<strong>If you've seen any of the new Al PB's or the new MacAlly icekey keyboard, then you've seen scissor action keys. The way the key is mounted to the board differs from the traditional method (which is kinda like a socketed and sprung key). Under each scissor key are two little arms that cross each other, each from one side of the key to the other, when you press the key they close like a little scissor. Not all notebook keyboards have this</strong><hr></blockquote>
my good old iBook 600DVD (late 2001) has these types of keys ! I assumed most apple laptops have had these for a while...
I found out when my cat took my J-key prisoner, breaking the precious little bits on the underside of the key and then whisking it away to his secret hiding place in the closet...
First, OS X is a UNIX, so if we see multi-button mice they'll have (the equivalent of) three buttons.
Second, Apple will not release a mouse that is not a) fundamentally ergonomic (before you object, round mice are), and b) able to be used by little kids as well as adults. Scroll wheels and the multi-button implementations on most PC mice are responsible for untold millions of dollars a year in productivity lost to RSI. If Apple releases anything like the "Dell by Logitech" attached to my PC, we'll know they've abandoned any form of concern for their customers whatsoever.
The simple fact is that the current one-button mouse is the most sensible design for a mouse, if you consider the constraints it places on interface designers (a good thing) and also the construction and intended function of the hands, and also the fact that adults can use it fluently as a fingertip mouse (the correct way) that can be clicked with more than one finger at once (much better ergonomically), while kids can glom their hands onto it and use it easily (clicking with their whole hand).
Until Apple finds a way to really design a multifunction mouse-like thing in such a way that it satisfies the constraints they work within, multi-button mice will remain a third party opportunity for people who either know they have wrists of steel, or who don't mind being laid up with carpal tunnel.
Yes, yes...what does the third button do in Unix anyway? Is it the same thing as pressing the Command key and clicking? You know, so you can noncontiguously select text, etc? Hmmmm.
<strong>Until Apple finds a way to really design a multifunction mouse-like thing in such a way that it satisfies the constraints they work within, multi-button mice will remain a third party opportunity for people who either know they have wrists of steel, or who don't mind being laid up with carpal tunnel. </strong><hr></blockquote>
what about trackpads!!!!
sure you can opt to get a better mouse... (and i whole-heartedly agree with the idea of a single button mouse standard)
but with a laptop, you don't have that choice... <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" />
I guess the link i provided above will have to do for now...
This may be slightly off-topic, but would sink or delay the Bluetooth keyboard. As you'll recall prior to MWSF there was a lot of discussion about how Apple would put its new light-fiber patent to use (flashing iMac bases, etc.) Turns out it appeared in the 17" AlBook (possibly the only laptop with the extra space to implement it?).
Working in the dark as I often do it has occurred to me that I would really appreciate that in any desktop keyboard as well. What do all of you think? Wouldn't that be a reasonable "Next Cool Thing" from Apple for the desktop line? Or just goofy?
Yes, yes...what does the third button do in Unix anyway? Is it the same thing as pressing the Command key and clicking? You know, so you can noncontiguously select text, etc? Hmmmm.
well in order to use programs like softimage you needed a 3 button. for example if you wanted to scale something: left button would scale in x axis, middle y axis, and right z axis (I'm prob wrong about whitch button controled which axis).
Bluetooth would be a disaster for Apple's educational market. You aren't gonna leave wireless keyboards and mice in a setting where anyone can take them.
Wireless means batteries or chargers. Batteries and/or chargers are extra maintenance. Apple excels at making the computer experience easier, and I would like to see them stick to that mission.
I would like to see a multi-button mouse from available from Apple, at least on the pro lines. It's true, the one button mouse can be more useful for novices, but pros need more.
One button on the powerbook trackpad sucks too. Of course, I hate trackpads so I don't know if I'll ever get a laptop. Why did they quit using trackballs? They seem so much more responsive to me...
Bluetooth would be a disaster for Apple's educational market. You aren't gonna leave wireless keyboards and mice in a setting where anyone can take them.
What stops the little thieves from taking mice now? I mean a little USB plug isn't stopping them is it?
After getting my 12" PB, I really found the keyboard to be the best I have used. I tried and then bought the Macally icekey keyboard and it is just as good plus it is full sized.
It would be great if a bluetooth version of this keyboard comes out as I would certainly get one.
Comments
<strong>If you've seen any of the new Al PB's or the new MacAlly icekey keyboard, then you've seen scissor action keys. The way the key is mounted to the board differs from the traditional method (which is kinda like a socketed and sprung key). Under each scissor key are two little arms that cross each other, each from one side of the key to the other, when you press the key they close like a little scissor. Not all notebook keyboards have this</strong><hr></blockquote>
my good old iBook 600DVD (late 2001) has these types of keys ! I assumed most apple laptops have had these for a while...
I found out when my cat took my J-key prisoner, breaking the precious little bits on the underside of the key and then whisking it away to his secret hiding place in the closet...
First, OS X is a UNIX, so if we see multi-button mice they'll have (the equivalent of) three buttons.
Second, Apple will not release a mouse that is not a) fundamentally ergonomic (before you object, round mice are), and b) able to be used by little kids as well as adults. Scroll wheels and the multi-button implementations on most PC mice are responsible for untold millions of dollars a year in productivity lost to RSI. If Apple releases anything like the "Dell by Logitech" attached to my PC, we'll know they've abandoned any form of concern for their customers whatsoever.
The simple fact is that the current one-button mouse is the most sensible design for a mouse, if you consider the constraints it places on interface designers (a good thing) and also the construction and intended function of the hands, and also the fact that adults can use it fluently as a fingertip mouse (the correct way) that can be clicked with more than one finger at once (much better ergonomically), while kids can glom their hands onto it and use it easily (clicking with their whole hand).
Until Apple finds a way to really design a multifunction mouse-like thing in such a way that it satisfies the constraints they work within, multi-button mice will remain a third party opportunity for people who either know they have wrists of steel, or who don't mind being laid up with carpal tunnel.
If they're the right size. Even then the mouse's axes are a bit indeterminate, but I suppose I've never had enough time using one to get use to it.
In UNIX, the third button tends to be bound to paste: the right button typically gives contextual menus.
<strong>Until Apple finds a way to really design a multifunction mouse-like thing in such a way that it satisfies the constraints they work within, multi-button mice will remain a third party opportunity for people who either know they have wrists of steel, or who don't mind being laid up with carpal tunnel.
what about trackpads!!!!
sure you can opt to get a better mouse... (and i whole-heartedly agree with the idea of a single button mouse standard)
but with a laptop, you don't have that choice...
I guess the link i provided above will have to do for now...
[ 03-16-2003: Message edited by: Paul ]</p>
Working in the dark as I often do it has occurred to me that I would really appreciate that in any desktop keyboard as well. What do all of you think? Wouldn't that be a reasonable "Next Cool Thing" from Apple for the desktop line? Or just goofy?
Originally posted by os10geek
Yes, yes...what does the third button do in Unix anyway? Is it the same thing as pressing the Command key and clicking? You know, so you can noncontiguously select text, etc? Hmmmm.
well in order to use programs like softimage you needed a 3 button. for example if you wanted to scale something: left button would scale in x axis, middle y axis, and right z axis (I'm prob wrong about whitch button controled which axis).
Wireless means batteries or chargers. Batteries and/or chargers are extra maintenance. Apple excels at making the computer experience easier, and I would like to see them stick to that mission.
I would like to see a multi-button mouse from available from Apple, at least on the pro lines. It's true, the one button mouse can be more useful for novices, but pros need more.
One button on the powerbook trackpad sucks too. Of course, I hate trackpads so I don't know if I'll ever get a laptop. Why did they quit using trackballs? They seem so much more responsive to me...
Originally posted by Gizzmonic
Bluetooth would be a disaster for Apple's educational market. You aren't gonna leave wireless keyboards and mice in a setting where anyone can take them.
What stops the little thieves from taking mice now? I mean a little USB plug isn't stopping them is it?
Dave
Originally posted by DaveGee
What stops the little thieves from taking mice now? I mean a little USB plug isn't stopping them is it?
Dave
You actually can loop security cables around the cords, near where they plug in.
by Matsu MacAlly already does it, on this model
After getting my 12" PB, I really found the keyboard to be the best I have used. I tried and then bought the Macally icekey keyboard and it is just as good plus it is full sized.
It would be great if a bluetooth version of this keyboard comes out as I would certainly get one.