Mac OS X 10.6.2 to have native support for Apple's Magic Mouse

[AppleInsider]

Native support for Apple's new multi-touch Magic Mouse will require the unreleased Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later, the new hardware's user manual states.

Apple's new mouse works with both hardware and software to sense finger position, gestures with fingers, momentum of movements, and more. According to the Magic Mouse manual, the hardware will require Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later. Those on Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later can install the Wireless Mouse Software update 1.0 to obtain the same features.

The new Magic Mouse, when purchased separately, has a wait time of 5 to 7 business days. That would imply that the release of Mac OS X 10.6.2, the latest build of Snow Leopard, could be released very soon.

Over the past few weeks, three betas of Mac OS X 10.6.2 have been sent to developers. The most recent build addressed a glitch that sometimes deleted user data when logging in and out of a guest account.

The latest build also fixed a number of GraphicsDrivers issues, including a problem where 1080p content played with QuickTime Player X could stutter. That could prove important for owners of the new iMac models, which have 16:9 aspect ratio displays. The new 21.5-inch iMac has a 1920-by-1080 native 1080p display, while the 27-inch iMac exceeds that with a 2560-by-1440 pixel LED-backlit screen.



The Magic Mouse manual explains how to understand the hardware's indicator light, pairing of the bluetooth device with a new Mac, replacing the batteries, cleaning, and use of the mouse.

[ascii]

So... anyone who has one of the new iMacs - are they 10.6.2?

[retroneo]

Originally Posted by ascii

So... anyone who has one of the new iMacs - are they 10.6.2?

It'll be a special build of 10.6.1

[PG4G]

Anyone taking note of the fact Apple mentions a patch for 10.5.8+ and I suggest that might tide people over for 10.6.0 and 10.6.1.

Jumping to conclusions without considering all possibilities is shortsided - next time read the article, AppleInsider, and stop just picking parts and exaggerating and presenting "possibilities" that have no basis in the "supporting" documentation.

[caljomac]

w00tw00t now as long as it is released soon then i'm fine. to be honest im surprised a dev hasnt noticed all the references.....

[jukes]

So I wonder how one installs 10.6 from the retail DVD with the new mouse on an older system, like an older iMac... I suppose you'll still need to hang onto your old mouse if this is your situation.

[Hudson1]

Originally Posted by jukes

So I wonder how one installs 10.6 from the retail DVD with the new mouse on an older system, like an older iMac... I suppose you'll still need to hang onto your old mouse if this is your situation.

My guess is that it still works like a very basic mouse without the special software and/or drivers.

[ghostface147]

Originally Posted by Hudson1

My guess is that it still works like a very basic mouse without the special software and/or drivers.

Bingo.

[steviet02]

Originally Posted by retroneo

It'll be a special build of 10.6.1

That's not how it works..... It will be in a 10.6.2 update that's pushed to everyone.

[kiwee]

I think I need to see tests on it before I commit.
I know there's gonna be bragging rights on the office to collect for the first person who has it, but still.

[Jdanek630]

$69..... for a mouse? I'll pass and invest my hard-earned money in something that will offer a much more cost-effective return. How can they be serious about that price tag? That's absurd.

[solsun]

Originally Posted by Jdanek630

$69..... for a mouse? I'll pass and invest my hard-earned money in something that will offer a much more cost-effective return. How can they be serious about that price tag? That's absurd.

Certainly not inexpensive. But then again, do you know of any other mouse where the entire surface is multi-touch?

[fstop]

Originally Posted by Jdanek630

$69..... for a mouse? I'll pass and invest my hard-earned money in something that will offer a much more cost-effective return. How can they be serious about that price tag? That's absurd.

Absolutely! Why would anyone pay so much for something used so infrequently?

[Jdanek630]

Originally Posted by fstop

Absolutely! Why would anyone pay so much for something used so infrequently?

$69 is far above the equilibrium of the market value for a multi-featured mouse. That's my complaint. I never said I did not use my mouse frequently. Many mice are sold for $10-$15, though I paid $30 for mine for the wireless, 3-button features, and stylish design. I would never pay more than double for seemingly something that is not worth double. That's just my opinion, I respect yours.

[MacTel]

I doubt I'll be buying this mouse but I like the fact that it will push out 10.6.2.

[djames42]

I'll definitely be buying one when they're readily available. I paid ~$45 (with my corporate discount) for the wired Mighty Mouse and love it. The 360º scrolling is brilliant. However, with the mouse now a year or two old, the ball is becoming problematic and needs a lot of regular cleaning. I think getting used to tactile-less clicking will take some time, but I love the idea of having a virtual scroll wheel. Not sure how useful the multi-touch will be. I'll miss the side-buttons a little, but definitely hope there's a way to emulate the center-click as I use that a lot to open up my application windows.

[Llama]

Originally Posted by djames42

definitely hope there's a way to emulate the center-click as I use that a lot to open up my application windows.

+1, I use middle click to paste inside terminal windows all day long. I'll still probably get one for my wife, but no chance I'll jump without middle click.

[Mazda 3s]

Gizmodo just posted a review of the Magic Mouse:

http://gizmodo.com/5386202/apple-magic-mouse-review

Which brings me to this question... why do sites like Gizmodo and Engadget get to review stuff and have hands-on stuff with Apple stuff before Mac-centric sites like Apple Insider or Mac Rumors? It just boggles my mind that Apple doesn't reach out more to dedicated Mac sites.

[djames42]

Originally Posted by Llama

+1, I use middle click to paste inside terminal windows all day long. I'll still probably get one for my wife, but no chance I'll jump without middle click.

I've gotten used to V for pasting in terminal. Without a three-button mouse that gives me copy and paste options inside terminal (like a proper xterm), I don't mind the keyboard shortcuts. But it's definitely hard to adjust your workflow once you've gotten used to this sort of thing.

I suppose I'll get used to F10 on my desktop, or I'll set up expose corners like I have on my MBP... Anything to keep from twice-weekly ball cleanings!

[djames42]

Originally Posted by Mazda 3s

Which brings me to this question... why do sites like Gizmodo and Engadget get to review stuff and have hands-on stuff with Apple stuff before Mac-centric sites like Apple Insider or Mac Rumors? It just boggles my mind that Apple doesn't reach out more to dedicated Mac sites.

Possibly because those of us who frequent sites like AI are already likely to buy things like this. Readers of non-Apple specific sites may need more prodding

[Mazda 3s]

Originally Posted by djames42

Possibly because those of us who frequent sites like AI are already likely to buy things like this. Readers of non-Apple specific sites may need more prodding

Even if they are likely to buy the stuff anyway, providing review samples to these sites still gives great exposure and helps push users to buy that otherwise may have been on the fence.

Surely Apple doesn't think we're mindless idiots that will buy anything...

[hmurchison]

Originally Posted by Jdanek630

$69..... for a mouse? I'll pass and invest my hard-earned money in something that will offer a much more cost-effective return. How can they be serious about that price tag? That's absurd.

I paid about the same for my Logitech MX mouse and I tell you it's been worth every cent. I use to use hot corners for Expose and other things but now I have a bunch of features assigned to buttons that make it really easy.

I can't go back and while I want a MM ...I'm not sure I can duplicate all the features I now use on my MX yet. We'll see...I'm gonna check out the new hardware this weekend.

[photoeditor]

I strongly like the idea of the new mouse. No more moving parts to jam, wear out, break or get dirty.

However this software driver issue concerns me somewhat. For example, will it work in Boot Camp with Windows, or even in Vmware or Parallels?

By the way, WHEN is Apple going to step up and produce a Bluetooth keyboard with a numeric keypad? Or has His Steveness decreed that the keypad shall die?

[hillstones]

Another "Scare-Tactic" story from AppleInsider. They need to go to Apple's website and read the specs before they publish such a BS story. The mouse requires any Bluetooth Mac with 10.5.8 or later and the Wireless Mouse Update 1.0 (to enable the multi-touch features). The mouse DOES NOT require 10.6.2. Apple is simply including the update with 10.6.2, just like they did with the aluminum keyboard update and original mighty mouse software updates, which were rolled into later versions of Leopard.

The mouse will ship with a CD with the software update.

I have already ordered mine because it will be well worth it to use a scroll mouse with no moving parts.

[hillstones]

Originally Posted by photoeditor

By the way, WHEN is Apple going to step up and produce a Bluetooth keyboard with a numeric keypad? Or has His Steveness decreed that the keypad shall die?

After you start using it, you realize you don't miss the numeric keypad at all.

[codymr]

ahem... excuse me I meant "Apple Mouse." It works well and I especially like the hated scroll ball - I love that it lets me scroll in any direction. It is funny, I have had no problems at all with the scroll ball sticking. That said I was at a friend's house the other day updating software on her iMac and her USB Apple Mouse was filthy and the ball was clogged with crud from months or even years of use. About once a month I wipe my MacBook Pro screen, keyboard and BT Mouse with a damp cloth... a little TLC goes a long way.

However, I am amazed that Apple, the company that brought the mouse to mainstream computing, has had such a hard time making a good mouse... remember that hockey puck piece of crap? And it seemed to take Apple forever to adopt a mouse configuration that had a simple left and right click... I never liked having to hit a modifier key on my keyboard to get a secondary click option. For years I would buy mice from third party vendors. With this new "magic" design, perhaps they have finally got it right.

I do wonder why they do not make a combined Blue Tooth/USB mouse with a built in rechargeable battery and a removable cord? Apple LOVES their built in batteries and a mouse that allows you to use it as a standard USB corded mouse while it charges and as a BT mouse using a rechargeable battery with the cord removed seems elementary and very "Apple." Perhaps that configuration would increase the price too much and put it far out of the price range of other computer mice on the market.

That's my two cents.

[hillstones]

Originally Posted by codymr

I do wonder why they do not make a combined Blue Tooth/USB mouse with a built in rechargeable battery and a removable cord? Apple LOVES their built in batteries and a mouse that allows you to use it as a standard USB corded mouse while it charges and as a BT mouse using a rechargeable battery with the cord removed seems elementary and very "Apple." Perhaps that configuration would increase the price too much and put it far out of the price range of other computer mice on the market.

That's my two cents.

An interesting concept, but I think an open plug would ruin the look. Two AA's do go a long way in a bluetooth mouse, so you don't really need the extra expense of a rechargeable battery with wired option. You would have to leave your Mac on and awake for the mouse to recharge after you drained it. Also, I don't want the cord on my desk, even if only to recharge. So much nicer having the BT keyboard and BT mouse.

The Mighty Mouse worked well, until it came to cleaning it. It would have been much easier if you could easily open it to clean the roller sensors and the ball. Gluing it closed was a mistake.

[hillstones]

Originally Posted by Mazda 3s

Gizmodo just posted a review of the Magic Mouse:

http://gizmodo.com/5386202/apple-magic-mouse-review

Which brings me to this question... why do sites like Gizmodo and Engadget get to review stuff and have hands-on stuff with Apple stuff before Mac-centric sites like Apple Insider or Mac Rumors? It just boggles my mind that Apple doesn't reach out more to dedicated Mac sites.

Their review is also very misinformed. They claim it only works with the new iMacs (not true, any Bluetooth Mac running 10.5.8 and Wireless Mouse Update 1.0). They also claim it scratches easily. I would like to know how your hand and finger could scratch a mouse.

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by Jdanek630

$69 is far above the equilibrium of the market value for a multi-featured mouse. That's my complaint. I never said I did not use my mouse frequently. Many mice are sold for $10-$15, though I paid $30 for mine for the wireless, 3-button features, and stylish design. I would never pay more than double for seemingly something that is not worth double. That's just my opinion, I respect yours.

My opinion is that you shouldn't jump to conclusions about new technology until you have had a chance to use it. Magic Mouse is interesting to say the least, it's value will be determined by people willing to use it and buy it.


Dave

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by hillstones

After you start using it, you realize you don't miss the numeric keypad at all.

When I use my Macbook, I always miss having the keypad.

[sdbryan]

Originally Posted by Jdanek630

$69..... for a mouse? I'll pass and invest my hard-earned money in something that will offer a much more cost-effective return. How can they be serious about that price tag? That's absurd.

In a later reply you indicate you respect the opinion of someone who chooses to buy the new mouse. How does : "That's absurd" fit into that respect? Incidentally I also don't plan to purchase the new mouse at that price unless I hear near universal high praise and/or get to try it out for more than just a store visit.

[sdbryan]

Originally Posted by Mazda 3s

Gizmodo just posted a review of the Magic Mouse:

http://gizmodo.com/5386202/apple-magic-mouse-review

Which brings me to this question... why do sites like Gizmodo and Engadget get to review stuff and have hands-on stuff with Apple stuff before Mac-centric sites like Apple Insider or Mac Rumors? It just boggles my mind that Apple doesn't reach out more to dedicated Mac sites.

I believe I read that Apple Store customers who purchase Macs include 50% who are first time Apple customers. Advertising at Mac centric sites would miss this group (non-Apple customers at those sites tend to be trolls who will buy from Apple when hell freezes over). Also Engadget and Gizmodo have tremendously larger audiences. The Mac enthusiasts will see the reviews at the larger sites anyway.

[KiltedGreen]

I was keen to buy this ... but £55!? I thought "Why don't I use 'Air Mouse' more that I downloaded off the App Store for my iPod touch? Suddenly, £3.49 looks dirt cheap" :-) It doesn't replicate all the Magic Mouse's features, but a good number of them. I'll have to try one out I suppose.

[mdriftmeyer]

What is the maximum dpi settings for the Mouse?

[webraider]

Originally Posted by djames42

I'll definitely I think getting used to tactile-less clicking will take some time, but I love the idea of having a virtual scroll wheel. Not sure how useful the multi-touch will be. I'll miss the side-buttons a little, but definitely hope there's a way to emulate the center-click as I use that a lot to open up my application windows.

I can't speak for the center click. I hated the side buttons on the Mighty Mouse as I was always setting them off by accident. I hardly EVER Use dashboard anyways and rarely use Expose. I use it from the keyboard or use Dock Expose. You will however by happy to hear that this is a tactile feedback clicking mouse. It works much like the Mighty Mouse in this respect although it's better balanced so you don't get accidental clicks in the wrong direction. The Gestures work great. I actually liked my Mighty Mouse until the scroll wheel stopped working completely. (It lasted me about a good year and a half). I decided to get the rocketfish apple mouse which works really well until Apple released a multi-touch mouse. I tried it in the Apple Store and loved but i just have to justify do I need it or do I want it???

[ryanbridgwood]

When can we expect 10.6.2?