Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

Jacob · Sep 14, 2005, 08:28 PM

Don't get me wrong, Apple has some pretty awsome products out there. However, I tried their Mighty Mouse today in a local London Drugs store...

Well. heh...er? Huh?

Maybe I totally misunderstood the concept behind the Mighty Mouse, but wasn't this Mouse supposed to be 'touch sensitive?' If so, why does it click? And how do I get the touch sensitive features to work? I couldn't get it to right click in any way/shape or form. So, explain to me why this is an advantage. Anyhow, the scrolling eraser-head type thing. I couldn't quite figure this thing out. I launched Preview and opened a picture. Well, I would have said it was excellent if I could have scrolled more 'smoothly.' It was the most jagged and quirky scrolling mechanism I have ever used, period. Also...the sides that are apparently 'squeezable.' I couldn't get this to function either. I am so lost. I could just be a misguided soul here, subject to someone who didn't install some sort of Mighty Mouse software...but if not...ouch. This product came off seeming cheap, it even squeeked. (Ironically enough).

Enough said.

esXXI · Sep 14, 2005, 08:40 PM

It's not "touch sensitive" in the way you're thinking. It detects which side of the mouse is getting pressed, but you need to raise your left finger to right click (which oddly enough I did already, so there was no learning how to use it when I got mine).

It clicks down because that's important tactile feedback, and just "feels" better. Scrolling is very smooth for me, maybe it was the machine? You didn't say if it was a Mac or not - if it wasn't then the side-buttons don't work.

Mine squeaked when I got it, and was going to return it, but after wearing it in for 15 minutes it stopped squeaking and has worked perfectly since.

Edit: Don't want to seem fanboy-ish, so I agree somewhat that it's annoying Apple shipping squeaky mice that need to be warn in. And it was the only Apple box that looks cheap and tacky to me.

analogika · Sep 15, 2005, 04:02 AM

Next time you complain about a feature like the side buttons not working, try enabling them in the System Preferences.

They're turned off by default, just like right-clicking and middle-clicking.

Which is also the whole point of using the touch-sensitive pads - NOT to determine clicking, but to determine WHICH SIDE is being clicked: This allowed Apple to ship a mouse which can be single-click by default, completely eliminating any confusion over additional buttons, because there aren't any unless you enable them.

Diagonal scrolling is a little chunky IME, but vertical and horizontal scrolling are smooth as silk on all machines I've used the MM on. Have you checked to see whether "smooth scrolling" is switched on in the System Preferences?

Naplander · 10:23 AM

Where do you find the "smooth scrolling" option in sys prefs?

Can't seem to find it anywhere, and scrolling is a nightmare for me on a 1.5 ghz PB

found it! - sorry

york28 · Sep 21, 2005, 02:37 AM

The problem with the Mighty Mouse is that because of how the button detection works, you have to lift your finger off the left button to trigger the right.

And I find the scroll ball too small.

Grrr · Sep 21, 2005, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by york28

The problem with the Mighty Mouse is that because of how the button detection works, you have to lift your finger off the left button to trigger the right.

And I find the scroll ball too small.

Agreed, the ball does seem too small. Its more of s scroll nipple, than scroll ball. And yes, I agree about the button thing too.
It frustrates me a little that Apple seem to be in denial about the merits of a multi-button mouse, to the extent that they even disguise their new multi-button mouse, as a regular single button one. Plus you have to pretty much enable the multi-button stuff yourself in the prefs, as it is not default

Its a good mouse still, but would have been a whole lot better with good old fashioned normal buttons, and a slightly larger ball.

PS, It also seems slightly ironic that after all these years of optical mice being the norm, Apple now give us one back with a ball in it

ApplCmptrDood · Sep 21, 2005, 09:05 AM

Hey it's Apple "Think Different" lol. i have one myself and i think it's great! it has its quirks and i never use the center or side buttons for anything, so it works fine for me!

kcourt · Sep 21, 2005, 10:38 AM

I changed the primary button to the right side for me - it works well that way. Guess I didn't realize that I usually click on the right side!

You have to play around with the preferences until you get it right for you!

It took some getting used to, but now I love it.

Kathy

analogika · Sep 21, 2005, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Grrr

It frustrates me a little that Apple seem to be in denial about the merits of a multi-button mouse, to the extent that they even disguise their new multi-button mouse, as a regular single button one. Plus you have to pretty much enable the multi-button stuff yourself in the prefs, as it is not default

There are excellent reasons for providing only a single-button mouse by default, only one of which is that multiple mouse-buttons are the repeatedly tried and tested #1 cause of user confusion on Windows. People who buy the Mighty Mouse expressly for multi-button functionality are generally savvy enough - as you are - to know why, and switch on the function, but those who buy it as an add-on to their Mac mini or iBook more often than not couldn't care less about additional buttons that aren't needed. They like the scroll ball, and the fact that it's from Apple, and pretty. (This at least from my experience selling the things.)

The more relevant argument in favor of one-button default, however, is still that it forces developers to assume that the user will only have one mouse button, and that all functionality must therefore be available through menu commands, with contextual menus only providing short-cuts for those who desire them.
This is in part responsible for the stark contrast in UI design between Windows and Mac softare, and is a Good Thing™.

Grrr · Sep 21, 2005, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by analogika

There are excellent reasons for providing only a single-button mouse by default, only one of which is that multiple mouse-buttons are the repeatedly tried and tested #1 cause of user confusion on Windows. People who buy the Mighty Mouse expressly for multi-button functionality are generally savvy enough - as you are - to know why, and switch on the function, but those who buy it as an add-on to their Mac mini or iBook more often than not couldn't care less about additional buttons that aren't needed. They like the scroll ball, and the fact that it's from Apple, and pretty. (This at least from my experience selling the things.)

The more relevant argument in favor of one-button default, however, is still that it forces developers to assume that the user will only have one mouse button, and that all functionality must therefore be available through menu commands, with contextual menus only providing short-cuts for those who desire them.
This is in part responsible for the stark contrast in UI design between Windows and Mac softare, and is a Good Thing™.

Very good points actually

I used to be one of those people that stood up for Apples single button mouse policies, for those very reasons. Even when so many were nagging for a mouse with a multitude of buttons from Apple. But then I bought this new mouse once, cos it looked cool (Dont laugh!) it had pretty lights in it! It also happened to have 2 buttons and a scroll wheel, which to me were a secondary bonus.. Anyway, I quickly realised that 2 (or more) buttons was definitely better than 1. Especially with a scroll wheel as well. And i have not looked back since.

Still, I mostly stand by my earlier points. The Mighty Mouse is obviously a multi-button mouse, in disguise. Which to me seems a bit half hearted on Apples part. Either it is a multi-button mouse or it isn't. Oh well, it does at least give the end user the choice of what it is..

analogika · Sep 21, 2005, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Grrr

The Mighty Mouse is obviously a multi-button mouse, in disguise. Which to me seems a bit half hearted on Apples part. Either it is a multi-button mouse or it isn't. Oh well, it does at least give the end user the choice of what it is..

Well, you can say it's either an extremely elegant solution, or a compromise (both, actually, IMO), that allows them to ship a one-button mouse standard yet still give more advanced users the option...

There is no question that this mouse will become standard-issue eventually. The single-button mouse is already no longer available anywhere.

meta-phor · Sep 21, 2005, 04:42 PM

well i guess I will find out tommorow when I get mine...I have moved from a Microsoft wireless one, which frankly with the length of the cable for the wireless reciever may aswell be a wired on thus my decision. to the mighty mouse......I find that my left finger hovers over the left button anyways as its basically hovering to move to the scroll button....so I guess it wont be that different.....will let you all know....

Helmling · Sep 21, 2005, 06:25 PM

I'd say the opposite of this guy. This is the best mouse I've ever owned.

I ordered it on a whim, but then I was feeling some pre-arrival buyer's remorse. "My wireless Microsoft mouse already has side to side scrolling...this was a waste of $45."

Then it arrived.

No remorse now. The scroll is by far the best I've ever used. In fact, I never used to really use scroll much, but now I use that little nub all the frickin' time.

lookmark · Sep 21, 2005, 06:47 PM

Ditto. I (heart) my MM, it's just excellent.

My most serious complaint is a rare but weird and awful glitch that makes the mouse lose the ability to register any kind of click, requiring a logout or restart to fix (UGH!). It seems to be connected in some way to mapping the squeezy side buttons to a Exposé function (on Panther only, maybe?), so I've had to turn that off, and not use the side-buttons at all.

The scroll nub is just wonderful, though -- never quite liked scroll-wheels, but this one is just a pleasure to use.

mac1984 · Sep 21, 2005, 11:57 PM

The Mighty Mouse does take getting used to as it is a mouse that requires you to relax when using it. I've used many input devices, and they all take some adjustment by the user to come up to speed. At first, I disliked the MM, but I simply relaxed a bit and just like tensing up too much on a motorcycle, the MM is a very controlled device when you learn how to handle it.

meta-phor · 10:30 AM

30 Minutes in and I like it....you do need to relax when using it.....its shape makes using it a totaly different proposition to using something like a MS intellimouse. Right click no problem....scroll no problem though yeah it is actually quite a small ball and I think it will take time to get used to that comming from a scroll wheel.
Its actually got more buttons than my old Intellimouse Wireless and using the center button to activate dashboard or whatever I find great. No so sure on the side buttons as I have to consciously move my hand to the right postion to use them but again I guess as I get more used to it that will come naturally.

Ok so a little update after a days worth of use. Bottom Line is I love it. Its everything I want in a mouse and the fact that its wired rather than my old MS Mouse is a small price to pay. The scrolling with the trackball/nipple just feels natural now, and the right or left click is natural too.
I agree with those who say that diagonal scrolling is jerky.....it certainly is for me but maybe this is a user issue? The only thing I would like to be able to do is program the side buttons independantly for something like a back button in Safari.

Overall great and especially as its my first Apple mouse!!!

cschmelz · Sep 27, 2005, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by meta-phor

30 Minutes in and I like it....you do need to relax when using it.....its shape makes using it a totaly different proposition to using something like a MS intellimouse. Right click no problem....scroll no problem though yeah it is actually quite a small ball and I think it will take time to get used to that comming from a scroll wheel.
Its actually got more buttons than my old Intellimouse Wireless and using the center button to activate dashboard or whatever I find great. No so sure on the side buttons as I have to consciously move my hand to the right postion to use them but again I guess as I get more used to it that will come naturally.

Ok so a little update after a days worth of use. Bottom Line is I love it. Its everything I want in a mouse and the fact that its wired rather than my old MS Mouse is a small price to pay. The scrolling with the trackball/nipple just feels natural now, and the right or left click is natural too.
I agree with those who say that diagonal scrolling is jerky.....it certainly is for me but maybe this is a user issue? The only thing I would like to be able to do is program the side buttons independantly for something like a back button in Safari.

Overall great and especially as its my first Apple mouse!!!

I like it too.. I didn't think I would, but after using it at the local apple store for a few minutes I really appreciated its grace in design...It really is a slick design. The scroll ball takes a bit of time to get used to versus the classic clicky front back big wheel on other mice, but it is really elegent once you get used to it...

I'm glad I bought one!

Railroader · Sep 28, 2005, 04:04 AM

"Worst mouse ever" in my opinion is the puck mouse that came with the original iMac. My hand was cramping in 10 minutes after using that thing.

hldan · Sep 28, 2005, 11:52 PM

The only caveat about this mouse that I have had a problem with is that the scroll wheel is too sensitive. I haven't bough this mouse yet but I have tried it at several Apple retail stores and what I have noticed is when trying to scroll through web pages it's hard to keep the mouse from activating the dashboard widgets. Now if it can be programed not to do that then someone please post this but other than that it's a nice mouse but for most users the only features used in a mouse are the scroll wheel and left and right clicking so any 2 button scroll mouse will work just fine for a lot cheaper.
You can't give Apple money for everything.

meta-phor · Sep 29, 2005, 02:54 AM

You can turn off the trackball button in the sysytem preferences. I have activated dashboard myself accidently a couple of times but its not a regular occurance. Still loving it!

Appleman · Sep 29, 2005, 09:49 AM

Just got mine. Need some time I guess, but it looks better then the Logitech MX510, although I agree that Apple need to enhance the software like making the buttons act any action you want.
Kensington used to have that already in MacOS 8, guess even in 7?, and would be a bit more Apple like.

But now I need to give the new kid some attention

meta-phor · Oct 3, 2005, 02:24 PM

Ok small issue today. The scrollball/trackball went a bit 'light'. It lost its clickiness and didnt want to scroll downwards. Upwards and all other directions were fine. Pressuse applied to it and some vigorous rolling got it back ok. Maybe a fluff issue but hopefully just that. Having not taken it to pieces I don't know what the mechanism is like but lets hope it doesnt go for good.

Appleman · Oct 3, 2005, 02:42 PM

I finally agree with the title of the thread: it's a worthless mouse. I sent it back, as it isn't my cup of tea. Prefer the Logitech MX519, which is a great mouse: plenty buttons, its perfect shape gives your hand a greay rest.
I'm sorry, Apple simply is not at all my mouse-maker.

rlmorel · Oct 8, 2005, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Helmling

I'd say the opposite of this guy. This is the best mouse I've ever owned.

I ordered it on a whim, but then I was feeling some pre-arrival buyer's remorse. "My wireless Microsoft mouse already has side to side scrolling...this was a waste of $45."

Then it arrived.

No remorse now. The scroll is by far the best I've ever used. In fact, I never used to really use scroll much, but now I use that little nub all the frickin' time.

I agree. I really like using it, to the point when I use my mouse with the scrolling wheel, I get annoyed!