We need a new Apple mouse with 2 buttons and a scroll wheel!! Sick and tired to surf the net with current one!! Does anybody know if there is anything made by Apple like that?? please help.
hmm..not by apple, but there are some really good third party products... i forgot the name, but i got a USB optical 2 button with a wheel mouse for like 35 bucks... just have to do some searching around
I'm a one-button mouse kinda guy myself, but it would indeed be cool if Apple themselves designed and sold - alongside their current one-button optical Pro Mouse - a version with the 2-button/scroll wheel thing.
In the same style as the Pro Mouse too (clear glass, same shape/feel, etc.).
They'd probably sell like hotcakes and people wouldn't have to resort to the third-party, non-Apple thing so much.
Since OS X is so context menu sensitive and everyone seems to like a scroll wheel for spreadsheets and surfing, this just seems like a no-brainer.
Although, knowing Apple, it'll look 50 times cooler than any other 2-button/scroll wheel mouse on the market...and cost 3 times as much.
Yeah, Apple needs to get with the program and offer a 2 button w/scrollwheel mouse standard. A one button mouse is too damn complicated, I hate having to use modifier keys all the time. Essentially, a single button mouse is a "two-handed mouse" because it forces one to use modifier keys. Fu[k that!
There are two open USB ports on the keyboard. How 'bout a driver that lets you have two pointers on the screen, each with slightly different control options? There'd be some neat gaming paradigms in such a set-up. Might even be usefull for some sorta 3-d modelling or paint/graphics work -- if you could lock one pointer in place and move the other about, then flip back without any keystrokes.
Best part is Apple wouldn't have to do a thing, some dev could just write a little app/patch to make it happen.
Good idea! Two pointers on the screen, w/ two mice!
Apple, the first to bring a mouse to home computing, could be the first to bring a dual-mouse OS to home computing. They already have two USB ports on their keyboards, so it's all set to roll!
The best part about having two pointers, is that you'd never have to drag the pointer all the way across the display! If your right hand mouse pointer is way over on the right side of the display, and you want to use the dock on the left side of the display, then just SWITCH HANDS to the left mouse, and you can access the dock even FASTER!!! Amazing!
Instead of double-clicking items, you could just point with BOTH pointers, and click each pointer ONCE! It would revolutionize computing!!!!!
It may be a matter of philosophy and culture that wins over common sense. It's been a hallmark and a traditon of Apple to have only one button.
From the outset, Apple has always claimed that one button makes things simpler and less confusing.
Well, things have changed and programs and OS's are much more complicated. It may boil down to how stubborn Jobs is with this issue.
And, changing to two button with a scroll would be almost admitting that Microsoft has bested and improved on the user interface experience. Something Apple has always believed it was vastly superior.
I doubt there will be anything directly from Apple as third party companies seem to be filling the demand.
But then again, nobody expected Apple to sell part of itself to Microsoft.
As someone who has taught kids, senior citizens, and everyone in between how to use a computer, I have to say that the majority of people who buy iMacs and iBooks really do not use that second button. In fact, it confuses them.
Try explaining to a new computer users the two-button concept. They just don't get it.
The one button mouse truly is simple. People immediately understand it.
Remember: no one here is advocating Apple ABANDONING the one-button mouse (personally, I prefer it and will continue to use it).
It's the one they should continue to ship with their systems because it's seen as the "standard" and all.
However, if they simply offered the other kind, and people could buy it from the online Apple Store, the retail stores, mail order catalogs, etc. (all the usual Mac accessory buying places), I'm sure tons of people would choose one.
It's not a replacement. Simply an addition. That's all.
I'd actually be pissed if Apple killed the one-button mouse in favor of the other kind. But if they offered both, what's the problem?
This thing looks almost as horrible in real life as on this photo, but it's the closest thing. It doesn't even have Buttons. You have to press down the case to the left or the right to klick.
If Apple were to move to two button mice, where would that leave laptop users? Do the laptops then ship with two button control pads or not?
Personally I like the second mouse button for contextual menus and such, it's very useful, but holding down a keyboard key is not so hard either.
I think at this point we have to expect Apple to only adopt changes that fit the interface tradition/philosophy of Apple: One button, simple, ambidexterous usability. Isn't that neat? What with more artsy types being mac users and more artsy types being lefties... hmmm.
The immediate and, I think, mutually satisfying solution for both 1 button and 2 button advocates would be a clickable sroll wheel.
Same basic design as the current pro-mouse, but with a small scroll wheel poking through the center top third of the mouse. Thus one big button (as in the current design) is preserved ergo and aesthetic reasons. Good for both lefties and righties. You don't have to use the second mouse function, but it allows you to scroll through documents, web pages, and lists with far greater ease. Some well-planned, intelligent drivers could automatically understand the context when you're over a given window and scroll the correct menu bar automatically without the need to click first and then scroll (as in so many windows apps). If people want, they can programm the wheel to also click, but it doesn't default that way, and no major interface elements would rely on it.
Pscates, I think you might have the best eye for design of anyone on these boards, what do you think? Any major problems? Would it be a suitable one button replacement for you?
Wow, you posted that while I was thinking up an answer.
Of course my solution wouldn't rock side to side like that one, and would look exactly like the pro-mouse except for the wheel poking through in approximately the same location as that one above.
An Apple two-button mouse would be awsome, but even better if it utalized the newly-implimented bluetooth for OSX. Apple even suggests using the bluetooth adapeter for "keyboards, mice, etc.". Is anyone aware of any manufactureres of bluetooth-based keyboards or mice? MS's wireless mouse comes with a reciver, so I suspect it's not bluetooth.
<strong>We need a new Apple mouse with 2 buttons and a scroll wheel!! Sick and tired to surf the net with current one!! Does anybody know if there is anything made by Apple like that?? please help. </strong><hr></blockquote>
No no no!
This is a horrible horrible idea as pretty
soon software would need 2 buttons like Windows does.
Lots of people find 2 buttons hard - The elderly, the disabled, the very young - so the Mac is perfect for them. I'm disabled and can't use 2 buttons.
Macs have supported multiple buttons for years, which I think is great, and if people like it thats great too (usb mice are $15 or so) but Apple needs to keep 1 button as the standard so people like me can use great computers out of the box, without having to use third party hacks to simulate a second button.
<strong>Pscates, I think you might have the best eye for design of anyone on these boards, what do you think? Any major problems? Would it be a suitable one button replacement for you?</strong><hr></blockquote>
First, thanks for the compliment. I disagree, but appreciate the thought nonetheless.
Honestly, I don't know. In my Mac-using "career", I've only used a one-button mouse: old beige Apple II mouse, tangerine hockey puck and new white Pro Mouse...also use a black Pro Mouse at work.
I've never used a scroll wheel OR a 2-button set-up. I kinda dig the simplicity and sleekness of the whole 1-button thing.
Most folks plug a mouse into their laptops anyhoo.
Apple has already adopted MS UI widgets (icon for aliases, proportional scroll bars), Wintel hardware technologies (USB, PCI) and software features (auto-updating OS, self-diagnosis after crash) so it would be no big deal to adopt the 2 button mouse.
<strong>Apple has already adopted MS UI widgets (icon for aliases, proportional scroll bars), Wintel hardware technologies (USB, PCI) and software features (auto-updating OS, self-diagnosis after crash) so it would be no big deal to adopt the 2 button mouse.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think MS copied most of their GUI off Apple anyway, and USB/PCI are just industry standard connectors. Your argument is a little like saying BMW copied Fords iuse of wheels <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
The 1 button mouse is an Apple trademark, like the startup chime or menu bars at the top.
Think before you speak. A two button mouse or more will not ruin your world. It is actually vey handy to run an Apple with more than one button. The default for the second button is control-click which is handy. If you have more buttons you can program them to do whatever you want.
Apple keyboards and mice are fine, but Microsoft is actually the leader in delivering affordable ergonomic interface products. As much as we love to hate them, Microsoft mice and keyboards are much better to use than Apple's interms of avoiding repetative strain injuries. And you don't have to use the extra buttons if you don't want to. The scroll wheel is hard to live without once you have used one though.
personally, i love the one button mouse. yeah, it's kind of annoying to "control" every now and then, but who the hell cares.
another thing is... simplicity... which is one of apple's biggest concerns and they are known for it. last year i taught my mom how to use her new mac... my stepdad forced her to use a 2 button mouse and it confused the hell out of her.
Comments
In the same style as the Pro Mouse too (clear glass, same shape/feel, etc.).
They'd probably sell like hotcakes and people wouldn't have to resort to the third-party, non-Apple thing so much.
Since OS X is so context menu sensitive and everyone seems to like a scroll wheel for spreadsheets and surfing, this just seems like a no-brainer.
Although, knowing Apple, it'll look 50 times cooler than any other 2-button/scroll wheel mouse on the market...and cost 3 times as much.
<img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" />
But just the CHOICE would be nice, right?
Oh yeah: available (both models) in black AND white (like the new iMac).
All those iBook owners out there would probably like to be able to buy a cool white Pro Mouse from their favorite Apple retailer.
There are two open USB ports on the keyboard. How 'bout a driver that lets you have two pointers on the screen, each with slightly different control options? There'd be some neat gaming paradigms in such a set-up. Might even be usefull for some sorta 3-d modelling or paint/graphics work -- if you could lock one pointer in place and move the other about, then flip back without any keystrokes.
Best part is Apple wouldn't have to do a thing, some dev could just write a little app/patch to make it happen.
Apple, the first to bring a mouse to home computing, could be the first to bring a dual-mouse OS to home computing. They already have two USB ports on their keyboards, so it's all set to roll!
The best part about having two pointers, is that you'd never have to drag the pointer all the way across the display! If your right hand mouse pointer is way over on the right side of the display, and you want to use the dock on the left side of the display, then just SWITCH HANDS to the left mouse, and you can access the dock even FASTER!!! Amazing!
Instead of double-clicking items, you could just point with BOTH pointers, and click each pointer ONCE! It would revolutionize computing!!!!!
<img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
From the outset, Apple has always claimed that one button makes things simpler and less confusing.
Well, things have changed and programs and OS's are much more complicated. It may boil down to how stubborn Jobs is with this issue.
And, changing to two button with a scroll would be almost admitting that Microsoft has bested and improved on the user interface experience. Something Apple has always believed it was vastly superior.
I doubt there will be anything directly from Apple as third party companies seem to be filling the demand.
But then again, nobody expected Apple to sell part of itself to Microsoft.
Try explaining to a new computer users the two-button concept. They just don't get it.
The one button mouse truly is simple. People immediately understand it.
Justen
It's the one they should continue to ship with their systems because it's seen as the "standard" and all.
However, if they simply offered the other kind, and people could buy it from the online Apple Store, the retail stores, mail order catalogs, etc. (all the usual Mac accessory buying places), I'm sure tons of people would choose one.
It's not a replacement. Simply an addition. That's all.
I'd actually be pissed if Apple killed the one-button mouse in favor of the other kind. But if they offered both, what's the problem?
This thing looks almost as horrible in real life as on this photo, but it's the closest thing. It doesn't even have Buttons. You have to press down the case to the left or the right to klick.
Personally I like the second mouse button for contextual menus and such, it's very useful, but holding down a keyboard key is not so hard either.
I think at this point we have to expect Apple to only adopt changes that fit the interface tradition/philosophy of Apple: One button, simple, ambidexterous usability. Isn't that neat? What with more artsy types being mac users and more artsy types being lefties... hmmm.
The immediate and, I think, mutually satisfying solution for both 1 button and 2 button advocates would be a clickable sroll wheel.
Same basic design as the current pro-mouse, but with a small scroll wheel poking through the center top third of the mouse. Thus one big button (as in the current design) is preserved ergo and aesthetic reasons. Good for both lefties and righties. You don't have to use the second mouse function, but it allows you to scroll through documents, web pages, and lists with far greater ease. Some well-planned, intelligent drivers could automatically understand the context when you're over a given window and scroll the correct menu bar automatically without the need to click first and then scroll (as in so many windows apps). If people want, they can programm the wheel to also click, but it doesn't default that way, and no major interface elements would rely on it.
Pscates, I think you might have the best eye for design of anyone on these boards, what do you think? Any major problems? Would it be a suitable one button replacement for you?
Of course my solution wouldn't rock side to side like that one, and would look exactly like the pro-mouse except for the wheel poking through in approximately the same location as that one above.
[ 04-02-2002: Message edited by: Matsu ]</p>
<strong>We need a new Apple mouse with 2 buttons and a scroll wheel!! Sick and tired to surf the net with current one!! Does anybody know if there is anything made by Apple like that?? please help.
No no no!
This is a horrible horrible idea as pretty
soon software would need 2 buttons like Windows does.
Lots of people find 2 buttons hard - The elderly, the disabled, the very young - so the Mac is perfect for them. I'm disabled and can't use 2 buttons.
Macs have supported multiple buttons for years, which I think is great, and if people like it thats great too (usb mice are $15 or so) but Apple needs to keep 1 button as the standard so people like me can use great computers out of the box, without having to use third party hacks to simulate a second button.
[ 04-02-2002: Message edited by: Blackcat ]</p>
<strong>Pscates, I think you might have the best eye for design of anyone on these boards, what do you think? Any major problems? Would it be a suitable one button replacement for you?</strong><hr></blockquote>
First, thanks for the compliment. I disagree, but appreciate the thought nonetheless.
Honestly, I don't know. In my Mac-using "career", I've only used a one-button mouse: old beige Apple II mouse, tangerine hockey puck and new white Pro Mouse...also use a black Pro Mouse at work.
I've never used a scroll wheel OR a 2-button set-up. I kinda dig the simplicity and sleekness of the whole 1-button thing.
2 button mouse with scroll wheel
Consumer macs come with:
1 button mouse
Laptops have:
1 button
Most folks plug a mouse into their laptops anyhoo.
Apple has already adopted MS UI widgets (icon for aliases, proportional scroll bars), Wintel hardware technologies (USB, PCI) and software features (auto-updating OS, self-diagnosis after crash) so it would be no big deal to adopt the 2 button mouse.
<strong>Apple has already adopted MS UI widgets (icon for aliases, proportional scroll bars), Wintel hardware technologies (USB, PCI) and software features (auto-updating OS, self-diagnosis after crash) so it would be no big deal to adopt the 2 button mouse.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think MS copied most of their GUI off Apple anyway, and USB/PCI are just industry standard connectors. Your argument is a little like saying BMW copied Fords iuse of wheels <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
The 1 button mouse is an Apple trademark, like the startup chime or menu bars at the top.
Think Different
Apple keyboards and mice are fine, but Microsoft is actually the leader in delivering affordable ergonomic interface products. As much as we love to hate them, Microsoft mice and keyboards are much better to use than Apple's interms of avoiding repetative strain injuries. And you don't have to use the extra buttons if you don't want to. The scroll wheel is hard to live without once you have used one though.
[ 04-02-2002: Message edited by: gafferino ]</p>
another thing is... simplicity... which is one of apple's biggest concerns and they are known for it. last year i taught my mom how to use her new mac... my stepdad forced her to use a 2 button mouse and it confused the hell out of her.
however... a scroll would be pretty nifty.