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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Is there a bluetooth mouse that doesn't need a base?

Is there a bluetooth mouse that doesn't need a base?
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Feb 9, 2004, 04:23 PM
 
I haven't asked about this in a couple of months. I want to take my laptop (Al Powerbook w/ bluetooth) and a bluetooth mouse on the road. I want to be able to use that mouse with the built in Bluetooth that came with my powerbook. No base station, not USB adapter, nothing. Just a mouse and a laptop. That's what I call wireless. Oh, and I know the Apple Mouse would do it, but come on, are there any graphics professionals out there that actually limit themselves with one button?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Me
Dual 2.6GHz Intel Xeon | 23" Apple Cinema Display | 13" MacBook | 15" AluBook 1.67 GHz | 1.42 GHz Mac mini | 50" NEC Plasma | Tiger | 80GB iPod Video | 60GB iPod photo | 4GB iPod mini | 1GB iPod shuffle | 4GB iPod nano
     
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Feb 9, 2004, 04:48 PM
 
you don't need to use the base w/ the microsoft BT mouse and it has buttons o plenty
     
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Feb 9, 2004, 05:06 PM
 
Interesting. I bought a Microsoft bluetooth mouse about three months ago and it needed the base. Is there a new mouse out, or is it new software?
Me
Dual 2.6GHz Intel Xeon | 23" Apple Cinema Display | 13" MacBook | 15" AluBook 1.67 GHz | 1.42 GHz Mac mini | 50" NEC Plasma | Tiger | 80GB iPod Video | 60GB iPod photo | 4GB iPod mini | 1GB iPod shuffle | 4GB iPod nano
     
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Feb 9, 2004, 05:51 PM
 
Originally posted by fetopher:
Interesting. I bought a Microsoft bluetooth mouse about three months ago and it needed the base. Is there a new mouse out, or is it new software?
You bought the rf wireless mouse...not the bluetooth. Unless you are referring to the dongle that you dont need for a powerbook or the base that it attaches to...the MS bluetooth is totally wireless and free of base.
"Drinking and driving is wrong, but hey, the kids gotta get to school right?"
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Feb 9, 2004, 07:34 PM
 
Logitech MX900 using it in the exact way you need. But remember to take a battery out if not using it for a while or you will get short battery life. Leaving it the bag it thinks it's being moved and power is being consumed.
if you can't be part of the solution don't be part of the problem!!!!
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 01:54 AM
 
Thanks for your help guys. Since the Logitech has more buttons, I think I'll go pick one up. I'm so glad you dont need the base. When I got home with my (apparent) RF Microsoft mouse, and needed the base, I was like, "how is this wireless?"

Anyways, thanks guys.
Me
Dual 2.6GHz Intel Xeon | 23" Apple Cinema Display | 13" MacBook | 15" AluBook 1.67 GHz | 1.42 GHz Mac mini | 50" NEC Plasma | Tiger | 80GB iPod Video | 60GB iPod photo | 4GB iPod mini | 1GB iPod shuffle | 4GB iPod nano
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 02:00 AM
 
Just went to Logitech.com. Found the MX900. It looks like it has the mouse

And also a hub:


So does this mean it uses the hub? Or is it optional?
Me
Dual 2.6GHz Intel Xeon | 23" Apple Cinema Display | 13" MacBook | 15" AluBook 1.67 GHz | 1.42 GHz Mac mini | 50" NEC Plasma | Tiger | 80GB iPod Video | 60GB iPod photo | 4GB iPod mini | 1GB iPod shuffle | 4GB iPod nano
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 02:30 AM
 
i haven't been able to find a bluetooth mouse that doesn't require a base or usb adapter, other than the one from apple. but maybe the base is optional, although it serves as a charger. while i love apples smooth and minimalist aesthetic, a mouse with just one click button is way too form-over-function for me.
(Last edited by pippiwong; Feb 10, 2004 at 02:37 AM. )
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 02:39 AM
 
From what I read on Logitech's website, the MX 900 is not available in Canada yet.

I have been waiting since christmas to buy one of these btw.
     
jld
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Feb 10, 2004, 02:45 AM
 
The MX900 does not require the hub, if you have bt in your computer already. The hub recharges the batteries, so you could leave it at home next to your cellphone, and charge it when you get home, or use alkelines. I use the MX900 mouse with my PB, and use the base with my XP machine as a BT adapter. I drop the mouse in to recharge.
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 05:36 AM
 
Just gonna jump into this post. How long would the battery last in MS's/Logi's BT mice (constant use) before you have to pop it into the dock thing for a recharge?

Cheers
Fozz
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 06:29 AM
 
My Microsoft BT lasts from 2 to 3 weeks I think. If I transport it I find I need to remove a battery, otherwise it will drain itself out in my back pack. It skips in OS 10.2 on my 17" Rev A but not in Panther, so beware.
     
-Q-
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Feb 10, 2004, 06:57 AM
 
You might want to check out this thread before plopping the money down for the MX900. Apparently not all the buttons work with OS X.
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 07:29 AM
 
Thanks for the link to that other post -Q-. Since I find MS mice more comfortable, they're cheaper and Logi don't fully support Mac there really is only one choice for me. Unless The big L want to do something about this...

Your move Logitech...
     
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Feb 10, 2004, 08:08 AM
 
One mouse that DOESN'T need a base with the powerbook is the Apple BT mouse. Only problem is that it has one button. But it DOES have an on off switch.
"Evil is Powerless If the Good are Unafraid." -Ronald Reagan

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Feb 10, 2004, 10:52 AM
 
This thread has most answers you seek...

Best BT mouse

-G
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-Dave Attell
     
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Feb 11, 2004, 01:22 AM
 
I have the same issue. I have the Apple BT keyboard and it is great however I am using a logitech wireless keyboard with the base. I really want a BT keyboard but most of them are rechargeable. I see no reason for this. The batteries in my wireless keyboard last for months and it does not even have a shut off switch. It has probably been 4 months since I changed batteries. Why would anyone want another piece of connected hardware with a Bluetooth Keyboard. It seems kind of stupid to me. They should just use regular AA batteries instead. You can always buy rechargeable batteries for it if you want.
     
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Feb 11, 2004, 07:49 AM
 
Originally posted by pippiwong:
i haven't been able to find a bluetooth mouse that doesn't require a base or usb adapter, other than the one from apple. but maybe the base is optional, although it serves as a charger. while i love apples smooth and minimalist aesthetic, a mouse with just one click button is way too form-over-function for me.
If you can hold out till april "macMice" are comming out with thier bluetooth three button mouse. i have the wired version and it to cool looks like the oem pro mouse and works like a peach. my boss was so impressed we are including a free macmice in our new church presentation software.
     
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Feb 15, 2004, 08:11 AM
 
The macmice BT mouse looks the dog's nads, can't wait to get my mitts on one. The one thing that could put me off is battery life. Do we know yet whether it'll be rechargeable?
     
   
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