[WayzataXC05]

Since apple finally (actually a few months ago) gave in and released a multi-button mouse, why didn't the new powerbooks come with a two button mouse? Jobs's explaination for the one button mouse was that it was easier for the user. But since he now allows the two button mouse and the powerbook is designed for the power user, why didn't they add two buttons to the new powerbooks? Can we expect the intel powerbooks to have 2 buttons or will jobs continue to be stuborn?

[mduell]

With a laptop your hands are already close to the keyboard, so reaching for the modifier keys isn't so bad.
That said, I'd expect to see a Mighty Mouse style user-selectable mouse button configuration with the next major PowerBook revision.

[sray]

Originally Posted by WayzataXC05

But since he now allows the two button mouse and the powerbook is designed for the power user, why didn't they add two buttons to the new powerbooks?

This is a good point. Over the weekend, I went over to a friend's house to help him transition to his new PowerBook (former Windows user). He was shocked to discover that OS X actually has a right click (mighty mouse defaults to left click only) like Windows! If I had not been there, he would have gone weeks without discovering the right click.

Apple really needs to get this issue fixed. Modifier keys don't cut it for all the switchers who have had two button input devices on windows based laptops for years.

[MAC-ALEX]

Originally Posted by WayzataXC05

Since apple finally (actually a few months ago) gave in and released a multi-button mouse, why didn't the new powerbooks come with a two button mouse? Jobs's explaination for the one button mouse was that it was easier for the user. But since he now allows the two button mouse and the powerbook is designed for the power user, why didn't they add two buttons to the new powerbooks? Can we expect the intel powerbooks to have 2 buttons or will jobs continue to be stuborn?

There is still a long road to go for PowerPC based PowerBooks. Probably you'll see two buttons PowerBook on the MacWorld SF or in May 2006.

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally Posted by WayzataXC05

Since apple finally (actually a few months ago) gave in and released a multi-button mouse, why didn't the new powerbooks come with a two button mouse? Jobs's explaination for the one button mouse was that it was easier for the user. But since he now allows the two button mouse and the powerbook is designed for the power user, why didn't they add two buttons to the new powerbooks? Can we expect the intel powerbooks to have 2 buttons or will jobs continue to be stuborn?

Jobs has "allowed" the two-button mouse for a long time now. OS X works with them automatically. Since the Mighty Mouse ships in a one-button default mode, it seems obvious that Apple is not really changing their philosophy about this. Rather, they realize that there is a market there for people who want to replace their default mouse because they need more buttons. They want a piece of that market, and it is simpler build and ship just one mouse model instead of two. It also makes Apple more appealing to switchers, because it means one less thing that a buyer potentially has to acquire separately.

Since laptops don't ordinarily come with separate mice, it is not part of that market per se. Anyone who wants to buy a separate mouse can also consider the Mighty Mouse, so Apple has that angle covered as well.

EDIT: I think what is more likely to happen is that Apple will introduce some new software/hardware feature that will mimic shareware apps like Sidetrack and iScroll in allowing you to designate some part of the trackpad as a "right click." This would be very similar to the purpose of the Mighty Mouse: introducing "intermediate user" features in what is at first glance and by default a simpler, more "user friendly" device. I doubt we will see a second physical button, however.

[JoshuaZ]

I like annoying people by disabling the `tap to click` feature on my Powerbook. Forceing them to use the actual button. You`d be surprised how often this really upsets Windows users.

It would be nice if there was a software option to right clicking. Though I really don`t use it much... and as someone said before there is a modifier key close by.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

I like annoying people by disabling the `tap to click` feature on my Powerbook. Forceing them to use the actual button. You`d be surprised how often this really upsets Windows users.

It would be nice if there was a software option to right clicking. Though I really don`t use it much... and as someone said before there is a modifier key close by.

It would be neat if someone would come up with a hack so that tapping left clicked while the button right clicked.

[WayzataXC05]

Has anyone tried this software? http://www.ragingmenace.com/software/sidetrack/
It appears to do just that hack of left click and right cliick along with several other features. I'd try it, but i'm a poor college student so i'll just have to live w/ one button click.

[phantomo]

Yes, I setup Sidetrack to do left click by tapping the trackpad surface and the track button as right click. That's my way to have 2 "buttons". If I really need to do some serious work on the PB, I just connect my Logitech wireless mouse.

[shabbasuraj]

one mouse button rules