FCC filings confirm Apple's new Bluetooth mouse, keyboard

[AppleInsider]

Documents released by the Federal Communications Commission Friday show a new wireless mouse and keyboard from Apple, furthering reports of an imminent Mighty Mouse update.

The documents, first discovered by Engadget, confirm a new keyboard with model number A1314 and model A1197 mouse. The included dimensions show a keyboard smaller than the one currently available from Apple.

Earlier Friday, AppleInsider shared word that a newly designed Mighty Mouse is on the way. The new hardware, people familiar with the matter have said, will do away with the mechanical roller ball and use an expanded touch sensitive housing.

Sources said the new Mighty Mouse is a project under the direction of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. It will take advantage of the company's patented multi-touch technology and provide an intuitive new feel for users through a combination of hardware and software.



Soon after the FCC posts were discovered, they were quickly pulled from the commission's Web site. The documents (1, 2) have seen been updated to crop out the hardware, and only display relevant FCC labeling and corresponding model numbers.

Additional information on the new hardware was not made available from the FCC filings, though their submission would again suggest that a launch of the new hardware is imminent.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[jazzguru]

Touch-pad-like scrolling! Nice! Much better and more reliable than the roller ball.

[Gadgetoid]

Black keys and backlight, please.

[iTuomas]

Originally Posted by Gadgetoid

Black keys and backlight, please.

+1 for the backlight, but no black keys please. They look ugly once the texture starts wearing off.

---

This is really interesting! Nothing really wrong with my current Mighty, but I'm excited to see what they'll come up with.

[Gazoobee]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Documents released by the Federal Communications Commission Friday show a new wireless mouse and keyboard from Apple, furthering reports of an imminent Mighty Mouse update. ...

Interesting leak indeed.

I'm all set for a new mouse being as the Mighty Mouse only ever appealed to me for the first week of use or so. The cleaning is simple, but a device you have to clean all the time is just not fun.

Having experienced pretty much every keyboard I ever heard of from AT days to today, I have to say Apple's bluetooth keyboard is absolutely the best keyboard I've ever used by a country mile, so it will be interesting to see what the new model is like. It appears from the diagram that it doesn't have the cylinder along the back and is flat with a border all the way around like the iPhone (suggestive?) but I don't get the size change.

According to the diagram labelling it's slightly less wide (5 Mils or so), but hugely "deeper" (50 Mils). Although the image itself makes it look as if it's the same general proportions as the current one that's quite a change. Makes it almost possible that the keyboard will have palm resting areas or a trackpad.

It's also kind of intriguing that the size of this keyboard is the same or perhaps even bigger than the size of the screen parts that everyone is always talking about when they talk about the tablet. If it *is* a multi-touch keyboard and is the same size as the tablet, why wouldn't they just make the tablet? Will we all be buying tablets because we need a new keyboard and the tablet "guts" come with it? There are more questions than answers provided by this development as they say.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by iTuomas

This is really interesting! Nothing really wrong with my current Mighty, but I'm excited to see what they'll come up with.

Good one. You need to laugh at least once a day.

[Roc Ingersol]

Originally Posted by Gazoobee

It's also kind of intriguing that the size of this keyboard is the same or perhaps even bigger than the size of the screen parts that everyone is always talking about when they talk about the tablet.

The diagonal is about the same as a 10" screen, but I don't see Apple shipping a 10" screen in such a wide (almost 3:1) aspect ratio. If the keyboard says anything about the tablet, at most the form factor rules out the idea of the BT Keyboard 'matching' the tablet.

Knowing Apple, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the increased 'depth' is simply to make room for the battery, so the keyboard doesn't have that 'unsightly' cylinder across the back.

[rnp1]

[QUOTE=
Sources said the new Mighty Mouse is a project under the direction of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. ./QUOTE]

If Steve's fully involved in this, we need a new mouse and it will be a powerful tool to give us another competitive advantage. Something else that Windows user's grandchildren can look forward to!

[Gadgetoid]

Originally Posted by iTuomas

+1 for the backlight, but no black keys please. They look ugly once the texture starts wearing off.

That I didn't know... I've hardly touched the keyboard on my 13" MacBook Pro in favour of using it via a wired Apple keyboard (home/end I love thee).

But, now that you mention it, I think I know exactly what you mean: the keys get shiny patches in the middle where they've worn down?

In that case, I'd still go for black, as I don't use my bluetooth keyboard often enough for that to be a problem.

I want a new iMac now, I can't bear the wait any longer!

[Curmudgeon]

This is actually the Apple Tax that Steve Balmer goes on and on about. You purchase a Mac and you have to immediately go out and buy a replacement keyboard and mouse - because Apple has no clue how to build one.

To my mind, the mouse was perfected decades ago with the Microsoft Wheeled Mouse. Everything since then has just screwed it up. Apple's current no-real-button mouse is laughable. Apple themselves had an excellent keyboard way back when. They've since screwed that up.

Apple should just take some of their untold billions and buy Logitech and be done with it.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by Gazoobee

It's also kind of intriguing that the size of this keyboard is the same or perhaps even bigger than the size of the screen parts that everyone is always talking about when they talk about the tablet. If it *is* a multi-touch keyboard and is the same size as the tablet, why wouldn't they just make the tablet?

What if the "tablet" turns out to be only a keyboard?

[mrr]

Cool! Maybe they will finally come out with an external keyboard for the iPhone!

[Gazoobee]

Originally Posted by rnp1

If Steve's fully involved in this, we need a new mouse and it will be a powerful tool to give us another competitive advantage. Something else that Windows user's grandchildren can look forward to!

Not to be too much of a wet blanket, but IMO Steve Jobs' personal idea of what constitutes a "great mouse" is quite out of touch with the average person's opinion on the same topic. All of his big time favourite mouse designs were the least well received.

For instance he really loved the hockey puck mouse which most people found carpal-tunnel inducing and a bit of a joke. He also was a leading advocate of the original "boxy" mouse with the single button, and a big booster of the original Mac menu behaviour where letting go of the mouse button made the "click." The argument for this is that it was "less clicks," which it was, but it meant that for many years Mac users had to hold the mouse in a kind of Vulcan death grip that gave a whole generation of Mac users hand cramps.

I'm optimistic about these new mice, but personally I believe Steve Jobs is "the problem" when it comes to mouse design at Apple. If you watch him using a computer in videos, at least half the time he holds the mouse like one would hold one of those old hockey-puck style ones, (as if it were a piece of poo on the end of ones fingers). I would argue that most users actually lay their hand on the mouse and use it by twiddling the fingers up and down.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Roc Ingersol

Knowing Apple, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the increased 'depth' is simply to make room for the battery, so the keyboard doesn't have that 'unsightly' cylinder across the back.

That cylinder looks well, gives the object a nice shape overall.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Gazoobee

Not to be too much of a wet blanket, but IMO Steve Jobs' personal idea of what constitutes a "great mouse" is quite out of touch with the average person's opinion on the same topic. All of his big time favourite mouse designs were the least well received.

Oh yeah, and that circular mouse for from hell, where you couldn't tell if you had its front or its back...... or its side.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

This is actually the Apple Tax that Steve Balmer goes on and on about. You purchase a Mac and you have to immediately go out and buy a replacement keyboard and mouse - because Apple has no clue how to build one.

To my mind, the mouse was perfected decades ago with the Microsoft Wheeled Mouse. Everything since then has just screwed it up. Apple's current no-real-button mouse is laughable. Apple themselves had an excellent keyboard way back when. They've since screwed that up.

Apple should just take some of their untold billions and buy Logitech and be done with it.

Most people love the Apple keyboards, some people love the mighty mouse (I'm not one of them). However, I don't think I've ever been happy with a mouse that shipped with a PC either. If you want a good mouse, PC or Mac, you are likely going to have to pay extra for it. Please troll elsewhere.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Oh yeah, and that circular mouse for from hell, where you couldn't tell if you had its front or its back...... or its side.

Poor Yo-Yo, so unloved.
At lease it was color coordinated to the iMac unlike the MealyMouse.

[teckstud]

How is the keyboard smaller than the current one with the numbers hacked off?
What got Steve's ax this time?

[Gadgetoid]

I must say that I'm very much in the "love Apple keyboards" camp, the current generation at least. The chicklet style keys give more than enough tactile feedback, and this is coming from someone who has used and loved keyboards emulating the classic mechanical key feel of yore and old. (SteelSeries 7g to be specific) The old Apple dirt-and-eyelash display case that they dared call a keyboard, however, was the worst peripheral ever crafted by the hands of man. Sticking a USB cable in a pile of dog vomit would have resulted in a more presentable device.

Every time I plug a windows keyboard into my Mac, my brain falls out through my ear and I find myself completely unable to work. It's the "feel" of my Mac keyboard versus that of my windows machines (and those at work) that allows my brain to switch automatically between Mac/Windows mode. If I connect an Apple keyboard to my work PC (which I'd love to do permanently) my brain goes into Apple mode and strange things begin to happen.

I'm pretty dismayed at the new Numpad-deprived versions of the Apple keyboard, after trying to use my bluetooth keyboard in lieu of a windows one at my desk, I ultimately gave up and bought a keyboard with those much needed num and alt keys. Why are Apple so mortally afraid of catering to the needs of people with actual jobs? Not every Mac user is a latte sipping student douchebag who thinks num pads are the things you get on the employee doors at MacDonalds.

[Isomorphic]

I thought I would hate Apple's newer chiclet-style low-profile keyboards, but now I have four. I wouldn't trade any of them for a Model M.

The Mighty Mouse, however, is an abomination before $DEITY. The button-on-the-bottom is a brain damaged-idea. The mouse left-clicks when it should right click, and vice-versa, sometimes to great effect when you're working in a detailed app. The "squeeze" button is so stiff I feel like I have to pick up the mouse and mash it against something to get it to work. The mouse is pain incarnate to my hands. Virtually any change at all would be for the better.

If Apple replaces the physical button(s) in the Mighty Mouse with a touch surface, they might have a winner.

(I actually use a Microsoft (shudder) mouse for the sane button placement and the IntelliPoint acceleration curve.)

[Baytech]

I saw the prototype of this thing the other day and it's amazing! I don't want to help spread the rumors anymore than they already fly around so we'll just leave it at that. But I can tell you, the keys aren't black and it will be here sooner than you think.

It will be worth the surprise though, trust me! ;-)

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

This is actually the Apple Tax that Steve Balmer goes on and on about. You purchase a Mac and you have to immediately go out and buy a replacement keyboard and mouse - because Apple has no clue how to build one.

To my mind, the mouse was perfected decades ago with the Microsoft Wheeled Mouse. Everything since then has just screwed it up. Apple's current no-real-button mouse is laughable. Apple themselves had an excellent keyboard way back when. They've since screwed that up.

Apple should just take some of their untold billions and buy Logitech and be done with it.

Here we go!

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Baytech

I saw the prototype of this thing the other day and it's amazing! I don't want to help spread the rumors anymore than they already fly around so we'll just leave it at that. But I can tell you, the keys aren't black and it will be here sooner than you think.

It will be worth the surprise though, trust me! ;-)

And we have to believe your vacuous statement because........?

[sticknick]

Originally Posted by Baytech

I saw the prototype of this thing the other day and it's amazing! I don't want to help spread the rumors anymore than they already fly around so we'll just leave it at that. But I can tell you, the keys aren't black and it will be here sooner than you think.

It will be worth the surprise though, trust me! ;-)

Why does this have me thinking that this will possibly be a touch screen style keyboard?

How crazy would that be? I'm a crappy enough typer with real keys. Gimme virtual keys and I'd be typing like a 12 year AOL'er

[DanaCameron]

The new Mighty Mouse sounds like a great step forward. I love my current Mighty Mouse and have never had any of the problems that have caused others to hate it so much.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by sticknick

Why does this have me thinking that this will possibly be a touch screen style keyboard?

How crazy would that be? I'm a crappy enough typer with real keys. Gimme virtual keys and I'd be typing like a 12 year AOL'er

Pretty crazy, I would think. People aren't ready for that yet.

[allblue]

Originally Posted by Isomorphic

(I actually use a Microsoft (shudder) mouse for the sane button placement and the IntelliPoint acceleration curve.)

I feel your shame bro, because I too (shudder) use one. Perhaps we could set up a group - Microsoft Mouse Users Anonymous, and meet in church halls on Thursday evenings to try and come to terms with life as a group. My excuse by the way, is that I am helping to keep Steve Ballmer in a job, and thus off the streets where he would undoubtedly scare a lot of old ladies and small dogs.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by allblue

I feel your shame bro, because I too (shudder) use one. Perhaps we could set up a group - Microsoft Mouse Users Anonymous, and meet in church halls on Thursday evenings to try and come to terms with life as a group. My excuse by the way, is that I am helping to keep Steve Ballmer in a job, and thus off the streets where he would undoubtedly scare a lot of old ladies and small dogs.

I use an old MS trackball. I used to use those from Logitech, but the MS model is better (more buttons). USB Overdrive makes it all worthwhile. I REALLY don't like mice. I wish Apple would come up with a (thumb based) trackball.

[jazzguru]

Originally Posted by melgross

I use an old MS trackball. I used to use those from Logitech, but the MS model is better (more buttons). USB Overdrive makes it all worthwhile. I REALLY don't like mice. I wish Apple would come up with a (thumb based) trackball.

You're making me want to try out a trackball now. I think using mice so much is giving me carpal tunnel.

[rnp1]

This is a good time to provide the honor for the mouse to it's true inventor, who suffered thru pennyless years of MicroSoft's denial of it's patent:

DOUGLAS ENGELBART (1925-xxxx)

[mstone]

Originally Posted by melgross

I use an old MS trackball. I used to use those from Logitech, but the MS model is better (more buttons). USB Overdrive makes it all worthwhile. I REALLY don't like mice. I wish Apple would come up with a (thumb based) trackball.

I have a friend who swears by his track ball but he can't cut a Photoshop path or draw in illustrator worth a crap with that thing. It might be ok for browsing or desktop activity but for precision like what is needed in photo retouching, I don't think it is the best choice of input device.

[BertP]

Sounds good. I like the current wireless external keyboard, but found the wireless Mighty Mouse scroll ball to have a short usable lifespan. A multi-touch wireless mouse would be great, especially for left handers like myself. But maybe a new wireless external keyboard with a trackpad would be just a workable. When they become available, I'll head for an Apple Store to check them out first hand before I buy.

[iTuomas]

Originally Posted by Ireland

Good one. You need to laugh at least once a day.

Well, it was last year when I had to tear apart the mouse to clean the scroll ball, but after that I've had no problems at all. When it works, it suits my needs very well.

I do admit that it's Apple's design fault if that kind of maintenance needs to be done, and like others, I hope Apple knows this and addresses it with this new King Mouse (or whatever they decide to call it this time).

[Curmudgeon]

Wow, really? Something negative stated and I'm a troll? Horse puckey.

Originally Posted by cmf2

Most people love the Apple keyboards, some people love the mighty mouse (I'm not one of them). However, I don't think I've ever been happy with a mouse that shipped with a PC either. If you want a good mouse, PC or Mac, you are likely going to have to pay extra for it. Please troll elsewhere.

[jazzguru]

Originally Posted by mstone

I have a friend who swears by his track ball but he can't cut a Photoshop path or draw in illustrator worth a crap with that thing. It might be ok for browsing or desktop activity but for precision like what is needed in photo retouching, I don't think it is the best choice of input device.

I've always heard that trackballs actually allow for more precision and are often used in CAD.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by jazzguru

You're making me want to try out a trackball now. I think using mice so much is giving me carpal tunnel.

I find a mouse to be annoying. I dislike having to move it around. I also like having more buttons available. The MS model, which had been discontinued a while ago, has an optical thumb ball, like the logitech's. But it also has four buttons, and a clickable scrollwheel.

When I use my graphics tablet, it's much easier using a trackball with the other hand, than also moving the mouse around. I can spin the ball with my thumb, so that the cursor shoots across the screen, then stop it with my thumb when it's almost there and edge it to where I need it. It's also in the same place at all times, so I don't need to fish around for it, or turn my head to find it.

USB Overdrive allows me to program every button differently for each program if I need to. Cleaning is very easy. You don't have to remove a ring around the ball. Just turn it on its side, and pop the ball out with a finger from the hole in the bottom, then just pop the ball back in.

I haven't tried the latest Logitech models, so I don't know what they have these days.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by mstone

I have a friend who swears by his track ball but he can't cut a Photoshop path or draw in illustrator worth a crap with that thing. It might be ok for browsing or desktop activity but for precision like what is needed in photo retouching, I don't think it is the best choice of input device.

In my reply to jazzguru, I mentioned that I use it with my graphics tablet.

But it's better than a mouse when drawing paths, because you don't get hung up by the wire, or the mouse coming to the end of the pad or table. Also, you aren't hindered by the surface you're moving the mouse over, which can add an uneven drag, and cause "stickum" .

I also use it for everything else.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Wow, really? Something negative stated and I'm a troll? Horse puckey.

Something negative stated with little basis on fact (the part about the keyboard) in your first post does indeed make you a troll. Maybe you actually believe the Apple keyboard to be terrible, but I've seen too many first posts like yours to give you the benefit of the doubt.

[mstone]

Originally Posted by jazzguru

I've always heard that trackballs actually allow for more precision and are often used in CAD.

Since most cad nowadays is 3D they use 3D space navigators which are sort of joystick like, and also some voice control is starting to catch on as well but only for functions and menu selections not cursor movement.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by iTuomas

Well, it was last year when I had to tear apart the mouse to clean the scroll ball, but after that I've had no problems at all. When it works, it suits my needs very well.

I do admit that it's Apple's design fault if that kind of maintenance needs to be done, and like others, I hope Apple knows this and addresses it with this new King Mouse (or whatever they decide to call it this time).

The problem isn't that it has to be cleaned, as all mice must be cleaned if they use a ball on the bottom, or even a scrollwheel, which sometimes gets gunked up, though much more rarely.

The scrollball is a really good idea, and works so well, it's a shame it wasn't done without clearly thinking of the consequences of people having oil on their fingers, that mixes with the omnipresent dust in the environment, to result in a sludge that looks like felt.

The problem is that this is one of those times where esthetics has precluded the simple idea of a removable ring to enable the easy removal of the ball, and the cleaning process that follows.

If Apple had allowed for that, there would be no complaints about cleaning, as it's otherwise easy.