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Here it comes to save the day: New Mighty Mouse

by Dave Caolo Oct 2nd 2009 at 12:00PM

"Twenty five years after introducing the world to mouse-based computing, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is now hoping to deliver significant advances to the input device by applying the company's extensive research and development in multitouch technologies," AppleInsider reports.

In other words, "new mouse."

I own the often maligned Mighty Mouse, both wired and wireless. We have an on-again, off-again relationship. On one side, I like the feel of the thing. The extra weight added by the Bluetooth model's batteries is especially nice, as is the smooth surface. It travels well in my bag, absorbing bumps and jolts without complaint.

The little trackball nubbin is another issue. It requires more cleaning than I'd like to perform, and makes me wish for an old ADB mouse. Popping the ball out and cleaning the rollers was a quick and simple job. I've used the Mighty Mouse paper trick -- rub the ball on a sheet of paper or a few seconds -- with mixed results.

AppleInsider reports that the current model is back ordered across retailers, and that its replacement won't be white plastic, will ditch the trackball and feature "...expanded touch sensitive housing and 'multipoint touch detection mechanism' technologies."

The new mouse could ship with the rumored iMac update.

[Via Gizmodo]

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31 Comments

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Daniel

Apple have really let me down with the Mighty Mouse. It's probably the only below-par experience I've had with an Apple product so far. The scrolling got really stuffed up on the original one that came with my iMac, so Apple sent me a replacement. However the replacement is even worse; it now scrolls, but if you bump it even slightly, the mouse's bluetoooth connection drops out.

October 02 2009 at 5:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Caitlin

Glad that http://imgur.com/OG1Hjl.jpg went out of style.

October 02 2009 at 5:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rhett F

Apple should just copy the MX revolution since I have never seen a better mouse.

October 02 2009 at 4:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jason

I've used a BT Mighty Mouse for over 2 years now, and I've never had to clean the scroll ball even once. It works very well, as it should. Y'all are dirty. Wash your hands.

October 02 2009 at 1:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Martin

I'm actually considering just selling my BT MightyMouse to get a different BT mouse. Cleaning it doesn't always fix the problem for me lately, and it doesn't really glide smooth on my desk.

I also dislike having to get a BT mouse because my MacBook only has two USB ports. I like venting. :)

October 02 2009 at 1:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matt

I'm pretty sure the keyboards are set to be updated too. At least the wireless ones. All three Manhattan stores are completely out.

October 02 2009 at 1:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Matt's comment
homagetogorto

Update the keyboards? What more can they do to them -- remove the spacebar?

October 02 2009 at 2:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matt

There's a new FCC filing for the Bluetooth keyboard on Engadget actually. It appears to be smaller than the one that there is now. They say that the FCC pulled the photos already.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/new-apple-bluetooth-keyboard-arrives-at-the-fcc-new-mouse-rumor/

October 02 2009 at 3:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
R. Ahrens

I really like my wireless mighty mouse, and since I started using alcohol (with the mouse turned off, and upside down) my cleaning record is a solid 100%. Just douse a Kleenex with alcohol, turn off the MM, turn it upside down, and roll the ball against the wet tissue for a minute or so, making sure you get as much of the surface of the ball you can by turning it in circles. You will find the little bumps and ticks you've been feeling just melt away.

Let it sit for a few minutes, or just wave it around for a bit to allow the alcohol to evaporate, and when you turn it back on, it works like new. I do this about every month, as I used to do with the old ball mice, and rarely have any trouble with it.

Don't wait for it to gunk up and stop working! Like anything else, a little preventive maintenance goes a llooonnnggg way!

October 02 2009 at 1:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jason

All right! I was wanting to get a new mouse, but I hadn't pulled the trigger yet. I can wait another month or two if it means I get a cool multitouch mouse out of the deal.

October 02 2009 at 1:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Halopend@gmail.com

I literally bought a Mighty Mouse 2 days ago, I don't wan't to hear this now... maybe I should preemptively return it.

October 02 2009 at 1:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Halopend@gmail.com's comment
Jim

It will work fine for six months, maybe a year, then will need to be cleaned occasionally. When the mouse is working I love it...you need to decide if the cleaning is worth the hassle.

October 02 2009 at 1:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Halopend@gmail.com

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/new-apple-bluetooth-keyboard-arrives-at-the-fcc-new-mouse-rumor/

Engadget confirms the new ones existence (through an FCC filing), so I'll definitely return it now for the new model (which hopefully comes out soon).

October 02 2009 at 1:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Skoalbandit

Love the mouse when it works but it requires too much effort to keep it going. All other mice work for years with out requiring maintenance.

October 02 2009 at 1:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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