more passwords to remember. Ever.

 

[Meandmunch]

I hope they change the shape of the mouse to fit my hands
Rechargeable is very nice.

NO KIDDING! I don't have large hands at all but I can't use this thing. I is a carpal tunnel nightmare because of it's small size and low low profile.

 

[mattopotamus]

What about the trackpad? It needs force touch. Also, I'm another in the battery camp. I have a fully wireless setup and having to physically connect a cable would not work.

 

[Lankyman]

So if Logitech makes great mouses for you, why should Apple have them build one with an Apple logo on it, instead of you just go out and buy Logitech mouses?

If there is a different mouse out there that works better for you than the one Apple makes, why are you stressing out over the details of the Apple one instead of just happily using the one that third party makes?

In any case, I think mouse ergonomics are not as cut and dried as some people here think they are. Are you holding the mouse wrong? If it is causing you discomfort or pain, yes, likely so. If you just aren't comfortable with it then it could be that you just need a differently shaped mouse.

Apple mouses are not and have not ever been (at least in the post-hockey-puck era) designed to be held in the center of the palm like one would a Microsoft or Logitech "ergonomic" mouse; they have been designed to float at the fingertips. And, yes, if you are constantly picking your mouse up you need to adjust its sensitivity settings; that isn't a comfortable operation with any mouse, but especially not the type that Apple sells.

So far as ergonomics go, the golden rule is that you need to make sure your wrist is kept straight both horizontally and vertically while operating the mouse. Personally, I find this easier with the small fingertip mouse or a trackpad than with the big bulbous "ergonomic" mouse designs (for those to keep my wrist straight I need an elevated wrist support, which I find uncomfortable). But, if that is the mouse design that your hands need to maintain a straight wrist then you should be looking at those designs. There are dozens if not hundreds of companies making them, with at least a good five or six quality efforts to pick from. Hell, Microsoft puts an "ergonomic" label on its "wedge" mouse which is intended to be held and used exactly like the Apple magic mouse, so if you feel you need an "ergonomic" label on something without carrying a big plastic bulb around in your laptop bag, there's even that option for you.

Some mouse makers claim that a "vertical" grip is better from an arm comfort perspective, but that seems to be completely not backed up by any scientific study. That said, if having your grip vertical like with a joystick is significantly more comfortable than having it flat like you are typing on a keyboard, then there are a number of options out there for you with that design as well.

All of which is to say that a good number of people find the Apple mouse design to be really comfortable to use. It isn't because we just made ourselves get used to it; it is for the same reason as there have always been a variety of mouse designs - various people find different ways of holding a mouse comfortable. If you don't like "flat" mouses, then look to other more full-spectrum mouse designers and see what Microsoft or Logitech has to offer. I won't tell you you're deluded by thinking that bulbous ball of plastic is comfortable if you'll show the same respect to me.

1. I am paying for a mouse when I buy an iMac, therefore an expectation of use isn't unreasonable.

2. Neither your or Apple have considered the possibility of disability or infirmity. I have a disability which affects the fingers of my dominant hand. A mouse from Logitech can be used by the disabled or able bodied alike without the need for adaptations.

3. My wife has no such disabilities but hates the MM more than I do.

4. My daughter runs an I.T. department and also has a degree in design. She thinks the MM is an appalling tool - great aesthetics with zero ergonomics.

5. I do use a mouse made by Logitech. I don't expect Logitech to make a mouse for Apple as you claim. What I was hinting at is that Jonny Ive could do worse than learn from a company that makes a far better product when it comes to a mouse than Apple can seemingly manage.

Just a different perspective which you may not have considered.

 

[Lankyman]

I think Apple's bottom line with their peripherals are aesthetics, not functionality not productivity.

 

[UK-MacAddict]

The new Magic Mouse better come with a wireless charging mat so that when it's not in use I can just put the mouse on it and know it's always got power.

As for the keyboard I'm hoping for a solar powered keyboard like my current Logtiech K760.

 

[thewap]

integrated lithium battery packs... looks like there is no access to replace those lithium batteries when they wear out as far as I can tell in the drawings, which might mean that now the wireless keyboard and Apple mouse have finally been upgraded to disposable? - if thats the case, no...thank...you...

 

[vartanarsen]

Will the keyboard be backlit?