As Apple preps multi-touch mouse, Microsoft shows off its own

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  • Reply 41 of 102
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    I thought Microsoft came up with the 2 button concept- am I missing something?



    Wikipedia thinks you are.
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  • Reply 42 of 102
    gazoobeegazoobee Posts: 3,754member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by floccus View Post


    Using a camera and some sort of scanning system to track hand movements isn't multi-touch ...



    Actually it is. That's the basis of the Microsoft Table.



    Multi-touch refers to the finger part, there are several different types of sensing technology that can be used, cameras among them.



    Apple and before them Fingerworks have locked up most of the patents on capacitance based multi-touch surfaces which is why you see Microsoft really pushing the camera based devices since that's all they can legally do really. If you look at these "prototypes" (more like concepts really), only the grey half-cylinder uses capacitance based multi-touch the rest use camera technology.



    I would bet that Microsoft would have a really hard time bringing any of these to market, especially the capacitance one and that they are not really "prototypes" at all, but just a few concepts they've been throwing around. They just want to prove that "they have ideas too dammit!" on the eve of Apple introducing a really cool multi-touch mouse that they *wish* they had invented, but didn't.
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  • Reply 43 of 102
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by macmondo View Post


    as I just wrote in my post a few minutes earlier, look at the Zune!



    I personally think that the Zune looks good. I don't think it looks like a prototype product. Have you used a Zune? If not, I suggest playing with it first. If you have, then I'll respect your opinion.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hzc View Post


    (...) I do love the way it scrolls and would not go back to a regular wheel mouse. Apple has needed to address the malfunctions caused by dirt/grease/whatever getting into the scroll ball mechanism, and they have now done so. I will buy the new mouse as soon as it is available.



    None of us have seen the mouse yet, if it even exists. I would suggest waiting a little while for reviews, for you to go into the Apple store and playing with the device for 30 minutes or so before purchasing.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Shintocam View Post


    It's too bad that AI did not link or reference the Gizmodo coverage of this http://gizmodo.com/5374224/the-futur...f-there-is-one because actually - the MS multitouch mouse is actually quite cool as you can see from the video.



    Thanks for posting that! The Cap Mouse seems like the next step in mice (as opposed to the other devices). I like the idea of using gestures (the one part I like of the iPod Touch) but I hate using a trackpad. Now if the device would have the physical Right and Left buttons, that would make my day.

    Also, the images are by far better than what AI found on Engaget.
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  • Reply 44 of 102
    mstonemstone Posts: 11,510member
    I think the reason everyone seems to praise the original MS mouse design is because it is simple and it works. (Personally I use Logitech but it is the same design mostly)



    My concern with the proposed new multitouch mice concepts including Apple's is that unintended control signals might be accidentally issued just moving around the mouse. It seems that one would have to very careful not to touch the surface at all unless interacting with the interface.



    I find that I am constantly moving the mouse around just as a pointer, sort of like giving a presentation or just pondering a design layout. On my MBP track pad I often accidently move the mouse position and I think the same might be true of a multitouch mouse.
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  • Reply 45 of 102
    sandausandau Posts: 1,230member
    Apple has failed with all of their mice except the first one on the original macintosh. Any mouse they produce will remain in the crapware category (for me) until they prove otherwise.



    Microsoft, on the other hand, has done quite well with their mice. I'm a MS and Logitech fan, they do mice well. I use them on both Windows and OS X and am quite happy to toss any Apple mouse in the donation bin for charity.
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  • Reply 46 of 102
    teckstudteckstud Posts: 6,476member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by anonymouse View Post


    Yes, but not in the post I quoted. I chose to respond to that one, where it was stated that it wasn't supposed to be stylish to emphasize that I believe it is supposed to be stylish. I also don't believe style should be a mere afterthought as, "function first then add style," seems to imply.



    However, my choice of what to reply to really has very little to do with you personally in most cases, so it's of little consequence that you may have said something else later, unless it's my intent to contest an entire line of argument. Not everything is about you.



    You do go on- don't you?? We sometimes refer to that as diarrhea of the mouth where I come from.
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  • Reply 47 of 102
    teckstudteckstud Posts: 6,476member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Bengt77 View Post


    Wikipedia thinks you are.





    Addendum for those that take everything so literally:



    Quote:

    I thought Microsoft utilized the 2 button concept before Apple - am I missing something?



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  • Reply 48 of 102
    desuserigndesuserign Posts: 1,316member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    I thought Microsoft came up with the 2 button concept- am I missing something?



    Laughable. Yes, you are missing something. For example:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SmakyMouseAG.jpeg

    Many multi-button mice were around before Microsoft started licensing designs.

    But it is true that MS advocated multi-button mice long before Apple. Apple rejected the multi-button mouse as too complicated for typical users, but they were exposed to them at Xerox PARC and considered their use.
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  • Reply 49 of 102
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by camroidv27 View Post


    I personally think that the Zune looks good. I don't think it looks like a prototype product. Have you used a Zune? If not, I suggest playing with it first. If you have, then I'll respect your opinion.



    excuse me? I said it looked like a prototype, I didn't mention usability. My opinion was about the ugly looks of that brown Zune.



    And about the MS mouse. Using it with macs it's quite annoying when returning from sleep mode the MS mouse doesn't come back to life. I have to disconnect and reconnect its USB cable to bring it back to work.
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  • Reply 50 of 102
    teckstudteckstud Posts: 6,476member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by DESuserIGN View Post


    Laughable. Yes, you are missing something. For example:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SmakyMouseAG.jpeg

    Many multi-button mice were around before Microsoft started licensing designs.

    But it is true that MS advocated multi-button mice long before Apple. Apple rejected the multi-button mouse as too complicated for typical users, but they were exposed to them at Xerox PARC and considered their use.



    I changed the post!!! Re-read it pleez. Must you take everything so literal?



    Quote:

    I thought Microsoft utilized the 2 button concept before Apple - am I missing something?



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  • Reply 51 of 102
    rnp1rnp1 Posts: 175member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by BuzDots View Post


    ...Balmer: "Wait, me too"



    Don't forget to send a dollar to Douglas Engelbart,true inventor of the mouse in 1983!

    (Great Grandad Engelbert changed his name in the early 1900s because of a divorce from the Neumann family

    out of New Ulm MN)
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  • Reply 52 of 102
    teckstudteckstud Posts: 6,476member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by macmondo View Post


    excuse me? I said it looked like a prototype, I didn't mention usability. My opinion was about the ugly looks of that brown Zune.



    And about the MS mouse. Using it with macs it's quite annoying when returning from sleep mode the MS mouse doesn't come back to life. I have to disconnect and reconnect its USB cable to bring it back to work.



    I've tried playing with a ZuneHD but it's been sold out at Best Buy for like 3 weeks now. Even their floor model has been taken!
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  • Reply 53 of 102
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by iLLucionist View Post


    Unbelievable...I think the original Douglas Engelbert's mouse was even more stylish.. what a piece of ugly junk.



    I didn't realize prototypes had to be elegant in design...
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  • Reply 54 of 102
    rnp1rnp1 Posts: 175member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by iReality85 View Post


    I didn't realize prototypes had to be elegant in design...



    Does anyone remember the Protopipe, beside me and Al Gore?
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  • Reply 55 of 102
    yes Apple please get your act into gear and release a decent mouse, needs a touch surface that will give me trackball like functionality, a clever solution to prevent my fingertips getting irritated by constant repeated surface movement, support for gestures etc etc.



    this needs to be quick as the bearings that support the ball on my present optical trackball mouse are shot. this device is terrific and has been in constant use for maybe 6 years. super comfortable, accurate, no RSI, discontinued. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that it was made by Microsoft!



    http://my.galagzee.com/wp-content/up...llexplorer.jpg



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  • Reply 56 of 102
    rot'napplerot'napple Posts: 1,839member
    They look like the few pieces one is left with when assembling MS's multi-touch table, "The Surface"...
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  • Reply 57 of 102
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    Wrong - it has to be fuctional first and formost THEN add the stylishness.

    Apple's mice have never been well liked, reviewed, or remembered yet they're VERY stylish.



    Not true. Most people never replace the mouse they got with their computer unless it breaksdown.



    Most reviews on Apple's mouses (yes that is correct) are neutral. Main complaint for years was lack of 'multi' button. However, I still walk into classes and business and see a lot of single clicking and folks typing like crazy then picking up their mouse to print.



    As for 'remembered'? You just have to look at all these blogs. Seems that nobody has ever forgotten.



    I am glad Apple spends more on research and innovation then on a $50 mouse. I personally have 4 on my desk right now. Only use one. It has been a favorite for a couple of years now. It is a Logitech MX. Great a tracking (Darkfield Laser Tracing) on virtually any surface, even glass. Got rid of the mouse pad. It fits my hand perfectly. But my wife hates it because she finds it too big for her hands. My son, well, it is not a 'gamer' for him.



    In addition, I have a couple of 'traveling' mouse on standby. A Griffin Power Mate for editing video/audio (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate)



    One of my colleagues in the computer lab won't buy a wireless for the life of him. Needs to have it tethered, otherwise, he would never find it.



    Based on the comments coming out, there is no consensus on the 'perfect' mouse. Even the 'experts' can't agree.



    There is no mouse, glove, shoe, hat, toilet seat, etc., that fits all. Otherwise, we would all be a-holes.



    But we have a lot of choices. Some make money. But most die on the vine.



    P.S., If you ask any salesperson in larger computer shops, invariably the one item that takes the most time for a customer to select and buy is a mouse. And the more that they display, the longer it takes to make the decision. Unfortunately, as Consumer's Report has recommended, there are few places that will allow you to try out a mouse for a couple of weeks.



    http://www.3dconnexion.com/spp/index.php

    http://www.3dconnexion.com/

    http://www.ergoware.com/blog/coolest...e-market-today

    http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mi.../3443&cl=us,en

    http://www.fabstuff.net/products/664
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  • Reply 58 of 102
    anonymouseanonymouse Posts: 7,116member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    You do go on- don't you?? We sometimes refer to that as diarrhea of the mouth where I come from.



    No doubt they are many other quaintly colorful expressions where you come from, like schmuck.
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  • Reply 59 of 102
    rot'napplerot'napple Posts: 1,839member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Abster2core View Post


    Not true. Most people never replace the mouse they got with their computer unless it breaksdown.



    Most reviews on Apple's mouses (yes that is correct) are neutral. Main complaint for years was lack of 'multi' button. However, I still walk into classes and business and see a lot of single clicking and folks typing like crazy then picking up their mouse to print.



    As for 'remembered'? You just have to look at all these blogs. Seems that nobody has ever forgotten.



    I am glad Apple spends more on research and innovation then on a $50 mouse. I personally have 4 on my desk right now. Only use one. It has been a favorite for a couple of years now. It is a Logitech MX. Great a tracking (Darkfield Laser Tracing) on virtually any surface, even glass. Got rid of the mouse pad. It fits my hand perfectly. But my wife hates it because she finds it too big for her hands. My son, well, it is not a 'gamer' for him.



    In addition, I have a couple of 'traveling' mouse on standby. A Griffin Power Mate for editing video/audio (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate)



    One of my colleagues in the computer lab won't buy a wireless for the life of him. Needs to have it tethered, otherwise, he would never find it.



    Based on the comments coming out, there is no consensus on the 'perfect' mouse. Even the 'experts' can't agree.



    There is no mouse, glove, shoe, hat, toilet seat, etc., that fits all. Otherwise, we would all be a-holes.



    But we have a lot of choices. Some make money. But most die on the vine.



    http://www.3dconnexion.com/spp/index.php

    http://www.3dconnexion.com/

    http://www.ergoware.com/blog/coolest...e-market-today

    http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mi.../3443&cl=us,en

    http://www.fabstuff.net/products/664



    Did you ever use the egg shell iMac hockey puck design mouse that Apple had when it came out? Awful!! Absolutely worthless! It's stashed in a drawer in my desk... Stylish maybe, worst "feel in the palm of one's hand", though.



    And the mighty mouse... too sensitive, every session on my computer, I have to watch the widget screen pop up or expose whip away my open windows all because I needed to move my mouse.



    Apple may have neutral reviews on their mice, but that's because they are not worth writing about. Apple gets too artsy fartsy with them for my taste and seems to place form over function when creating them! One day, I hope Apple has a worthwhile product.
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  • Reply 60 of 102
    gazoobeegazoobee Posts: 3,754member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    You do go on- don't you?? We sometimes refer to that as diarrhea of the mouth where I come from.



    And the pot officially calls the kettle black.



    I think you got the verbal diarrhoea market pretty much sewn up teckdude.
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