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Apple should "unbundle" the worthless unimouse from Mac hardware. I have a collection of these worthless things. The man hit the nail on the head.

Yes, why on earth doesn't Apple have a 3 button option? OS X directly supports it, so keeping a 1 button only line-up just seems like beligerance now!

And Shake requires a three-button mouse. Go figure.

Bowing to overwhelming whingers, I propose a compromise mouse: add one button on both sides (let's not forget lefties) which when pressed while the pro-mouse is clicked-down serves as the control key does -- instant contextual menu.

Then, as you'll whinge about the lack of a scroll wheel, make that button a wheel which can also roll. There you go, full Windoze function with the appearance of having no buttons [on top]. Call it the "Less is More" mouse -- you heard it first here. ©2004 (hehheh)

Me, I likes the pro mouse.

"Hit the nail on the head" is right. Apple is YEARS overdue in offering a multi-button mouse! Pretending that control-click is an equitable solution is just asinine. The multi-button mouse is yet another casualty of Steve Jobs' arrogance and of his apparent "if it suits me, it suits you" attitude towards Apple's products. I often wonder what amazing products we'd see from Apple if it's employees were free to create without having to fear a prima donna leader.

I think for some, the uni-mouse would still suffice. However, for "pro" users, a multi-button mouse is needed. On that note, they should bundle an Apple designed multi-button (either 3, or 2 with scroll....or maybe the rumored scroll wheel mouse) with the powerbooks and G5s. Uni-mice with the eMacs, iMacs, and iBooks. It'll be available separately as well, of course.

Yes, somethings are really screwed up with Apple. They don't offer an option of changing the mouse. They introduced a bluetooth keyboard, but when you order any machine (Power Mac G5), you cannot substitute the regular keyboard and mouse with bluetooth enabled ones, even if you configure your PowerMac to have built-in bluetooth.

They want you to buy the bluetooth keyboard and mouse as additional items. Go figure.

>I often wonder what amazing products we'd see from Apple if it's employees were free to create without having to fear a prima donna leader.

Windoze

one button till the day i die......(or it dies).

I dunno. If Apple were to introduce a two-button mouse now, years after the PC world, there would be much made of it from wintel users. "See! We're better than Apple! Look, we had two-button mice before...they're COPYING us!!!"

I think they should just keep it as is. Or maybe introduce one, but very quietly, none of the usual fanfare.

IT guy.. on the bluetooth thing.. you need to set up a new computer with a usb mouse and keyboard because bluetooth ones would need to be installed first. you can't set up a new mac with bluetooth peripherals. i think i read it in a knowledge base file once.

So all the issue for the mouse is having a Apple branded multi button mouse?

I still do not get it. For the majority of Mac users the one-button and using the keyboard is enough. Users *truly* needing a multi-button configurable one still go for specialized multi-button (5+ and scroll-wheel) programmable mouse. So a basic two-button or three button (a retail value of $19 in some cases) is all people is talking about?

It is not the case that having an Apple branded two/three button mouse suddenly new functionality would be available so what is the deal for Apple?
Just because a small percentage of users would like it just for the heck of it?
As I said, a two/three button mouse is not enough for pro work (media work) and adds nothing to functionality. I believe Apple has this very clear in perspective: pro-users, to whom the multi-button would be targeted, would buy a special one anyhow. Hence, the case rests on vacuum.

umamug? uhu? what are you talking about? Just switch on the bluetooth peripheral and use it. There is nothing to install.

And seems the point on the mouse issue is still missed. The FUD is: Apple does not support multi-button mouse, Windows does.

False: Apple supports out of the box anything, Apple simply does not manufacture a multi-button mouse. It gives you for free a one-button mouse.

Windows has instead hardwired OS NEEDS for a 3 button mouse. It does not support keyboard multi-button emulation and without 3-butts a user cannot work. They have been shrewed enough to turn a limitation into a feature.

mind, I am not saying Apple will never do, I am saying the issue is discussing about Angels' sex. The real issue is: people would like to have a free three-button mouse or be able to order one on the Apple site at time of ordering their computer. So it is matter of *free one* or *Apple branded*.
Apple marketing surveys show them that a slim % of its users would care.
For Windows switchers, they have already their multibutton mouse: they just need to plug it in in order to use it.

Click and hold takes time -- how about a detent in the clicking action -- click and press down further through the detent to act like a control-click? Still has the no-button look. Call it the "Less is Less" mouse -- © 2004 (heheh). Now add a contoured trackpad on the pointer and mid finger areas to act like a scrollwheel -- slide your finger up and down as you require...and maybe even sideways.

Ewww! Back after a cold shower.

Less, you may have that trackpad already. Just a matter of visiting versiontracker, get the driver and configure which area you want to use as scroll in the trackpad.

For just a few $'s you put a scroll-mouse to the MAC........it is a non problem.

I have nothing to add to this topic... Microsoft has nothing better on us. It's the PC manufacturers that choose what mouse they want to put on their systems. If anything, Apple is giving 3rd. party vendors a break (like Logitech, Kensington, MacAlly & etc.) This is such a non-issue.

Steven Disbrow, SHUT UP! But a mouse and SHUT UP!

So what? Buy a multi-button mouse if you want one and shut up, you whiner. Or maybe buy a PC and dance like Ballmer when it arrives. If your only gripe in this world is the mouse that you use you are indeed a loser.

I personally feel that the best mice on the market are made under the Microsoft label/brand. I have used Intellimouse Explorers for years. The two buttons on the left side for the thumb are great for back/forward shortcuts, along with the wheel acting as a button. And the shape is an excellent fit for my hand.

It's the only Microsoft product that I recommend to other people.

Mind you, I'd still like to see Apple attempt a multi-button mouse as an accessory - like the wireless keyboard and mouse.

btw, I'm actaully left handed and find using a mouse in my right hand more comfortable as I can continue to write at the same time if need be. It's one of the reasons I find it strange that rigth handed people don't use the mouse with their left hand actually.

For me I find moving my finger left and right all the time unpleasent (at least in this context) and a strain on my finger joint and wrist ligaments- over years this will tell take my word. As for buttons on the side I found I was nudging artwork all over trhe place with these things and trying to contort fingers to avoid it. I prefer control clicking cpompared to any present alternative I have tried, simply getting used to it isnt a good option I feel. However I can't deny that on occasions scroll wheels and contextual menu buttons do make sense. So what we need is a better option that has the advantages of both without real compromise. Apple I believe are working on that, the iPod scroll wheel concept I suspect will evolve. Whether it will work we shall see. Otherwise an altenative multi button mouse should in all common sense be made available for those who prefer it.

"hook up a two-, three-, four-, or five-button mouse so that they can get some real work done,"

Oh my word, how silly.

I guess I'm dating myself, but I was a developer for Mac in 1985. Anyone remember Lisa/Pascal? Apple spent $10 mil back then in user interface research with actual people before introducing the Mac. They found that new users were confused by multiple mouse buttons. I suspect that still applies. Unless, of course, you're a windoze type going in...

yeah.. i'm getting tired of compromise.. give us better mice damn it..

i'm serious..

i'm tired of clicking and holding.. for like 5 seconds for Mac oS x to context menu me...


apple... come on...you're already embracing context menus.. just give us option of 2 btn mouse already..

Actually, a pen and tablet makes all mice seem crude and awkward.

Besides, how many hands does it take to operate a mouse? One hand on the mouse one on the keyboard and control clicking is just as fast. Oh, wait, maybe, you've got your ah, hm, ya know, in the other hand. Oy.

I mentioned it last time this issue graced MDN,

MacMice mouse,
Is great.

This is stupid, most mac users don't need a 2 button mouse. All you have to do to use the option key as a modifier for a right click. I have used macs and pcs and I think the benifit of the one button mouse is simplicity. I always find myself hitting the wrong button with a 2+ button mouse so I prefer a single button model. If you really need a multibutton mouse then buy one and it will work nativeley with osx. As for the author(s) of this article; the apple pro mouse is in fact the best mouse in the world apple bundles it with macintosh computers for a very good reason. Macs are not pcs so stop trying to hold them to the same archaic, clunky and ungainly user interface standards pcs adhear to. Mac users wan't a straightforward way of dealing with there computers, another good example of this design specification is the powerbook and ibook; these computers have no special lights and buttons like so many pc laptops do, this keeps things from being to 'biusy'. From an industrial design standpoint these things make way more sense than adding a special button or light when the same thing can be done with software, giving the user a choice. I think the best thing about macs is that the user has a choice how simple or complicated the user wants the experence to be, as I always say: the same mac is just at home in a server room as in a kindergarden classroom or workplace.

One button is just fine. Although I like a scroll wheel for the internet.

It's the design of the stupid Apple mouse that bad. I got a Mac Pro Mouse for my iBook, but the cable is too short to connect on the left and use on the right of the computer. Hey Apple, most people are right handed.

What idot designed this piece of sh*T.

I bought a Macally mini mouse, but it's software makes the Mac crash.

At my university, I help to oversee 10 computer labs, five of which are Mac labs, and whenever we replenish the Mac labs, we incur the additional expense of ordering two-button mice. Such mice aren't "archaic, clunky, and ungainly"; they help get things done in the world, cleanly and efficiently. In Apple's relatively long history, there are hundreds of successes and few stains; sadly, the one-button mouse continues to be one of the latter.

Don't forget that by shipping a one button mouse, Apple forces developers to put all possible actions on the menu-bar. None can be left to context-only situations.

Is this important? Yes. At work, I am forced to use a Windoze machine. There are three programs that neither I nor the (multitudinous) IT people can use fully because we can not find the context for which the program authors allowed certain actions.

Doesn't happen on a Mac.

Seahawk: you are absolutely correct. If you are such a power user that a single button mouse is inadequate, a typical two-button plus scroll wheel is also inadequate. You will need to purchase a many-button after-market mouse anyway.

Reverend Jim and Cow007: you are absolutely correct too. I am the "power user" at work. It is my job (among others) to train newbies in the joys of architectural lighting design by computer. There are two programs, both of which use right clicking intensively. It is the hardest thing for a newbie to learn. Hell, *I* click the wrong button frequently - context is in the eye of the beholder, afterall. Oh, and BTW, the two programs use right clicks differently, so there is a lot of negative transfer when switching between programs.

Spyinthesky: we have another winner. If I am using the above programs extensively, I get a cramped hand. This never happens with the much maligned "hockey puck" mouse at home, with which I do lots of drafting. Maybe conventional wisdom (Windows is better. One button mice suck.) is, once again, not so smart.

Mike

Blaming Steve's ego for Apple never releasing a multi button mouse is kinda stupid. After all, Steve was away from Apple for over 10 years and in all that time Apple never produced a multi button mouse. They seem to think that if you want one you will find one. Besides, every switcher already owns a multi button mouse that will work on their new Mac.

I think it's sufficient that the OS completely supports multi-button mice. The scroll wheel is just SOOO much more functional than having to move the mouse down to the corner of the window everytime you want to scroll. I think that it's one of the best things that came out of the "other side".

I personally don't feel that Apple itself needs to provide an Apple branded multi-button mouse. Maybe they might want to offer a trade in program for another brand, but that's about it.

My right click finger is exclusively reserved for Microsoft - I wouldn't want to use it for Apple.

two features for Tiger.

1) "Sidetrack" (great app) option for turning the track pad into a scroll pad with right click areas.

2) Ability to add photo's to iPhoto by dropping on the icon.

IT guy - so, lets say you buy a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard and a nice shiny G5. You turn on the G5. how do you pair the devices with the machine if you can't operate the mouse of keyboard yet? You do have to pair bluetooth devices, and that is why Apple doesn't offer bluetooth _instead_ of USB. Maybe in the future they will work out a better design, but for now, pairing is it.

Good one Less!

The two-button mouse is very handy to use. Apple's implementation of it is far overdue. I came from a Windows PC world and can say with confidence, a one-button mouse is a mistake. In fact, it sucks!

If you want a multi-button mouse, buy one. People gripe about Apple taking business away from third-party hardware/software companies. And when they don't, people gripe that Apple *should* design/develop peripherals devices/software/etc. Go figure.

one button:
I don't think that the Apple Pro mouse was design for laptops. Since you're supposed to plug it in to your keyboard's usb port (right or left) instead of the back of the minitowers like the Wintel PCs. Having said that, I agree with you, the cord is too short which is why I replaced mine with a wireless mouse.

I am an advanced user and I prefer the one button mouse (after using 2 and 3 button mice). If someone wants 3 butoons why not stop there, why not just put a mini keyboard on the mouse. If they are that advanced a user they will use a tablet or voice navigation.

I hate 2-button mice. I don't want to be distracted by worrying about which button I'm pushing, or straining my wrist. I do a lot of copying and pasting, and it is so much easier with a Mac and keyboard shortcuts than right-clicking on a PC.

I don't like the apple one button mouse. But for me it doesn't matter what Apple provides with its computer. I bought a Wacom Graphire tablet, it has a cordless 3 button scroll wheel mouse and also a touch sensitive pen that I use for photo editing. It is like heaven to use. No matter what Apple provides, I would still replace it with the Graphire.

Don't forget that by shipping a one button mouse, Apple forces developers to put all possible actions on the menu-bar. None can be left to context-only situations.

That may be a good idea in principal but in reality it's untrue. There are numerous apps where certain actions aren't available from main menus and can only be found in and invoked from contextual menus.

I LOVE APPLES ONE BUTTON MOUSE!!!!!

I abhor those cheap feeling, finger aching two and three button pieces of shit mice.

Apple's mouse, I never get a ache, postition the hand dfferently and it still does the same thing.

And really what the fuck is everybody in such a rush for?

It's just your boss milking your ass and you feel you have to be a speed demon, when test after test prove that no significant time savings between a one button mouse and a two button mouse.

Apple provides the one button mouse because it works, it looks good and it's great for newbies.

If you want a 10 button scroll wheel mouse or some other goddam contraption, then go buy what you feel works for you.

BUT LEAVE MY GODDAM ONE BUTTON APPLE MOUSE ALONE

Squid: LANGUAGE!

But, on topic: I'm one of those "switchers" and couldn't be LESS enthused about the one button mouse. I got my G5 and the one button mouse it came with and I tried to use it for a day or two and the whole idea just didn't make sense to me. Instead of right-clicking to get a context menu, I had to look at the keyboard to FIND the Command key, hold it and then click to get the context menu for the item. To me, it just seemed counter-intuative, so I got a Micosoft Internet Explorer mouse that I had been used to. One of the reasons I switched was to get Microsoft OUT of my life at home and I DID look for another brand that offered the scroll wheel, left and right buttons and a forward and back button, but Microsoft seemed to be the only company that made one with everything I wanted on it. Logitech was an option, but the Microsoft mouse was also better shaped for my hand AND was wireless.

It seems like the long time Apple users here prefer the one button mouse and the switchers prefer the multi-button PC type mouse. Everything works out of the box, so I'm not sure what the issue is anyway. One button, multi-button: at least you're not using Windows!

I use the Apple mouse because it looks nice and is comfortable. I'd prefer it t have at least a right button though. I simply don't believe that people get confused b a two button mouse. Maybe initially, but surely not after a little use ?

I don't believe that control clicking is as quick and convenient as a right-click.

I also believe that having a right mouse button would probably promote the use of contextual functionality that many may just not know exists. After all, the only mistake you're going to make by being so fantastically clumsy that you can't tell which finger you're using is to bring up a little menu.

So I'm in favour of Apple making multi-button mice. I think it would be a good thing.

Oh, and you DO need a USB keyboard/mouse in order to pair the bluetooth devices with your system. You cannot just switch them on and expect them to work. The Apple devices include encryption, to make it a little trickier for someone trying to snoop.

i hate the apple mouse - when you bump into something on your desk with the mouse (keyboard, laptop frame, etc) it "clicks" the mouse, likewise when you run out of desk space and lift it to recenter it onto your (physical) desktop, when you put it down it "clicks" again - I use an M$ intellimouse - the 2nd good product from M$ (excel is the 1st) . . .

actually there is an apple two button mouse. my friend told me he has one and he might sell it to me or trade it for something. he hasnt shown it to me because its still unopened in its box.

forget the mouse, i use a 2 & 1/2 button gerbil

I have a beautiful 15" Aluminum PB, the Griffin Lucite stand, the oh-so-cool Apple Bluetooth keyboard, an elegant set up, indeed.......all sitting next to my butt-ugly Logitech wireless 3-button mouse with scroll wheel!

Apple, help us out here.....give us a proper multi-button mouse! Scrolling back and forth through umpteen page contracts all day is the true definition of drudgery without a scroll wheel. Make my desktop complete with your usual elegance and usability!

A one-button mouse is fine for me. I rarely have a need for a contextual menu. It's the way Mac OS and Mac software is designed.