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simonmartin · 01:51 PM

Hi,

I have it in the back of my mind that OSX supports multi-button mice, without additional drivers.

Is this the case?

If so, which particular multi-buttoned mice are peoples favorites? Can you suggest a cost effective one?

Even one which does require drivers actually...

Nothing by M$ please...

Thanks

Simon

thesearcher · Feb 25, 2003, 01:38 PM

The M$ Intellimeece Explorer is ok. Basic functionality works without the M$ drivers.

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by thesearcher:
The M$ Intellimeece Explorer is ok. Basic functionality works without the M$ drivers.

Thesearcher,

Sorry, I should have said...

I'm one of those tedious fanatics who have a very severe M$ allergy.

Thanks though.

Simon

derekn · Feb 25, 2003, 01:52 PM

Out of the box with no drivers the right click works as a right click but that's about it. The scroll wheel works but you can't adjust the speed.

If you need one, I'd recommend the Logitech dual optical. It's got double the resoultion of the regular ones and is VERY comfortable to use. You can use either the free Logitech software or USB Overdrive to configure the buttons and scroll wheel speed.

macmike42 · Feb 25, 2003, 02:14 PM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
I'm one of those tedious fanatics who have a very severe M$ allergy.

Me too, but in terms of Microsoft mice, I lovingly recommend that you get the hell over it. I used to swear by Logitech, but decided to buy an Intellimouse Optical one day. It just felt nicer in my hand than the Logitech, the scroll wheel was effortless but offered just enough resistance, and resolution be damned, I *know* it tracked smoother than any Logitech I've ever used.

Then about two years after I bought it, the optical sensor started to fritz. Nothing serious, and I even had plenty of other mice. But this mouse was *nice*. No warranty that I knew of (prolly threw it away), no registration card, just the installation CD which I never used. By some kind of shear dumb luck, there was a customer service number inone of the readme files on the CD, which I called, expecting nothing. After a single-level voice menu, I got a real person on the phone. I did not wait on hold, even for a second. After asking for the serial number on the bottom and my shipping address, they sent me a new mouse, no questions asked, NEXT DAY AIR. Needless to say, I am still recovering.

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by derekn:
Out of the box with no drivers the right click works as a right click but that's about it. The scroll wheel works but you can't adjust the speed.

If you need one, I'd recommend the Logitech dual optical. It's got double the resoultion of the regular ones and is VERY comfortable to use. You can use either the free Logitech software or USB Overdrive to configure the buttons and scroll wheel speed.

Derekn,

That looks very nice, thanks.

Simon

BTP · Feb 25, 2003, 02:29 PM

Consider the Kensington line. I have the Kensington Orbit, which I find very comfortable and it has 2 buttons and the pressing of the two can act as a third.

I use a laptop a lot, so I don't use as much as I used to, but it allowed me to really fly. It does need driver to fully function, but it will work (poorly) without.

They are reasonably priced and my experience is quite good with their customer service as well. No Next Day Air and such, but they have a 5 year warranty and they honor it.

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by macmike42:
Me too, but in terms of Microsoft mice, I lovingly recommend that you get the hell over it.

Nope

(Thanks though)

Simon

-Q- · Feb 25, 2003, 02:37 PM

Check the peripherals forum too. There's been a lot of discussion regarding mice recently....

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by BTP:
Consider the Kensington line. I have the Kensington Orbit, which I find very comfortable and it has 2 buttons and the pressing of the two can act as a third.

I use a laptop a lot, so I don't use as much as I used to, but it allowed me to really fly. It does need driver to fully function, but it will work (poorly) without.

They are reasonably priced and my experience is quite good with their customer service as well. No Next Day Air and such, but they have a 5 year warranty and they honor it.

BTP,

I used to have trackball and really *wanted* to like it but just couldn't get used to it.

I might try again...

Simon

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by -Q-:
Check the peripherals forum too. There's been a lot of discussion regarding mice recently....

Q,

Thanks, hadn't even realised that it was there.

This thread is in the wrong place I guess, sorry...

Simon

-Q- · Feb 25, 2003, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
Q,

Thanks, hadn't even realised that it was there.

This thread is in the wrong place I guess, sorry...

Simon

Quite welcome.Forgot to mention I really like the Logitech MX 500. The software could use some improvement (no app-specific settings, just system-wide) but the mouse itself is awesome.

bbales · Feb 25, 2003, 02:50 PM

I have a Logitech cordless optical. Has drivers (download from web site). It's pretty nice, but I will say it's a little heavier than I thought it would be because of the batteries. Still, I like it MUCH better than the Apple single-button mouse. I really like being able to double click, close and scroll. And I'm sure the mouse does more than I've ever tried to get it to do.

I'm looking at a Kensington, though, for the laptop, because I read some great reviews.

Also: I STRONGLY recommend going to a store and trying the mice out in person. I once bought one via seeing it online and really hated it when it got here (hated the way it felt in my hand). And I was stuck. Only used it for a few days.

And finally, I know you hate MS and I'm pretty negative toward them, too. But I bought my husband an MS once for the family Windows machine -- I use it when I play hearts and it's actually a pretty nice mouse.

Beth

xtal · Feb 25, 2003, 02:52 PM

I really like my Logitech MX-300. The sensor is quite precise, and the Logitech Control Center software is top notch. Very cost effective and perfect for my needs.

::maroma:: · Feb 25, 2003, 02:56 PM

Haven't used this one, but the review looks good:

http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=341

(and i'd recommend getting USB Overdrive from versiontracker for your multi-button mouse. it kicks over most of the manufacturers drivers.)

Terri · Feb 25, 2003, 03:47 PM

I'm very happy with the "Ice Mouse" from Macally.

p-wonderland · Feb 25, 2003, 03:48 PM

Just picked up a logitech MX500 and a Logitech Elite keyboard to use with my powerbook when I'm at home. Love 'em both.

Avon · Feb 25, 2003, 03:57 PM

I can't recomend the Logitech Dual optical. Its too sensitive. When you pick up the mouse as one traditionaly pick up a mouse (front first on angle) sometimes the pointer shoots over to the left top corner. I think this is because of the 2nd sensor being at an angle.

Very anoying, and personaly its too big for my hands.

Id go for the single sensor mouse if you like this one.

tikki · Feb 25, 2003, 04:04 PM

geez, I still like a pro mouse + a powermate.

KidRed · Feb 25, 2003, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by -Q-:
Quite welcome.Forgot to mention I really like the Logitech MX 500. The software could use some improvement (no app-specific settings, just system-wide) but the mouse itself is awesome.

The 500 sucks! I have the 300

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by xtal:
I really like my Logitech MX-300. The sensor is quite precise, and the Logitech Control Center software is top notch. Very cost effective and perfect for my needs.

xtal,

I like the look of this one as well, seems to get good reviews generally.

Simon

simonmartin · Feb 25, 2003, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by ::maroma:::
Haven't used this one, but the review looks good:

http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=341

(and i'd recommend getting USB Overdrive from versiontracker for your multi-button mouse. it kicks over most of the manufacturers drivers.)

maroma,

*Eight* buttons!? :-)

Do you need to go on a course to learn what to do with them all do you think? :-)

Wireless must be nice though...

Simon

Terri · Feb 25, 2003, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
Wireless must be nice though...

I find the wireless mice to be too heavy. I guess it is because they have batteries in them.

I really liked the Apple mouse, but I wanted more buttons. I like the feel of it and the way it tracks.

This was the closes thing to it that I could find in a mouse that had more buttons including a scroll wheel.
http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/inpu.../icemouse.html

I also tried the Logitech mice, but found them too big.

nforcer · Feb 25, 2003, 05:36 PM

You might want to look in this thread http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=146296 for some other ideas as well. My advice:

I like my Logitech Mouseman Dual Optical mouse. 4 buttons + scrollwheel. Accurate tracking. I have USB overdrive configured so buttons 3 and 4 have their own various actions for certain apps. It was about $50 when I purchased it, but as a longtime user of whatever one button "device" Apple provided, it was the best $50 investment I made in a long time.

Toyin · Feb 25, 2003, 05:37 PM

If your opposed to MS I'd go with the Kennsington Mouse. I think the quality is slightly less than the microsoft mouse and mouse clicks are picked up slightly slower than the intellimouse, but the drivers are excellent (and a pref.pane). I use the Intellimouse on 2 PCs and with my Powerbook (temporary, I'm waiting for bluetooth support) and use the Kensinton optical elite with my Mac desktop.

The drivers for the kensington absolutely ROCK. They also have cording funtionality (press 2 buttons to get a seperate functions)

I've got 5 buttons and could always use more.

For example my global settings currently on the Kensington mouse
left button - left button
right button - right click
scroll wheel - scroll up and down with acceleration
scroll wheel button - command - H (hide app)
Far Left button - command left arrow (back)
Far Right button - command right arrow (foward)
2 front buttons - command w (close window)
2 side buttons - running applications menu

Of course you can customize these buttons for all your applications (ie Photoshop, left side button = new layer, right side button = save to the web...etc)

OAW · Feb 25, 2003, 05:50 PM

This is a bit OT ....

... but I really wish that when you install 3rd party mouse drivers to get your additional buttons working that it would not kill the Ignore trackpad when mouse is present system preference. I have a "hot corner" set to activate my screen saver, and it is really annoying to be typing along in a document and all of a sudden the screen saver kicks in because my thumb has been brushing the trackpad and moving it into the corner!

FWIW, this seems to be a problem with all 3rd party mice ... Microsoft, Kensington, etc. So it seems to me to be an OS issue. If you use the built-in drivers, there is no problem ... however, you can't use any of the additional buttons.

Now for an OT comment ...

Personally, I swear by the MS IntelliMouse Explorer. I have two and they both are simply excellent!

OAW

TimmyDee51 · Feb 25, 2003, 07:15 PM

I'm going to cast my vote for the Kensington Studio Mouse. I love it!

Gul Banana · Feb 25, 2003, 08:07 PM

I anti-recommend Macally - we had one of their nice-looking two buttons + wheel optical mice, and it broke within a month of ordinary usage (the clicker is busted on the left button). Like several other people, I'm going to ignore the fact that you said "not Microsoft" because my Intellimouse Optical is the second-best mouse I've ever had, and the best is another one. If Microsoft made only mice they would be a great company.

malvolio · Feb 25, 2003, 08:39 PM

Another vote for Kensington. I use the 5-button-and-scrollwheel Mouse-in-a-Box Optical Pro, and Kensington's excellent MouseWorks driver. I have the speed and acceleration settings pinned to the max, so that I can move my cursor from one corner of my monitor screen to the opposite corner with just a twitch of my wrist.

Telusman · Feb 25, 2003, 10:12 PM

I am not anti microsoft, and frankly i dont quite understand people who are. I bought an Optical, Wireless Microsoft Intellimouse explorer, Its ultra comfortable (had a Dual sensor logitech, found it cumbersome) Ive tried several mice, this one makes me very happy. Batteries last a month, its touch activated, its VERY light despite the batteries but doesnt feel cheap, very solid... been dropped a lot and it still keeps tickin. Very accurate, tracks very nicley in 10.2 and above (10.1 had a few chugging problems when you didnt use the microsoft drivers) 5 buttons is more than ample. I really love it. And it matched my laptop to boot, the upper titanium/aluminumish color make it very attractive next to my TiBook. The soft rubberish grips on the side make it nice to touch, and i have large hands, and it form fits perfectly with the shape of my palm.

If you want to avoid the carpole tunnel, drop the dead weight that are logitech wireless mice and get your monies worth, you'll go with the microsoft mouse, If your silly enough to be repulsed by a mouse because of the name painted on it, i suggest high quality acetone nail polish remover, takes that nasty "microsoft" logo right off.

Good luck.

simonmartin · Feb 26, 2003, 02:13 AM

Originally posted by Telusman:
I am not anti microsoft, and frankly i dont quite understand people who are.

Telusman,

I don't really want to go there but I can't understand people who aren't.

I am proud to say I have never given them a penny of my money and I have never used one of their products on any computer of mine, ever.

We should each do our bit.

Simon

Simon · Feb 26, 2003, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by derekn:
Out of the box with no drivers the right click works as a right click but that's about it. The scroll wheel works but you can't adjust the speed.

Not true.

I have a Logitech optical wheel mouse and it is wonderful: It is not expensive, needs no drivers under OS X (and in the mouse system prefs of 10.2.4 I can adjust the scrolling speed) and it works very nicely.

Simon, I'd really get one of these. Maybe cordless if you can stand the extra weight. Congrats for not wanting to give MS any money.

OptimusG4 · Feb 26, 2003, 07:29 AM

Yes, I would also like to chime in about Logitech. They work great, are inexpensive, and also take up less room than the MS ones.

dfiler · Feb 26, 2003, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by malvolio:
Another vote for Kensington. I use the 5-button-and-scrollwheel Mouse-in-a-Box Optical Pro, and Kensington's excellent MouseWorks driver. I have the speed and acceleration settings pinned to the max, so that I can move my cursor from one corner of my monitor screen to the opposite corner with just a twitch of my wrist.

I bought the same mouse but don't use any special drivers. This is because I sawed off the side, eliminating two of the buttons. I have problems with repetative strain and the sides of the mouse were too slanted. When hopping the mouse back to the center of the mouse pad, it was difficult to pick up. Too little or too much squeezing pressure and it would fall out of your hand. An excellent mouse, but for my purposes, one with vertical or grippy sides would have been a better choice.

More importantly: Don't get a wireless mouse!

Wireless mice are a pain in the ass. Once the batteries run out (happens often) you then have a clunky, heavy mouse... with an asthetically unpleasing cord. A wireless mouse will require that you spend time troubleshooting and recharging... and worst of all ... worrying about wires. Funny thing is, most people get them in order to NOT worry about wires. Then they spend more time messing with their 'convenient' mouse than do wired mouse users. Kind of ironic aye?

Wired mouse: plug it in and never think about it again
Wireless mouse: worry about batteries and range and drivers then plug it in... a few days, weeks or months later... repeat process...

simonmartin · Feb 26, 2003, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by dfiler:
More importantly: Don't get a wireless mouse!
Wireless mouse: worry about batteries and range and drivers then plug it in... a few days, weeks or months later... repeat process...

dfiler,

Ok, makes sense. Message received and understood.

Simon

KeyLimePi · Feb 26, 2003, 08:53 AM

My Kensington Optical Elite is about the best mouse I've ever had. Works great with Jag out of the box, but Kensington has a very well designed OSX controller for their mice & trackballs called 'MouseWorks.' My friend has the Studio Pro mouse and is very happy with it as well.

sensorfreaky · Feb 26, 2003, 09:12 AM

Originally posted by dfiler:
More importantly: Don't get a wireless mouse!

Wireless mice are a pain in the ass. Once the batteries run out (happens often) you then have a clunky, heavy mouse... with an asthetically unpleasing cord. A wireless mouse will require that you spend time troubleshooting and recharging... and worst of all ... worrying about wires. Funny thing is, most people get them in order to NOT worry about wires. Then they spend more time messing with their 'convenient' mouse than do wired mouse users. Kind of ironic aye?

Wired mouse: plug it in and never think about it again
Wireless mouse: worry about batteries and range and drivers then plug it in... a few days, weeks or months later... repeat process...

Ha. That's what I thought about wireless mice until I tried Logitech's relatively new MX700. It's a wireless version of the MX500 and has a refresh rate of 125Hz which is equivalent to USB. So basically, it really performs liked a wired mouse without the wire. I was skeptical at first but I decided to try it and it is incredible. No lag and just as quick and responsive as the best wired mouse available. The two included rechargeable AA Ni-MH Batteries last a long time so running out of charge is virtually a non-issue especially since it comes with a nice cradle for the mouse that not only serves as the transmitter but also as a rapid charger. I have since returned the wired MX500 I just bought and completely changed my opinion about wireless mice. Well, this one at least. The MX700 will probably be the mouse I'll be using for quite a while... until they invent one that gives you a back massage that is.

See EarthTV's review. Also read this thread.

dfiler · Feb 26, 2003, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
The two included rechargeable AA Ni-MH Batteries last a long time so running out of charge is virtually a non-issue especially since it comes with a nice cradle for the mouse that not only serves as the transmitter but also as a rapid charger.

'Virtually a non-issue' i'll believe. Virtually being the key word.

Heavy computer usage normally happens immediately prior to a deadline. That means, that your mouse will probably die at some point while you're hard at work trying to beat the clock. Not an insurmountable problem of course, but swapping out hardware at the last second can lead to quite a few unaticipated problems. Laptop users are unlikely to cary around two mice. Hope you didn't need it for the presentation. Desktop users normally toss unused mice in a closet. How long before that online tax form times out? Can you find that old mouse or new batteries before your work dissappears? Did you move to a new house or apartment since getting the wireless mouse? Which box was that old mouse in? Damn, my remotes take AAA... maybe the 7-11 has batteries...

Here's the most ridiculous anecdote (not all wireless mouse stories are like this):
A friend purchased a wireless mouse for the cool factor. He had just upgraded to an LCD screen and was on a desk-clutter eliminating rampage. First, he plugs the charger in, running a wire up to his desk. Funny thing is, the power cord comes out the front of the mouse instead of the back like wired mice. Using the mouse while plugged in makes your hand rest on cord. It required a USB tx/rx modlue so he plugged this in the back of his tower on the floor. Unfortunately, the metal case and proximity to AC wiring made the reception flakey. So he plugged it into the USB port on his keyboard. So much for less clutter. Another aggrevating thing is that the mouse will eventually power down to conserve power. This means that you must click a button for it to activate again, simply moving it does not wake it up.

If the computer screen is off (energy save mode), do you move the mouse or click a button or... ? If the screen is merely off then clicking a button would register as input. If the screen is off and the mouse is asleep, clicking wakes the mouse. If the screen is off and the mouse in on, moving the mouse will activate VGA output. If both are off, moving the mouse does nothing so you click... now is that a registered click or not? Then you get into even more trouble when throwing deep sleep into the mix.

Back to the dead battery scenario: The mouse died while renewing your car insurance on line. After 10 minutes of searching, you give up and buy some batteries at the local store. Upon returning home and putting the new batteries in, you click activate the mouse. Then you click to activate the computer... but wait, only the screen was black since it only took you 27 minutes to get those batteries. The computer wasn't sleeping. Thus, the click registered on the webpage and changed your insurance plan. You don't realize this and click submit...

You're basically left guessing if a click will simply wake the mouse or if it will be registered as input by the computer. Unless of course you turn off all your energy saver features on your CPU and monitor.

Yes wireless mice are 'virtually' trouble-free.

sensorfreaky · Feb 26, 2003, 11:44 AM

Wow, you seem to have this strong hatred towards wireless mice. Why the vendetta? If you don't like it fine. I was just trying inform not argue about it. I don't like wireless mice either. Except this one... This one is a different breed of wireless mice. According to your previous post, you obviously don't know anything about this new model. And your misconceptions about this particular model indicate that you haven't even tried it. Stop generalizing and be more open-minded. Don't count out anything until you've tried it.

Originally posted by dfiler:
Heavy computer usage normally happens immediately prior to a deadline. That means, that your mouse will probably die at some point while you're hard at work trying to beat the clock. Not an insurmountable problem of course, but swapping out hardware at the last second can lead to quite a few unaticipated problems. Laptop users are unlikely to cary around two mice. Hope you didn't need it for the presentation.

This is not meant to be a laptop mouse and logitech clearly doesn't market it as such. I doubt anyone will ever buy this mouse for their laptop. I bought it for my desktop to play games and edit video and such, and becuase it is very well designed, and very comfortable. If it dies on me (which will take over 12 hours of CONTINUOUS USE and will never happen because I never sit on the computer anywhere near that long) no big deal anyway, I've still got my original Apple Pro mouse plugged into one of the keyboard's USB ports. I have a WIRED miniature-sized microsoft notebook optical mouse for my powerbook.

Desktop users normally toss unused mice in a closet. How long before that online tax form times out? Can you find that old mouse or new batteries before your work dissappears? Did you move to a new house or apartment since getting the wireless mouse? Which box was that old mouse in? Damn, my remotes take AAA... maybe the 7-11 has batteries...

You're stretching now. These scenarios don't justify not getting a particular product or missing out on a wonderful design and added functionality. That's just plain ridiculous. Trivial. Not a problem for most people who have multiple PC's or macs in their homes. I personally have 3 systems with 2 mice plugged in on two of them because certain users prefer one mouse over the other. The MX700 is the only wireless mouse I own and nobody else is allowed to use it!

Here's the most ridiculous anecdote (not all wireless mouse stories are like this):
A friend purchased a wireless mouse for the cool factor. He had just upgraded to an LCD screen and was on a desk-clutter eliminating rampage. First, he plugs the charger in, running a wire up to his desk. Funny thing is, the power cord comes out the front of the mouse instead of the back like wired mice. Using the mouse while plugged in makes your hand rest on cord. It required a USB tx/rx modlue so he plugged this in the back of his tower on the floor. Unfortunately, the metal case and proximity to AC wiring made the reception flakey. So he plugged it into the USB port on his keyboard. So much for less clutter. Another aggrevating thing is that the mouse will eventually power down to conserve power. This means that you must click a button for it to activate again, simply moving it does not wake it up.

Like you said, "ridiculous, plain petty ridiculous"

If the computer screen is off (energy save mode), do you move the mouse or click a button or... ? If the screen is merely off then clicking a button would register as input. If the screen is off and the mouse is asleep, clicking wakes the mouse. If the screen is off and the mouse in on, moving the mouse will activate VGA output. If both are off, moving the mouse does nothing so you click... now is that a registered click or not? Then you get into even more trouble when throwing deep sleep into the mix.

No such problem with this mouse. No sleep issues, no wake from sleep issues. Like I said before waking from sleep, powering up, powering down, sleeping ,etc all works as it does on wired mice. Logitech designed it so that the light and system never really powers down. Instead it goes on a low-power scheme which conserves power by a varying intermittent pulses that renders the mouse to still be able to detect movement or clicks. I charged it yesterday morning, used it all day. left it off the cradle overnight to test the power-conservation, and am using it right now still on thr original charge.

Back to the dead battery scenario: The mouse died while renewing your car insurance on line. After 10 minutes of searching, you give up and buy some batteries at the local store. Upon returning home and putting the new batteries in, you click activate the mouse. Then you click to activate the computer... but wait, only the screen was black since it only took you 27 minutes to get those batteries. The computer wasn't sleeping. Thus, the click registered on the webpage and changed your insurance plan. You don't realize this and click submit...

Again, totally ridiculous and unrealistic. The Logitech's Ni-MH RECHARGEABLE batteries and rapid-charging cradle were designed with this in mind. If the mouse ever does go dead and it is the only mouse I own (which isn't the case because I own 5 other wired mice) a simple 5 minute charge by plopping it on the cradle will allow 30+ minutes of usage. A 10 minute charge will allow use for over an hour. Thanks to the rapid-charger design. 27 minutes??? Why would I drive out for 27 minutes for no reason? I can take a leak in the bbathroom and go back to work in 5-10. If I charge it for 27 minutes, I can work all day.

Stop hating. If you don't like it, don't use it... but at least do yourself a favor and try it. No need to bash a product you know nothing about. That's like a PC-user bashing Macs because they've never tried it.

CatOne · Feb 26, 2003, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
Hi,

I have it in the back of my mind that OSX supports multi-button mice, without additional drivers.

Is this the case?

If so, which particular multi-buttoned mice are peoples favorites? Can you suggest a cost effective one?

Even one which does require drivers actually...

Nothing by M$ please...

Thanks

Simon

Logitech MX 700 Wireless... works like a champ. Left click, right click, and scroll wheel work just fine without any separate software. If you want the other buttons to work, you'll need drivers.

sensorfreaky · Feb 26, 2003, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by CatOne:
Logitech MX 700 Wireless... works like a champ. Left click, right click, and scroll wheel work just fine without any separate software. If you want the other buttons to work, you'll need drivers.

And if you're someone like dfiler and have deep-seated hatred towards all wireless mice regardless of recent major revolutionary improvements in design and technology, then by golly -- thank goodness there's a wired version of the same exact mouse: the MX500.

Another excellent mouse is the Kensington Studio mouse. The wireless version is useless though because it doesn't have the high-refresh rate that the MX700 has. Noticeable lag and some games can be unplaybale due to it. However, the wired version is an outstanding design and worth a look if you don't mind the less-tactile feeling touchpad scroll thingie. Plus, Kensinton's software drivers are the best available for OS X in my opinion.

dfiler · Feb 26, 2003, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
Wow, you seem to have this strong hatred towards wireless mice. Why the vendetta? If you don't like it fine. I was just trying inform not argue about it. I don't like wireless mice either. Except this one... This one is a different breed of wireless mice. According to your previous post, you obviously don't know anything about this new model.

No hatred here, just a non-personalized analysis. It seems that our votes tally against eachother on recommending a wired mouse as Simon's next mouse.

Heheh, it looks like a few people have noticed that I consistently recommend wired peripherals over wireless ones. Its interesting how these recommendatations and justification produce such personal backlash...
;-)

Back on topic:
I forgot to mention perhaps the most important method of selecting a new mouse. I highly recommend a trip to a store like CompUSA. (if you live in the states) If ergonomics are of concern to you, this is about the only way to evaluate which mouse best fits your body posture and hand.

sensorfreaky · Feb 26, 2003, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by dfiler:
I forgot to mention perhaps the most important method of selecting a new mouse. I highly recommend a trip to a store like CompUSA. (if you live in the states) If ergonomics are of concern to you, this is about the only way to evaluate which mouse best fits your body posture and hand.

I have something to say about that CompUSA idea...

I totally agree

That's what I usually do. When I was first shopping for mice, I gathered up all the mice I was interested in and yanked them from the display shelf. Then I proceeded to the nice demo 17" iMac and started plugging them in for testing. The CompUSA employees looked at me funny but they got the idea. CompUSA is great for doing this kind of thing because they have a floor demo for just about every piece of hardware they sell.

simonmartin · Feb 26, 2003, 04:56 PM

Everybody,

Thanks very much for all your suggestions.

Hopefully I'll find time this weekend to go down to my local store and try a few out, Kensington and Logitec seem to be the favorites. I'll try some out for size and try to settle on one.

Believe it or not I have never strayed from the mouse issued with my various Macs over the years, except for a Kensington Trackball I was given once.

Simon

drmcnutt · Feb 27, 2003, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by simonmartin:
Telusman,

I don't really want to go there but I can't understand people who aren't.

I am proud to say I have never given them a penny of my money and I have never used one of their products on any computer of mine, ever.

We should each do our bit.

Simon

Doesn't Microsoft own Apple stock from their cash infusion years ago? So they make money off Apple's products. I could be wrong about that, but the MS Intellimouse works and feels better than the Logitech one we have and I'm not wrong about that. They do make great mice even with your fingers in your ears.

DRM

simonmartin · Feb 27, 2003, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by drmcnutt:
Doesn't Microsoft own Apple stock from their cash infusion years ago? So they make money off Apple's products. I could be wrong about that, but the MS Intellimouse works and feels better than the Logitech one we have and I'm not wrong about that. They do make great mice even with your fingers in your ears.

DRM

drmcnutt,

Well, you got me there...

Modesty forbids me to mention what they can do with everything else they are involved with.

piracy · Feb 27, 2003, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by drmcnutt:
Doesn't Microsoft own Apple stock from their cash infusion years ago?

NO. This was sold ages ago, at a substantial profit for Microsoft. It was $150 million of NON VOTING stock, and this was at a time Apple had OVER TWO BILLION DOLLARS in cash and cash equivalents on hand. I would hardly call it an "infusion". It was indeed symbolic, and may have helped people to trust in Apple's viability again, but the money itself was not needed at all, and Microsoft sold the stock long ago.

That said, the Logitech Wheel Mouse Optical can't be beat. It's $24.95, optical, two buttons + scroll wheel/middle button, driverless, and "just works".

simonmartin · Feb 27, 2003, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by piracy:
NO. This was sold ages ago, at a substantial profit for Microsoft. It was $150 million of NON VOTING stock, and this was at a time Apple had OVER TWO BILLION DOLLARS in cash and cash equivalents on hand. I would hardly call it an "infusion". It was indeed symbolic, and may have helped people to trust in Apple's viability again, but the money itself was not needed at all, and Microsoft sold the stock long ago.

That said, the Logitech Wheel Mouse Optical can't be beat. It's $24.95, optical, two buttons + scroll wheel/middle button, driverless, and "just works".

piracy,

Just for putting my mind at rest re Micros**t I may settle for your mouse suggestion!

Thanks mate!

Simon

clebin · Feb 27, 2003, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by OptimusG4:
Yes, I would also like to chime in about Logitech. They work great, are inexpensive, and also take up less room than the MS ones.

Absolutely. The Logitech Optical Wheelmouse is great. I prefer it to the Kensington.

Personally, I hate these big mice with about 6 buttons. The Intellimouse is like shoving a big shoe around your desk.

Chris

EmAn · Feb 27, 2003, 08:08 PM

Logitech MX700