Apple's Magic Mouse: one button, multitouch gestures, Bluetooth, four-month battery life
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted October 20th 2009 12:01PM
posted October 20th 2009 12:01PM
Update: Check out our hands-on!
Apple Introduces Magic Mouse-The World's First Multi-Touch Mouse
CUPERTINO, California-October 20, 2009-
Apple® today introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple's revolutionary Multi-Touch™ technology. Pioneered on iPhone®, iPod touch® and Mac® notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac® and will be available as a Mac accessory at just $69. "Apple is the Multi-Touch leader, pioneering the use of this innovative technology in iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Apple's Multi-Touch technology allows us to offer an easy to use mouse in a simple and elegant design." Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences. The Magic Mouse laser tracking engine provides a smooth, consistent experience across more surfaces than a traditional optical tracking system. Magic Mouse uses Bluetooth wireless capabilities to create a clean, cable-free desk top and its secure wireless connection works from up to 10 meters away. To extend battery performance, Magic Mouse includes an advanced power management system that works with Mac OS® X to automatically switch to low power modes during periods of inactivity. The wireless Magic Mouse is powered by two AA batteries which are included.
Pricing & Availability Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and is available at the end of October through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69 (US).
Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X Leopard® version 10.5.8 or later. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
CUPERTINO, California-October 20, 2009-
Apple® today introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple's revolutionary Multi-Touch™ technology. Pioneered on iPhone®, iPod touch® and Mac® notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac® and will be available as a Mac accessory at just $69. "Apple is the Multi-Touch leader, pioneering the use of this innovative technology in iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Apple's Multi-Touch technology allows us to offer an easy to use mouse in a simple and elegant design." Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences. The Magic Mouse laser tracking engine provides a smooth, consistent experience across more surfaces than a traditional optical tracking system. Magic Mouse uses Bluetooth wireless capabilities to create a clean, cable-free desk top and its secure wireless connection works from up to 10 meters away. To extend battery performance, Magic Mouse includes an advanced power management system that works with Mac OS® X to automatically switch to low power modes during periods of inactivity. The wireless Magic Mouse is powered by two AA batteries which are included.
Pricing & Availability Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and is available at the end of October through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69 (US).
Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X Leopard® version 10.5.8 or later. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
Looks promising. I actually have been using a Targus bluetooth mouse with a scrolling sensor similar to what the Magic Mouse uses, and it works great - far better IMO than traditional scroll wheels.
If the multi-finger gestures actually work as planned, I may just have to purchase one of these. And I'm one of those Mac users (since 1996) who always replaced the Mac mice with 3rd-party mice.
Why am I not surprised that all the Apple haters make it a point to downplay a product they haven't even used and probably never will. Get a friggin' life you PC losers!!!
Until you've used a MacBook trackpad you just don't understand. Being able to scroll backwards and forwards in Safari (and now the latest version of Firefox) without having to move the mouse up to the back and forward buttons or being able to scroll 360 degrees in a picture is pure joy. I used to use a StinkPad and couldn't stand the trackpads on it until I got my first MacBook Pro and found it uncomfortable to use a mouse again.
Call me an Apple fanboy or not but I'm getting it. Not too pricey for me but then again I recognize quality when I see it.
Typical of the rabid hordes of MS fanboys. If this mouse was released by Microsoft they'd all be getting their panties wet and have orgies of nerdgasms. But since Apple is the one innovating mice technology the MS fanboys trip over each other here to post their hate comments. The typical MS fanboy will say absolutely anything to discredit Apple for any advancements or innovation.
Yes, because Apple fanboys never judge something before using it, eh Winmo_is_trash?
The months of Zune bashing, the continued Winmo 7 bashing, the slowly dying odd windows 7 bashing...
I'm not an Apple hater, I own APL stock and Mac computers and a lot of Apple E-waste, but the lack of a middle mouse button (perhaps, pray, it can be done with a software update) is a real nerd heartbreak to me as a user of Autodesk Maya. Apple slaps "Pro" on a lot of it's laptops, so why can't they make a Pro version of their mice?!
Does it work on glass?
wow I love the idea of the multi-touch mouse!! That's far more innovation than I thought I was going to see on the mouse today. Looks like the Microsoft spies had spotted this mouse early on, thus that early prototype Microsoft rip-off Engadget showed a few days ago. Anyway, wow this Magic Mouse looks very weird at first glance, thin and low profile and it reminds me of squid sushi when I look at it. I'm going to go try it out at the Apple store, might end up getting one!
I love my Mighty Mouse, but I cant wait to try this new Magig Mouse!
Why not just eliminate the mouse and put the same technology into a touch sensitive tablet? It works great on the MacBooks...
Yes I don't get why I would want a mouse anymore. I use a trackball because I don't moving the mouse around all the time but really I would be happier with a trackpad of the same kind as what is on my laptop, on my desk full time.
looks nice... the fact that it's smoother, makes sense for multi-touch interfacing. I laugh at the thought of Monopolysoft getting some insider info and uploading videos to youtube with their lame ass nock off goof bag version LOL.
Agreed. LOL!
@ Jordan
That "demo" you saw from Microsoft is the rip-off copy they are half-ast attempting to do when the MS spies found the Magic Mouse. And did you see the orgies of nerdgasms that all the MS fanboys were having when egadget reported it? Compare that with the hate posts in this Apple article.
Personally, I love the Mighty Mouse, it's miles above and beyond in functionality and ergonomics than any Logitec or any generic PC mouse. Can't beat 4 buttons plus a 360' scrolling plus its super high configurability in the OS X Preferences panel. Now this Magic Mouse looks like it tops that. You are wrong about tactile feedback, Magic Mouse is still clickable like any mouse. As for "no natural scrollwheel" that is a moot point, no one ever complains that laptops lack scroll wheels but still manage to scroll screen objects, why can't a mouse do the same? Magic Mouse crosses that bridge and brilliantly. I want to try one at the store.
[crap, stupid Engadget comment system!]
I think is a lot better looking than the "mighty" mouse but again the bar was very low compared to that mouse. I would have to say this mouse looks like apple's adaptation to the Logitech MX Air but with a lot less features. I do like the design but I still think being able to use your mouse in the air is much more useful than the touch sensitive part of it. It's hard to appreciate having a gyroscope in your mouse when you haven't tried one. In my opinion not even having a multi touch screen compares to using you computer in the air. I am still looking for a Mac mouse that actually lets you program a few buttons. I am sorry but there's a difference between minimalistic and slick cheap. bottom line if you asked me what I like to use the mighty or the magic mouse. I would say "don't even ask" the magic looks like apple finally sat down and realized that they needed to redesign their mouse. I just wonder how much money are they saving by not having at least 2 more buttons in the mouse or a number pad in their keyboards.
If you wanna take a look at the Logitech's MX Air mouse there is the link. Advise, is not for everybody's taste or pocket. $124
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3443&cl=us,en
PS. may be next time don't copy Logitech's touch sensitive mouse and come out with your own invention. I just moved this posting here since its more appropriate than the mac unboxing posting.
1) "I am still looking for a Mac mouse that actually lets you program a few buttons."
Looks like you've never looked in the Preferences pane. You can program all the buttons in the Mighty Mouse right out of the box:
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5146471/6-mac-keyboard-and-mouse-preferences_Full.jpg
2) Why in the world do you need to use your mouse in the air? Do you make your living giving presentations or directing an orchestra? You must be the only person I ever heard of touting that feature. I rather get the extra volumes of trackpad functionality that come built-in with a mouse like the Magic Mouse.
3) Logitech must be kicking themselves for not coming up with something like Apple's multi-touch sensitive mouse. Maybe one day they will copy the idea. For now their single-touch sensitive strip will have to do.
PS. Have you noticed how incredibly similar Logitec made the MX's website look like Apple's website? http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/
@ Winmo.
1. By a few I don't mean 6+ I don't mean just 3 buttons. Some of us like to customize our crap for every single app. People don't use their itunes the same way you use Ps and imovie.
2. I assume you have never use a gyroscopic mouse before. The idea of using your mouse in the air is not only about doing powerpoint presentations. What about iTV, SkyTV, all the other media extenders. I assume you don't network your computer with your HD TV otherwise there would making silly statements like this. I can say the same about the multitouch funtionality. Why do I want multitouch funtionality in mouse. There is hardly enough space for clicking and scrolling. The MX Air lets you do gestures on the pad and in the air. you can just flick the mouse to trigger expose and flick left to rewind in itunes. It's overall way more capable because the app lets you customize the experience way more. But to be honest, you haven't even tried either of the mice so you can't really give your opinion on this, now can you? I at least tried working with a bamboo pad with a real multi touch interface and a touch sensitive mouse before, so just because you post a website doesn't give you a clue.
3. Multitouch shmultitouch. You can't even pinch to zoom in. Holding the control key to zoom in, that's just stupid, all mice can do that. If you want real multi touch you get a bamboo pad. I mean come on who is gonna be gliding two fingers across a mouse while using your other fingers to hold on to the mouse. try it its just not how your hands like to move.
This is what a real multi touch mouse experience is supposed to be like. until then Wacom has the best experience when it comes to this. check this site out.
http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/multi_touch.php
4. And about coping ideas. It's too late because Logitech already made the touch sensitive mouse first. About one and a half years a go. So, I see it hard to believe that they copy the website from the magic mouse site. And really until, and hopefully, apple comes out with a app update so that you can pinch and zoom. otherwise the two finger swiping is just useless a no more than a gimmick as far as multi touch goes.
Seriously, Winmo, stop being such fanboy. I like all hardware but I hate to see that apple video telling me that apple made the first touch sensitive mouse and how it brings things to a whole new level. Wacom had their multi touch solution way before that's how designers get their crap done, and Logitech was the first one to put it in an actual mouse almost 2 years a go. I am just sharing information so that people see that there are other hardware makers out there that can improve the OSX experience well beyond apple's claims. By the way, all of the hardware mention above works with OSX. You can't expect apple to make better mice or pads than those who specialize in making it for a living but I appreciate the look update, much nicer than the mighty mouse.
I want one. I'll wait until it hits around $50 or less.
This mouse is the most ridiculous POS I've seen in a while.
Wow, Apple is really taking it to a new level now ...
no middle button is pretty much a deal breaker for me
im ready for all the people to claim that there were technology like this in some product years ago and that apple didn't invent this. show me them!
Real multi touch in a wacom pad. watch the video and salivate:
http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/multi_touch.php
First touch sensitive mouse about 2 years old:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3443&cl=us,en
Joshua from engadget showing how crappy multi touch is in the "magic" mouse:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/a-video-walkthrough-of-apples-newest-additions/
/me hugs his trusty Logitech MX Revolution BT... No tactile feedback? No middle click? No side buttons? Well, no thanks...
There's something familiar about that curve.... The best friend cockroach from Wall-E anyone?
carpal tunnel city
Why is that?
"it's miles above and beyond in functionality and ergonomics"
And your basing this off of a picture. We know you're a troll. Thank you, try again.
I've been waiting for this mouse for so sucking long...
i will wait for the coming Saitek Bluetooth Eclipse Touch Mouse, Cool Design, popping up in Europe in November, US not yet announced?
Thanks but no thanks.. I'll stick with my 6 dollar standard optical mouse :)
I can't believe Apple gets away with calling this "the first multi touch mouse" and "unlike anything else."
Microsoft has had these mouses for a long time! This is nothing new. Apple completely ripped off what Microsoft demonstrated weeks ago.
http://www.scienceprousa.com/?p=318
MS may have had this idea for a while (and it's such an obvious step, especially for Apple, that I doubt Apple copied it from MS), but I have yet to see any of those MS mice in the market for me to actually buy, so Apple can keep their claim of being first, I say.
I was looking forward to this, and it looks like a good mouse for many, except that there are no 3rd and 4th mouse buttons. Perhaps the swipe gestures can be remapped to back/forward. But how can I open links in a new window with just one click?
It's a shame, because the touch gestures look really great and it looks like it's even better to hold than the Mighty Mouse (I find large mice clumsy to use). But with the missing button, it's a no-go for me unless I can get used to command clicking again.
Perhaps there is hope for a 3 finger click to do such things?
I use a generic logitech mouse on my Mac ^_^, the magic mouse is still a bit raw, what happens to people who uses macs for design? Buttons are seriously needed
This is my first comment...
Hello Every1.. i can use this magic to cut my beard..
The new mouse is nice for iMac users who want the multi-touch functionality of the glass track pad but have no real alternative. I'm sure there might be a Wacom or Logitech accessory out there, but the fact is native hardware will play nicer in this environment.
I'm of course going to try before I buy today, but I'm excited. I think it finally delivers multi-touch functionality that is useful to the desktop owner...although the new iMac is twice as nice as the one I bought a year ago.
@detox
Multitouch would never be useful for Tablet PC's its just a gimmic...
right...
Oh snap! There's already a Magic Mouse ad parody on the yourtubes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0nvrAwBD3g
Sucks when you try to do a two finger scroll and the entire mouse physically moves.
NO THIRD BUTTON --> No high-end applications (such as Maya, Realfow, etc.).
Forget about it...
Apple launches its revamped all new iMac, MackBook, Mac mini and Magic Mouse in India. New iMac featuring LED-backlit 21.5 and 27-inch widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminum enclosure. The new iMac line, starting at Rs. 64,900 (MRP), is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance. All new iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and the all new wireless Magic Mouse, the world’s first mouse with Multi-Touch technology pioneered by Apple on the iPhone.
http://www.newsgaze.com/news/apple-launches-new-imac-mackbook-mac-mini-in-india/
I'm a recent convert to mac and bought the magic mouse yesterday on the basis that I could take it back if I didn't like it.
I'm running VM fusion on the mac.
Well after one day it will never be returned, it's fantastic.
Just bought the wireless keyboard as well and that's fantastic as well
Oh quit being sissies!! Its actually very comfortable. I have recently bought the new iMac that comes with the Magic Mouse and it isnt as uncomfortable as you people might think.
I just got my Magic Mouse in the mail, and I am (surprisingly) extremely happy with it. Gestures do not really feel awkward. It actually feels a bit better, because when i want to scroll I don’t even have to reach to the center of the mouse. Two finger flick and 360 degree scrolling feel relatively natural, because you really do not have to move outside of the left mouse button area for scrolling unless you want to. It feels like a regular two button mouse, the only difference being that you have to lift your left finger when you want right click. Also, two fingers on the mouse will not effect scrolling, and it is actually incredibly intuitive. I am very, very surprised. Possibly my favorite mouse so far.
I have it.
Came with the new iMac.
It's actually pretty cool, can't really complain much.
I mean some people find it sort of uncomfortable I guess, but I actually think it's better than the old Mighty Mouse or the Logitech I used on my PC.
Most PC mouses out there actually suck terribly, unless you're going to put down at least 100$ for one.
So I'd stick with this, it's cool, sleek, the gestures are a awesome addon, and yeah, I'm pretty sure someone will copy this over from Apple sometime very soon.
lol That's how it always works, they wait for Apple to come out with something, and then they make a shitty copy of their own
This thing looks like a dumb gimmick. I mean, what's wrong with a two-button mouse with a scroll wheel? Why reinvent something that's already working well? If I wanted some lame gimmick on my computer, I could just use my Wii remote as a mouse.
And I love how everybody says Apple innovates. That's definitely why they waited so long before giving their users what everybody else already had like Intel, boot camp, and copy/paste features on cell phones.