 [Larger view] | Apple Wireless Pro Mouse
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Average user rating:  | |
| Good Mouse | |
| Before reviewing this mouse, I made sure I had the latest Bluetooth and Wireless Mouse Firmware installed (March 2004). The CD in the box was already out of date. Always check with the Software Updater first. Many bugs are fixed by firmware. For those with problems, I might suggest you make sure your Firmware is up to date. I installed the 1.5V Lithium batteries that came with it. A note about using AA rechargables. Most all AA rechargables are 1.25V, not 1.5V, so you are starting off with 17% less power if you use rechargables, which will reduce your range. The Energizer Lithium batteries that is comes with are probably the best AA batteries that you can buy. (about $5 for 2) This mouse is about 20% heavier than the Apple Pro mice (white or clear). It weights slightly less than my 15G iPod. If you don't have to lift the mouse up and down, you can easily get used to the extra weight. I've been using Apple mice since 1984, and the early ones were like heavy bars of soap, so this is light in comparism. The click tension is also adjustable inside, which is now missing from the White Apple Pro USB Mouse. This mouse appears larger to the eye, because it is solid white, not clear or white/clear. In fact, it's identical in shape and size as the Apple Pro Mouse. Tracking seems identical to the Apple Pro Mouse. I would recommend that you use a solid colored mouse pad with any optical mouse. Sharp contrasting colors can make them skip (orange to black for example). If you still think a corded mouse is the best option, the new White Apple Pro mouse has a 6" longer cord, which will reach the left side of an iBook better than the clear corded mouse, which is a bit too short. Using a wireless mouse does free up 1 USB port, if that matters to you. It does take a few seconds to find it once you turn it on. I give it 4 stars due to the additional weight and startup delay. | |
| Great partner for Powerbooks | |
| This is my third attempt at a portable mouse for my PB. First was the Targus USB wireless minimouse which was tiny and worked great, but had no off switch (had to remove batts). Second came the full-sized Kensington USB wireless which had a neat compartment for the USB receiver and could be turned off, but wouldn't track on many surfaces and whose construction was very cheap (resulting in a very short lifespan). I had held off on this mouse for a while due to the price. I finally took the plunge a month ago and have no regrets! BT mouse is great! Extremely easy setup. My PB detects it usually in 2-3 seconds. It also tracks (nearly) as well as the Targus minimouse (which could handle ANY surface). Only a few hiccups on the shiny formica at B&N. The off switch is cleverly placed and protects the optics while loose in my laptop bag. Design is clean, classic Apple. One of my favorite things about this mouse is the fact that you can check on battery levels from System Preferences on your powerbook!!! The only negs I can think of are that I do miss right clicks and the wheel somewhat. Not nearly enough to go back to the others though... Strongly recommend! | |
 Catch This Little Mouse | |
| Apple's Bluetooth Mouse is the first thing that I've bought that makes use of the Bluetooth capability of my computer. While I've heard that Bluetooth doesn't really speed up the method of sync-ing your PDA with your computer, it does make a nice extra for laptop users wanting to go back to using a mouse. A warning though--make sure your firmware and software is up-to-date when you install and begin to use the mouse. Also, it helps to confirm that your bluetooth module is actually working. Funnily enough, mine was on the fritz and had to be repaired, but now it all works like a charm. My PowerBook easily adapts from going between trackpad and mouse i.e., I don't have to make any changes--I just start using one or the other. I also have not had the problems that other users have had regarding waking from sleep. My mouse connects back up with the computer just fine. I just "double-click" the body to wake it up and can see from the bluetooth icon in the menu bar that it's re-connected. I have noticed that it works better on a mousepad or other surface, and suggest that you should do so, although others tell me it works fine anywhere. When I use it on the bare surface of my desk, I seem to keep picking up dirt, hair, dust, etc. It also works well from across the room, useful for presentations and the like. |
