Bluetooth Mighty Mouse already available

Well now we know why Apple "forgot" to file for ye olde confidentiality agreement on the Bluetooth Mighty Mouse FCC filing: they were planning on releasing the wireless rodent into the wild just hours after the documents went live. That's right, if you're looking to cut the cord and add some sweet laser-guided precision to your first-gen Mighty Mouse, you can pick up one of these models immediately for $69 (compared to $49 for the wired version). About the only new bit of information revealed on the official product page is the fact that this mouse will operate with either two or just one AA batteries -- you know, for those times when you're looking to shave every conceivable gram off of your travel weight. As much as we love Apple products, the Mighty Mouse has just never been all that comfortable to use; Bluetooth and laser-tracking are certainly nice additions, but until they make these things more ergonomic, we're holding on to our Logitech gear.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[Tim @ Jul 25th 2006 10:27AM]

Two words Apple, "TWO Buttons!"

[apeguero @ Jul 25th 2006 10:28AM]

Nice! Should be available at my local Cambridge store tomorrow :)

[jjd @ Jul 25th 2006 10:31AM]

Apple's web page says it has two button capability:

"Touch-sensitive technology under Mighty Mouse’s seamless top shell detect where you’re clicking, transforming your sleek, one-button mouse into a two-button wonder."

[Jason @ Jul 25th 2006 10:34AM]

Tim... The mighty mouse has 4 buttons. It has both left and right buttons, the side buttons you squeeze, and the mini-trackball has a button click when you press it. All of these are user configurable too.

[Billd @ Jul 25th 2006 10:38AM]

This thing is ugly as heck. Why on earth would I give up a decent ergonomic mouse just to use a bar of soap.

I have to believe that the only reason anyone would praise this thing, is because it has an Apple logo on it, and thats just sad.

[Randy Walters @ Jul 25th 2006 10:43AM]

I'm a long-time 3-button mouse user, and I've loved the Mighty Mouse since I first "laid hand" on it. I never found it difficult to choose a left- or right-click, or felt I had to change my habits to fit the mouse.

I really don't understand where the complaints are coming from. If you've never used one, don't let the naysayers dissuade you - try it for yourself, and make sure you check the config settings so that everything works the way you'd like it to.

It really is a great mouse - I'm ordering two of the bluetooth models.

[Jared @ Jul 25th 2006 10:43AM]

Ugh. I tried to get used to the wired mouse that came with my iMac, simply for the aesthetics, but it wasn't worth it. The mouse easily cramps my hand and the cursor moves too slowly even at max speed settings. My ugly MS optical works so much better!

[hj @ Jul 25th 2006 10:44AM]

Microsoft mice have alway been better.

[Tom Cody @ Jul 25th 2006 10:52AM]

I am really surprised by this. I was hoping that Apple would kill off the mighty mouse. I don't know any of my clients who really like this mouse. A decent Logitech mouse is a far better choice and less money.

[Spyvie @ Jul 25th 2006 10:52AM]

You can get an MS optical mouse at Wallywold for $20, nothing fancy but they just plain work.

[Fred @ Jul 25th 2006 10:54AM]

I've always liked the mighty mouse. It's easy to use, provides a lot of functionality and with expose in OS X gives you something that you might actually need more than two buttons for.

[Paix247 @ Jul 25th 2006 10:57AM]

Two buttons - lol... some people really don't pay attention.

[wade Preston Shearer @ Jul 25th 2006 10:57AM]

Don't nock it 'til you rock it, chumps. If you don't like it that's fine, but hold your comments until you've taking it for a test drive. I love the mighty mouse.

[Chris @ Jul 25th 2006 10:59AM]

I like my wired mighty mouse. Jason is correct, the mouse has 4 buttons that are user configurable.

[nick @ Jul 25th 2006 11:03AM]

What's the news?? These have been available at Fry's for more than three months.
I bought one when I got osx running on my pc. WEIRD!!! I totally had to retrain my hand. you can't double click with both fingers touching the mouse. you have to right mouse button finger to left click, and lift the left mouse button finger to right click, aaaarrrggghhhh.

i took it back

[Henry @ Jul 25th 2006 11:15AM]

The Mighty Mouse just plain sucks. I got the original with my iMac and after an hour of use I quickly threw it back in the box and plugged in my Microsoft mouse.

[Dov @ Jul 25th 2006 11:17AM]

I generally get Apple accessories for my mac whenever possible, but never got the Mighty Mouse because of the way right-clicking works: you need to only use one clicking finger. From trying it out in Apple Stores, I found that when I right click with my index finger on the left mouse button, it registers as a left click. It would be annoying for me to have to start using only one finger, where I'm used to two.

I love the design of it, but wish they would use pressure sensitivity or something instead of the current solution to solve this problem.

[spil @ Jul 25th 2006 11:18AM]

The only thing good about the mighty mouse is it looks cool, otherwise it is a bad mouse. TO right click, you have to lift your left click finger off the mouse, whlich is very annoying, I've never been able to use the squeeze function (from what I've done playing around with it in the store), but they might not have had anything set to it. I do like Apple's keyboards, though, because to me a keyboard is a keyboard, not anything else, and if Apple makes them look good, I like them.Apple mice look good, but i like my mouse with 500 buttons!!! But an apple mouse that I would actually like to use is a APple Desktop BUS mouse, except I have never seen any computers with a "ADB" jack before. Any one know if there is a mod to make the BUS mouse into USB? that would be awesome to be able to use it, just for the novelty.

[Tyler @ Jul 25th 2006 11:20AM]

comfort over style ... if it feels nicer than my logitech then so be it if not I won't buy it.

ergonomics

[cycomachead @ Jul 25th 2006 11:30AM]

Dov- the mice in the Apple stores are rigged for left click only
I find my mighty mouse very comfortable, and playing for an hours is hardly time to test anything

[warrenpeace? @ Jul 25th 2006 11:31AM]

What a bunch of babies. I can't believe a mouse has caused so much whining.

The Scrollball on the mouse is amazing. When I have to sit at someone else's machine and use a scrollwheel mouse, I feel like something is missing.

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 11:50AM]

@ Nick.

I highly doubt the wireless Mighty Mouse has been available at Fry's for over three months.

[Bill @ Jul 25th 2006 11:51AM]

When my Apple wireless mouse broke I hooked up my tried-it-but-didn't-like-it-so-much Mighty Mouse while I was waiting for a new mail-order trackball.

Now I like the Mighty Mouse a _lot_ more - for two functionality reasons;

First - all the other tracking devices I have tried would not scroll windows in Mail and MYOB. I use these programs a lot and I was always frustrated by having to use the scroll bar. The Mighty Mouse accomplishes this task with ease. It seems like it will scroll any sub-window I am in.

Second - When I click with the scroll button in Firefox (but not Safari)I get a nifty little crosshair-kind of deal that turns the whole mouse into the scrolling controller. If I want to scan a long page I can set it to auto-scroll slowly and not think any more about it.

I agree that the auxiliary buttons are klunky to use. I have been using Mac one-button devices my whole computing life so I don't miss the right-click. But the scrolling implementation has made this the mouse for me. Ordering the wireless today.

[JSS @ Jul 25th 2006 11:54AM]

$69 for a freaking mouse? Is this typical apple upcharge or do other mice actually sell for that high?

I don't know about you, but there's no way in hell I'd pay $69 for a freaking mouse... $69 is a gig of ram or a sempron 64 etc etc etc

[Mark O'Sullivan @ Jul 25th 2006 11:58AM]

Granted, I'm not very smart. But when I got my first mac a few months ago, I saw the mighty mouse online and I wanted one. I saw that they had a wireless version, and I mistook the apple logo for the trackball. I ordered it online, and when it was delivered I was totally disappointed to discover that it didn't have a trackball. What kind of a mouse doesn't have a trackball nowadays anyway?

So I then ordered the "actual" wired mighty mouse online. Got it home and I've used it on both my PC laptop and my apple macbook pro. To be honest, my Microsoft wired laser mouse that I've had for over five years works better than this thing. It's like they haven't perfected the art of laser tracking or something.

The only thing the mighty mouse does well is the side-to-side scrolling. Which, by the way, only works on the macbook.

So now they release a wireless version, and you know what? I'm probably going to buy it. I'm that big of a sucker. I hate myself sometimes.

[Craig @ Jul 25th 2006 12:01PM]

I'm with those people that find the Mighty Mouse uncomfortable, and I have used them. I think that they need to be taller, I find placing my hand on them really uncomfortable, although this could be because I have used only MS mice for the last few years.

[Ben @ Jul 25th 2006 12:09PM]

Being able to use one OR two batteries is a nice addition.

[Mike Watt @ Jul 25th 2006 12:09PM]

spil,

You can find ADB adapters. Check out this site:

http://www.welovemacs.com/adapters-adb-adapters.html

Also check out this awesome project to convert a classic ADB Apple mouse to optical and USB:

http://www.command-tab.com/2005/03/28/apple-adb-mouse-conversion/

For the record I received a mighty mouse in the box when I bought my new iMac. However, I still use my old Apple Bluetooth mouse because I prefer wireless. I am considering buying the BT Mighty Mouse to gain the advantage of laser over standard optical with the bonus of the scroll ball. I would likely turn off all the other functions and leave the Might Mouse a one button mouse. I know, I know, I am one of those single button advocates. I really do prefer the combination of the single click and keyboard activators and short cuts. The nice advantage with the BT Mighty Mouse is having the option to turn on the extra buttons for playing games and the like.

[Dov @ Jul 25th 2006 12:23PM]

cycomachead - I'm pretty sure it's the design of the mouse. I could get it to right click, but only if my other finger wasn't touching the left button's area.

[Lisa @ Jul 25th 2006 12:23PM]

You can EASILY configure the mighty mouse to have regular one button mouse functionality, so I don't see what the fuss is about the two button functionality. I agree that it isn't very ergonomic but I am totally in love with the feel of the scrolly trackball!

[fannyboy @ Jul 25th 2006 12:24PM]

All you people who are having "Pains" when you use a mighty mouse are just looking for ANYTHING to complain about. First of all, learn how to properly use a mouse. You're supposed to hold it with just your fingers as though you're holding an egg and you're not supposed to rest your hand on your desk either. All of these so called ergonomic mice are jsut as gimmicky. All those countours are unnecissary (Microsoft is very good at designing things with lots of dumb unnecissary cures... just look at the Xbox 360). I think The most genious mouse I've ever used was the old hockey puck mice that came with the first run of iMacs and blueberry G3's. I know a lot of people screamed bloody murder when those cvame out cause people had this crazy idea that they were cramoing thier hands. Well you know what. YOUR HANDS ARE CRAMPING CAUSE YOU'RE NOT USING THE THING PROPERLY. I use my wired mighty mouse every day at work and at home and I use it ALL day long cause I'm a designer and I do a lot of CAD work.
I Love love love my mighty mouse

[The Rev @ Jul 25th 2006 12:30PM]

What's the news?? These have been available at Fry's for more than three months.

Yeah and Apple decided hey screw those people we're not putting it on our website or in our stores.

[fuzzylollipop @ Jul 25th 2006 12:36PM]

Logitech makes the best mice, for whatever kind of computer you are using period!

The MX1000 is THE mouse if you want a laser mouse, if you want to go cheaper the MX500 series is the ones to get!

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 12:38PM]

@ Fannyboy

If you found the hockey-puck mouse comfortable...you must have extraordinarily tiny and awkwardly sized hands. If even almighty Apple didn't keep that design, you know it was bad.

[nick @ Jul 25th 2006 12:39PM]

REALLY!!!!

http://shop4.outpost.com/{V41oADMG81gj5YN4TcNZXA**.node1}/product/3857307;jsessionid=V41oADMG81gj5YN4TcNZXA**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

take a look at that link. ALREADY FOR SALE!! I bought one a few months ago, remember, I said I took it back? Bluetooth, optical.

There is only one fry's in Austin, and, of course, they are out of stock, but I did steal the pricetag off of the shelf. apple wireless mouse, 59 bucks.

[jonnyboy @ Jul 25th 2006 12:46PM]

Wow Nick. That not a mighty mouse. Open your ojos man.

[123 @ Jul 25th 2006 12:46PM]

Ummm, Nick, notice how it doesn't say "Mighty Mouse" in the product description? That's just apple's wireless one-button mouse.

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 12:48PM]

@ Nick.

You're a complete moron. That Apple's STANDARD wireless mouse. NOT the Mighty Mouse, jackass. That has no "second button", no scroll ball. It's just a one button, wireless mouse.

READ.

The mouse we're talking about has 4 buttons and a scroll ball.

Jackass.

[jonnyboy @ Jul 25th 2006 12:51PM]

diulei,

I like your style.

[fannyboy @ Jul 25th 2006 12:54PM]

diulei,
I'm 6'2" tall, wear size 13 shoes and have ginormous sized hands. The thing is. I don't try fill my hand with the mouse. trying to fit the whole thing into the palm of your hand is not the way to use the thing. Thats why mouse manufacturers only make one size fits all mice. If these so called ergonomic mice that are out on the market were truely ergonomic and meant to fit the exact contours of your personal hand, then they would have to take a plaster cast of your and in the exact position that it should be in and make a one of a kind mouse shaped just for you. I don;t think mouse manufacturers are willing to do that. That's why I liked the hockey puck. is was exactly the size it needed to be since all you're supposed to do is hold it with your fingers. Go to any RSI website and they'll all tell you the same thing. Hold the mouse delicately as though you were holding a baby chick. If you feel like you really have to fill your whole hand with a mouse, then thats your call. I've never found one that will fill mine and that's probably why I learned how to use a mouse the right way to begin with.

[Brendan @ Jul 25th 2006 12:58PM]

The design is clever but in practice is doesn't work as it should. The right left click issue where one can't touch the left click while right clicking, doesn't affect me as my natural disposition is to click using just one finger.

The scrollball at first is the best thing you'll ever use, however as soon as it get's dirty, and it will believe me, this mouse becomes close to the most annoying mankind has ever experienced.

Here's a pic. from an Apple patent from 2004: http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12295&d=1079559549

The Scrollball is replaced with a small touchpad for scrolling that cannot get dirty. Here's to hoping they implement this shizel soon

[Matt @ Jul 25th 2006 12:59PM]

I can agree with fanboy mostly. Nearly all pains assoicated with mice peripherals are due to poor user posture then anything else.

Most people use their middle finger to hit the 2 button, when in fact mice are designed for you to use your ring finger. Using your middle finger tilts your entire hand to the right (if you are right handed)creating strain on the ligaments in your wrist and elbow.

The back of your hand when using a mouse should be facing straight upwards, with your three fingers evenly distributed across the surface. Your thumb should be on the side of the mouse, slightly touching the desk surface.

I will admit though that a lot of the computer problems in the work place are just as much a fault of the desk and chair design as the mouse. If your chair is too low, or desk too high then you can properly adjust your arm to sit above the mouse.

Some products like the MS mice seem to promote poor posture by tilting the entire mouse sruface to the right. While a good idea in theory, for it to really work it would nee to completely tilt the hand to the right in essance making your hand shape as if you were holding a glass of water.

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 1:02PM]

@ johnnyboy

Why thank you.

[mike @ Jul 25th 2006 1:07PM]

"This thing is ugly as heck. Why on earth would I give up a decent ergonomic mouse just to use a bar of soap"

left handed people

[Gordy @ Jul 25th 2006 1:10PM]

[Scraped from MacNN]

$69 is acceptable for full-sized multibutton Bluetooth mouse with a laser diode pickup.

Show me another manufacturer that produces a wireless bluetooth laser mouse. I can think of wireless bluetooth mice (though the vast majority are notebook-sized) and I can think of wireless laser mice without bluetooth (requiring a USB RF dongle), but I know of no mouse that matches this new mouse.

(actually, I know of ONE, made by Logitech - the bluetooth MX1000 - which is only available as part of a $200+ keyboard/mouse combo for which there is no Mac support).

[diulei @ Jul 25th 2006 1:12PM]

I agree - this is actually not a bad deal for the money - I was expecting Apple to start it around $99.

[Sp-----K @ Jul 25th 2006 1:29PM]

Nice,............ (43th place what a rip...)

[nick @ Jul 25th 2006 1:51PM]

is this still going to lag visually compared to the actuall movement of your hand, or is it going to be better because of the laser? I know i'm not getting another bluetooth mouse keyboard until the lag situation is figured out because it's so hard to use, even though it seems like something so minute and harmless.

[Jeffrey M Foster @ Jul 25th 2006 2:04PM]

"Why on earth would I give up a decent ergonomic mouse just to use a bar of soap"

"Mouse ergonomics" is a fallacy. the vast majority of computer users (mouse users) keep the tips of their fingers on the mouse, and their palm on the table (mouse surface).


All the fancy swooping and positioning logitech/MS/etc design their mice to "feel comfortable" as a selling point, but offer no actual benefit to use.

that being said, i love my Mx510, and i DO think if "Feels great"

but at the same time, when i use a might mouse at work, truth be told, it's 100% as comfortable and productive once i get my mind off it. any discomfort is totally psychosomatic.

anyway, wireless. woohoo. my mouse stays within 10 feet of my box. i even own a few old bluetooth mice, and i've never freaking use them. what the hell is the point? oohhhh wires are so out of fashion! i want to replace batteries all the time so i dont get strangled by the jungles of wires coming out of my mouse! there has to be a better way!! :P

[Billd @ Jul 25th 2006 2:35PM]

"Don't nock it 'til you rock it, chumps. If you don't like it that's fine, but hold your comments until you've taking it for a test drive. I love the mighty mouse."

Arent you the same people who say the Zune is going to fail without ever using it?

"All you people who are having "Pains" when you use a mighty mouse are just looking for ANYTHING to complain about. First of all, learn how to properly use a mouse."

Just like a Fanboy. Blame everyone else for not "getting it". So I guess we should all just bend over and accept this holy mouse, right?