Apple is famous for being able to draw attention even to its completely insignificant (or, to put it mildly, auxiliary) products. So the hero of today's article - the Magic Mouse - is well known even to those who are practically not interested in Apple products. Needless to say about the fans, whose exclamations of expectation and enthusiasm filled the forums and blogs of both America and Europe. It's hard to imagine such a hype around the mouse of any other manufacturer, isn't it?
However, Apple must be given credit: the Steve Jobs team knows how to look at familiar things (such as a mobile phone or a mouse) from an unexpected angle and release a model on a crowded market that will attract attention just by its appearance, as well as the idea put forward. at the heart of the design. A few years ago, Apple thought of releasing a phone without buttons (which soon became the standard for PDAs), but now a mouse without buttons has arrived on the shelves of Apple stores. And immediately everyone passionately wanted it :-) But until recently it was believed that the more buttons and all kinds of levers on the mouse, the cooler it is! But Apple has changed fashion again, and radically. However, fashion is fashion, and we need to understand how this product is objectively good and (most importantly) convenient. But let's start with general information.
History of appearance
In October 2009, Apple launched a number of its products, including the iMac line of desktop computers. The new iMacs received an aluminum case, screen sizes of 21.5 and 27 inches, Intel processors based on the Nehalem architecture, and in addition, a new wireless Magic Mouse included. You can, however, buy the old Mighty Mouse instead, which is now simply called the Apple Mouse and exists in both wired and wireless versions.
Mighty Mouse appeared on the market four years ago, and during this time she managed to collect the most controversial reviews from the owners. Some praise it for the ball, which allows scrolling not only vertically, but also horizontally, others scold it because the wheel gets dirty very quickly, and it is impossible to clean it. Apple fans note a successful design in the best "apple" traditions, and people who are more skeptical note that convenience was sacrificed for design - the mouse does not always distinguish between right and left clicks. In general, Mighty Mouse was an ambiguous, controversial model. Some even called it unsuccessful. And now Apple has released the Magic Mouse. You can buy a novelty as a bundle with the new iMac, or separately - for 3490 rubles (this is the price of Apple's Moscow resellers).
Too much for a mouse, right? Even if we make allowances for the fact that Apple products are sold with a huge margin, the price still looks too high. Does the Magic Mouse deserve it?
Appearance and packaging
When you first look at the device, you immediately want to exclaim: yes, it deserves it! Apple designers did a great job making the mouse even more stylish than the Mighty Mouse. Mighty Mouse looked perfect with Apple devices of the early 2000s, Magic Mouse is already a step into the new decade. Symmetrical shape, gracefully rounded edges, low smooth rise in the center - you admire this mouse like a work of art! It is ideal for shooting in some science fiction film or in a photo shoot for a glossy magazine.
Of course, the Apple logo is also present here, but very successfully, unobtrusively - a gray apple on a white background looks like the last and necessary touch in the composition of the whole. If the mouse is turned over, we will see a laser eye, an on / off button and a cover that closes the battery compartment. The mouse runs on two standard AA batteries, and one day you will have to change them. It is very simple to do this: we move the black lever at the bottom - and the battery cover itself is removed.
This, however, is the only removable part. Like the Mighty Mouse, Apple's new mouse does not require any disassembly.
Equipment and software
Magic Mouse comes in a compact box, the lower part of which is white (there is a mouse in it), and the upper part is made of transparent plastic a la glass. On the one hand, the design of the Magic Mouse itself is beaten here (so the kit as a whole looks very organic), and on the other hand, the box cannot but remind you of the packaging of the iPod nano, for example. What surprises in the configuration is the absence of any discs. All that we will find in the box besides the mouse is a miniature booklet with an instruction manual and a few inserts (warranty, European conformity certificate and Bluetooth standards table). However, you don't have to download any drivers. Just turn on your mouse and Bluetooth on your Mac.
Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X 10.6.2 or Mac OS X 10.5.8. True, in the second case, you still have to download the wireless mouse software update (since the corresponding driver in Leopard was sharpened for the Mighty Mouse). “But what if I have Windows?” you might ask. And I will have to disappoint you: the new Apple mouse is not “friends” with a PC running Windows. Maybe after a while Apple will release drivers for the PC, but for now, Magic Mouse can only be used on a Mac.
If your software fully complies with Apple's requirements, then after establishing a Bluetooth connection between the Mac and the mouse, go to System settings and click on Mouse. In the window that opens, you can configure all the functions of the Magic Mouse.
Everything is done very conveniently: on the left there is a window where you can check the necessary functions, and if you hover the mouse over one or another item, then in the window on the right we will be clearly shown how this function works (so that we can decide whether we need it ). In the upper part of the window, you can adjust the speed of double-clicking, moving the mouse and scrolling. At the very bottom, the battery level of the mouse is displayed.
Ergonomics and features of the Magic Mouse
Now let's move on to the most important thing - the possibilities of Magic Mouse. How innovative is the functionality of the mouse? And how convenient is it to work with these functions? With the main function - the usual movement of the cursor - Magic Mouse copes without problems. The accuracy of clicks does not cause any complaints, the movement of the cursor is soft, smooth, without jerks. The mouse works great on almost any surface and does not require any special mats (at least carry it on your knee!).
However, even on a flat surface, the hand quickly gets tired of holding the Magic Mouse. The mouse is low and small, it will not work to put a palm on it completely (especially a man's), so you have to keep the half-bent hand on weight all the time. Pianists will do fine as a training :-), but those who are used to massive large mice will not do with Magic Mouse. As well as those who like the mouse to fit comfortably in their hand. In this case, Apple sacrificed convenience for beauty.
And this applies not only to ergonomics, but also to how the right click is carried out here. Like the Mighty Mouse, the new mouse does not have a left and right button. The entire surface of the mouse is one big button, the right side of which is responsible for the right click, and the left side for the left one (if you noted in the settings that you need an imitation of the right button). However, since the position of your finger (right or left) is determined by the sensor located under the transparent button plate, only one finger should touch the mouse during a click. That is, if you have your index finger on the left side of the surface, and your middle finger on the right side, and you try to press with the middle finger, nothing will work. The Magic Mouse will interpret this as a left click.
Mighty Mouse had the same problem, but I personally expected Magic Mouse to solve this problem. All the same, four years have passed ... But alas. And this drawback (together with average ergonomics) makes it almost impossible to use the Magic Mouse in computer games. Where the outcome of the entire mission can depend on a click made in time, Magic Mouse will constantly strive to let you down.
But where the Magic Mouse shows its virtues is in web surfing and photo manipulation. Touch scrolling (you just move your finger on the mouse in the direction you want to scroll) and flicking photos in iPhoto (two fingers you make movements like turning pages in a book) take communication with large Internet pages and illustrations to a new level. convenience level. It is also possible to enlarge the screen - for this you need to scroll while holding down the Ctrl key (or Cmd, if you make the appropriate setting). This feature will be useful for visually impaired computer users.
prospects
After getting acquainted with the Magic Mouse, the first thought that arises is the following: the idea itself is wonderful, but its potential is only partially realized. For example, why can't you zoom in on photos by spreading your fingers (like on the iPhone)? Why can't you make a click without pressing - just a short touch (like on a MacBook touchpad)? Finally, why can't you use a mouse with a PC? This is completely incomprehensible. After all, PC support would increase the number of potential buyers of the Magic Mouse by several times! But Apple, apparently, has some of its own considerations in this regard. Of course, soon after the release of the mouse, all sorts of homemade driver assemblies appeared on the network, designed to “make friends” with the Magic Mouse and Windows PC, but for me personally, for example, none of them were installed on Windows 7 Ultimate. And even if it was installed, it is not a fact that all functions would be operational (and that the overall stability of the work would be normal). So for PC users who want to purchase a Magic Mouse, I still recommend waiting for the official Apple drivers. Programs that extend the functionality of the Magic Mouse in a Mac environment are a completely different matter. Here, first of all, it is worth mentioning the paid MouseWizard, but there are also free counterparts.
These programs give the Magic Mouse additional features, such as the middle button, launching certain applications, and so on. And, in my opinion, the future of Magic Mouse depends on utilities like MouseWizard. Since the ability to customize the mouse for yourself and, in fact, come up with ways to communicate with it yourself is very tempting. Figuratively speaking, such utilities for the Magic Mouse are like App Store applications for the iPhone. And without them, the device, of course, is functional, however, they take it to another level.
findings
So, let's try to summarize. But first, let's list the main advantages and disadvantages of the Magic Mouse.
pros
- great appearance;
- no need to install drivers (on Mac OS X 10.6.2);
- ease of working with photos and web pages;
- potential opportunities for expanding functionality;
Minuses
- high price;
- average ergonomics;
- lack of proprietary drivers for PC;
- on Mac only works with the latest versions of Leopard and Snow Leopard;
- Not all gestures are supported;
- right click is inconvenient.
Well, there are far more cons than pros. Moreover, these are critical disadvantages, making the purchase of a mouse possible and justified only for Apple fans and a narrow category of users who really liked some of the features of the Magic Mouse. On the other hand, if we evaluate the Magic Mouse not as an ordinary "manipulator", but as a fashionable gadget that is designed to please the eye, decorate the interior of the room and arouse the envy of guests, then the new Apple product is unlikely to have a worthy competitor.
If you look at the history of the computer mouse, you will find that there have been several evolutionary leaps in the development of this device. And at least two of them happened thanks to Apple.
A bit of history
A patent for a coordinate device for cursor control was issued in 1970. The first computer to include a mouse was announced by Xerox in 1981. His three-button mouse was a real know-how and cost 400 USD (about 1000 USD in today's money).
However, Apple made a real revolution by equipping its Lisa computer, released in 1981, with a one-button computer mouse of its own design, which cost only 25 USD.
Users quickly appreciated the convenience of graphical interfaces and the mouse as an efficient and intuitive input device. In the following years, while the PC world was fighting standards - two-button mice against three-button - Apple went to the multi-button manipulator in its own way. Initially, Steve Jobs, in an effort to get rid of everything superfluous, considered unnecessary even the second button. Therefore, the interfaces of the operating system of Apple computers have been adapted for a one-button mouse.
Then in 2005, the Mighty Mouse was introduced, a mouse without physical buttons, but with several pressure-sensitive zones that allow it to be configured as a mouse with one to four buttons.
A feature of the device is the use of a rubber ball Scroll Ball instead of the classic scroll wheel. At the same time, the mouse fits perfectly in the hand and can compete with modern models, if the presence of a wireless interface is not important for you.
In 2009, the device was renamed the Apple Mouse due to the contested name. At the same time, it has been preserved in the company's portfolio and you can purchase it right now through the website or from official resellers.
In the same year, the innovative computer mouse Apple Magic Mouse was introduced, which became the world's first mouse with touch control and support for multi-touch gestures.
It was a bold attempt to combine the functionality of a touchpad and a familiar mouse in one device. The familiar controls, such as the scroll wheel and individual buttons, have fallen victim to innovation. Like the Apple Mouse, the Magic Mouse can be configured to work in a variety of ways, allowing it to be used as a one-button or two-button mouse. Using various gestures, you can scale documents, web pages and pictures, scroll documents in any direction, navigate through your browsing history, etc.
Why use a mouse on a Mac?
One of the priority areas in Apple's business (especially before the advent of the iPhone) was the production of laptops. In a recent interview, Apple VP of Marketing Phil Schiller said that laptops now account for 80% of the company's computer sales.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Apple has always paid close attention to the design of input devices, and in particular touchpads. Their development was marked by the implementation of a number of innovative ideas, which later became industry standards.
We are talking about support for two-finger scrolling, inertial scrolling, multi-touch gestures, zoom, rotate and swipe, single or double-tap, as well as gestures using three and four fingers.
MacBook glass trackpads proved so good that in 2010 Apple released a wireless touchpad for iMac and Mac Pro desktop computers, the Magic Trackpad, which can be purchased separately (not included). The device is similar to trackpads in Apple laptops, but has a larger footprint. In 2015, the company released its updated version - Magic Trackpad 2 - which differs from the original in the presence of a built-in battery and a Taptic Engine vibration motor (as in the trackpads of the latest generations of MacBook and MacBook Pro).
As a result, the quality of MacBook trackpads has become legendary, and if you decide to study the reviews of MacBook buyers of different generations, then literally every second you will stumble upon the idea that now you can forget about the mouse.
Perhaps this is the best praise from users, which laptops from other manufacturers can only dream of.
The trackpads on your MacBook really allow you to do a lot of things quickly and with less power than you would with a mouse. You feel it especially well when working in the “field conditions” away from home and office.
However, there are a number of tasks for which the mouse is an order of magnitude more convenient. We are talking about graphics processing, video editing, 3D modeling, and in other cases where accurate cursor positioning is fundamentally important. At the same time, the convenience of multi-touch gestures fades into the background.
In addition, a comfortable mouse will come in handy for users who, by the nature of their activities, are forced to spend several hours at the computer every day. Even the most comfortable trackpad can lead to hand strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other muscle ailments with repeated repetition of monotonous actions.
Why not Magic Mouse?
Branded mouse from Apple. What else does a Mac user need? This mouse has a number of unique features that enhance the comfort of everyday tasks and make it unsuitable for professionals.
Low profile. Magic Mouse rises above the surface of the desktop for a couple of centimeters and does not fill the user's palm, leaving it without support.
Hence the same problems as when using the Magic Trackpad: fatigue from holding the hand “on weight”, muscle strain during many hours of work associated with the monotonous repetition of similar actions, etc. Users with long fingers will feel this shortcoming especially quickly.
Touchpad. This is one of the main advantages of the Magic Mouse. The touch surface adds trackpad functionality to it. But because of it, accidental grazing is inevitable. And as a result - unexpected transitions to the previous page in the browser, zooming in or out of the document, etc.
No physical buttons. The Magic Mouse actually has one button. The mode of operation of a multi-button mouse is implemented programmatically by dividing a single touch surface into areas that are associated with different buttons. Hence the inevitable mistakes: when working, the finger can move from the desired area, which is why misses are provided, especially if you need to do something in a hurry.
No clear scroll. The Magic Mouse uses a touch surface instead of a scroll wheel. As a result, it is not possible to scroll by a certain number of divisions. This is not noticeable when working with documents, but in applications where precise control is needed, it can cause a lot of inconvenience. So, instead of zooming in by the expected one or two divisions, you will zoom in either too much or not enough.
Instead of output. The Magic Mouse is an innovative piece of cutting-edge industrial design that fits perfectly into the cases of the undemanding user. This input tool is useful for reading, web surfing and basic tasks, but not always for professional work. This is eloquently evidenced by numerous negative user reviews.
In fairness, we note that those users who use the Mac as a working tool turned out to be dissatisfied with the Magic Mouse. And they do not in the least detract from the numerous advantages of the product, such as great design, high-quality case materials, horizontal scrolling convenience, the ability to pin custom action combinations, etc.
Magic Mouse alternatives. Is there life without magic?
We have compiled a selection of third-party Apple mice that will ease the workdays of an experienced mac driver and will compete with the Magic Mouse. When compiling the selection, a key criterion was taken into account - optimization for working with macOS.
On Mac computers, you can use any three-button mouse. Both wired and wireless. The standard controls work great and don't require any drivers to be installed. However, to use the full potential of macOS, it is necessary that the manufacturer take care of the software support of the manipulator for this platform. Otherwise, its functionality will not be revealed on the Mac.
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
A well-deserved model for professionals, which appeared on the market in 2009 as a replacement for the popular predecessor - MX Revolution. The mouse is still relevant due to its stylish design, high-quality sensor and the ability to charge.
Support for Mac computers has been implemented, but the manipulator can be used with equal success on other operating systems. Weight and dimensions are sacrificed for convenience and ergonomics, so this model is not suitable for MacBook owners for daily carrying in a bag with a laptop.
Performance MX is equipped with a sensitive sensor that allows you to work on any surface, even on glass or a mirror. The click-and-drag wheel allows you to horizontally scroll documents in macOS, which partially replaces the main feature of the Magic Mouse - convenient navigation in a document. 8 additional buttons are designed to perform custom actions that will help save time. The sensitive sensor is suitable for working with professional software. In this case, the resolution of the manipulator can be changed on the fly.
Rubber inserts on the sides provide a secure fit, and the ergonomic shape will reduce hand fatigue. Communication with the computer is carried out via a USB radio module. The battery can be charged via the micro-USB port. The LED charge indicator allows you to monitor the remaining operating time. The only drawback of the model can be considered the need to connect a USB adapter to a computer to receive a radio signal.
The issue price is about 100 USD equivalent.
Logitech MX Master
The current flagship solution from Logitech.
The model was conceived as an ultimate stationary solution, so the convenience of transportation was the last thing to be thought of when designing it. However, the MX Master is worth taking with you from work to home or back, especially since it has simultaneous pairing with three computers with the ability to quickly switch between them.
The mouse is made of high quality polycarbonate with a rubberized design insert. For horizontal scrolling, an additional wheel is used, which is located under the thumb of the right hand. Scrolling speed can be changed depending on the tasks performed.
The rest of the mouse has the same advantages as the Performance Mouse MX. Unless the charging system has been improved. Now after only 4 minutes of charge (during this time the device can be used), the mouse will work all day. A nice bonus will be the ability to pair with the built-in Mac bluetooth adapter and optimize the gadget for use with macOS. In this case, all USB ports will remain free.
At the bottom there is a switch between three Unifying receivers, which is especially convenient if there is more than one computer at the workplace.
The issue price is about 70 USD in equivalent.
Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600
Check out this wireless model if you're looking for a budget alternative to the Magic Mouse. Despite the modest price - about 30 USD equivalent - the model boasts support for the current Bluetooth protocol and 4.1, long battery life and ergonomic shape.
The upper part of the mouse, which smoothly transitions into the right and left buttons, is made of soft-touch polycarbonate, which is pleasant to the touch. The mouse has a symmetrical shape, so it is suitable for right-handers and left-handers.
Microsoft designers managed to strike a good balance between ergonomics and size. The mouse is slightly smaller than most desktop models, which makes it almost as comfortable, but at the same time takes up no more space in a laptop bag than miniature laptop mouse pads.
The deflection wheel and buttons provide a pleasant click, while not requiring effort when pressed. Due to the tilt of the wheel, convenient horizontal scrolling is possible in macOS. At the same time, for the correct operation of the Mobile Mouse 3600, you do not need to install a driver or special software. All functionality is available immediately after the first pairing with a Mac via Bluetooth.
Microsoft Mobile Mouse 3600 is a quality and inexpensive product from a well-known brand that will compete with Magic Mouse, trackpad or wired models. Thanks to its small size and weight, this mouse can be taken with you without fear of running out of space in your laptop bag. At the same time, the transceiver will not take up a precious USB port, because the mouse is interfaced with the mac via the Buetooth protocol.
Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
A wireless mouse from Microsoft, specially designed for use with laptops. Unlike some other models of the manufacturer, it is optimized for use with both MacBook and Windows laptops. An inclined scroll wheel will allow for horizontal scrolling.
To get the most out of the Mobile Mouse 4000 on your Mac, you need to install Microsoft's Mouse and Keyboard Control Center, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's Download Center. This software is constantly updated, so you don't have to worry about losing some of the functionality of the manipulator with the next macOS update.
Pairing with a computer is carried out through a miniature transceiver, which is inserted into the USB port.
Dimensions and weight allow you to take the manipulator with you without fear of lack of space in your backpack or bag. Ergonomic shape ensures comfortable use even during prolonged work at the computer. Under the thumb is an additional programmable button.
The mouse runs on one replaceable AA battery. The sensor resolution is 1000 dpi, which is enough for comfortable work in most graphics and video editors.
According to the manufacturer, the use of Bluetrack technology provides effective recognition of the movements of the manipulator on any surface, including carpets.
The disadvantages of the device include the USB port occupied by the transceiver, which is not always convenient, especially when using a MacBook Air.
The cost of the device is 30-40 USD equivalent.
Dell Travel Mouse
Far from a new model, for which official support for macOS has not been announced. However, in practice, it proved to be excellent when working in macOS, and without installing additional drivers (which cannot be said about Windows). So, immediately after connection, a scroll wheel with a deviation allows you to scroll horizontally, which is convenient when working with large projects when processing video, and two additional buttons under the thumb of your right hand perform the “forward” and “backward” actions, which is especially convenient when working on the web. surfing.
The surface of the mouse is made of black polycarbonate with a soft-touch surface. It needs two AA batteries to power it. The total number of buttons is 5. The mouse is designed in such a way that during operation it completely fills the palm, thereby minimizing possible muscle tension. At the same time, the symmetrical shape makes it a suitable choice for right-handers and left-handers. True, left-handers will have to press additional buttons on the left side with the middle or ring finger.
It uses Bluetooth to pair with your computer, so your Mac's USB ports are free.
Dell Travel Mouse will be a good choice for Mac users who work stationary. The model is too big for daily transportation with a laptop, but this is fully redeemed by its convenience, practicality and affordable price.
This model can be purchased for approximately 30 USD equivalent.
Logitech T631 for Mac
In the selection of alternative mice for Mac, we could not help but mention this model. When developing the T631, Logitech followed the path of Apple, but rethought the Magic Mouse concept in their own way. Like the Magic Mouse, it's an ultra-compact mouse with an extremely low profile, measuring just 0.7 inches at its highest point.
With a weight of 69 grams, this accessory will be barely noticeable in a bag with a laptop. But what about ergonomics?
Naturally, it's palm-filling out of the question when using it, and like the Magic Mouse, you'll have to hold the mouse a little differently than traditional mouse pads to use it.
The lower part of the mouse is made of brushed aluminum, while at the bottom there are plastic platforms for smooth sliding on different surfaces.
Like the Apple Magic Mouse, the Logitech T631 does not have dedicated buttons. Instead, its surface is divided into functional areas that act as virtual buttons. In this case, you can change the position of the right or left buttons, which will be convenient for left-handers.
The optical sensor supports 1000 dots, which should be enough for most users. However, to use the device on a Mac, you need to install specialized software from Logitech.
This mouse is unique not only because of its extremely low profile. Special software allows you to customize the available multi-touch options in such a way that the mouse will not only take on the functionality of the Mac trackpad, but even surpass it in some ways.
In total, you can assign up to seven additional mouse gestures, which will reduce the time for performing routine actions. In addition, you can swap buttons, assign a third button to the middle part of the mouse, set up inertial scrolling, and much more.
The ultra-thin Logitech Touch Mouse N631 is not the most comfortable mouse for long work, but one of the most successful options as a laptop mouse. Its small size and weight make it easy to carry around in any bag. The touchpad provides the functionality of a trackpad with the ergonomic advantages of a mouse. An additional argument in favor of buying a model will be the ability to quickly switch between two Macs using a special switch.
This model can be found on sale for 50-70 USD.
Xiaomi Mi Portable Mouse
Model 2016 from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. It is positioned as a portable solution, therefore it has a low profile. The controls are classic: three buttons and a scroll wheel. The upper part is made of anodized aluminum with a plastic insert. The lower part is also made of white ABS plastic. The circular cover hides two AAA batteries and a cradle for storing the USB transceiver.
Above is another element with an on slider and a button that allows you to put the mouse into Bluetooth mode. And it's the only mouse in our selection that can switch between USB receiver and Bluetooth mode. Thanks to this, it can be used not only with Mac computers, but also with other equipment, such as a tablet or Smart TV.
Due to the low profile, the mouse will have to be held between the thumb and ring finger when working. In this case, the palm remains without support. So this model can be considered not as an equivalent replacement for the Magic Mouse, but as a much more affordable addition to the trackpad of your MacBook. Thanks to the body materials and minimalist design, Mi Portable Mouse - especially in the silver version - goes well with Apple technology.
The official price of the device is 20 USD.
In early October, Apple finally lost any naming rights. Mighty Mouse. People in the topic were simply perplexed about this, many were in a real shock, reflecting almost on the fall of the apple company as such. Everyone was wondering “didn’t Apple have enough money to buy back the name?!?” Yes, and the giants have recessions that can not be helped. They also have to share and give back from time to time. On the other hand, what would this story look like if the Cupertinians weren’t actually planning some kind of replacement, and if this replacement wasn’t already ready for release?
Actually, after only a few days, a new beauty was presented, usually living on the table, and sometimes on the rug. Magic Mouse very interesting, new and, in principle, sexy little thing. Many readers who have the strength to comment have unsubscribed here and there with the single word “I want”, expressing both the desire and the anticipation that always precedes this or that purchase. To be honest, I also expected a lot from the mouse, not embarrassed by any of my desires. True, I did not sincerely believe in everything to the end, and my surprise knew no bounds at the moment of the first, so to speak, meeting. But more on that later. Let's go back to the very beginning.
The packaging of the Magic Mouse, like the others with the Apple logo, is simple, minimalistic, there is nothing superfluous or anything in it that could make you want to get rid of it immediately after removing the device that is the direct hero of the occasion.
Two transparent plastic parts, one no less milk-colored plastic core (to which a pleasantly cold mouse palm is glued), a few almost unnecessary pieces of paper. We leafed through the instructions, were surprised at certain statements. We turned the package upside down, so to speak, upside down, got acquainted with the very interesting principles of interaction with the manipulator. They tore the coveted object from a piece of milk-colored plastic.
The mouse itself has a pleasant weight, not big, but not small. Just right. The surprise is that the device comes already equipped with two AA batteries (“finger” in the common people). Apple apparently does not expect Magic Mouse stale in warehouses, and the power elements in them will give an unpleasant leak. Well, okay, there are “bunnies” inside, let them be. On the other hand, it is even convenient when the only thing required to get started is connecting the mouse to the computer.
Bottom part Magic Mouse made of weightless aluminum and plastic slides, between which there is a cover that hides the compartment with power supply elements.
Also below is a charge indicator that glows in different colors (depending on the state of the batteries) when the mouse loses its footing. And, of course, at the bottom there is a kind of eye that converts the movements of the manipulator into cursor movements on the screen. The top is made of heavy plastic (one and a half millimeters thick), which just gives a pleasant weight. The radically white color looks very attractive under the transparent polymer, the gray bitten apple pleases. Dimensions and weight are comparable to the iPhone, the mouse is perhaps a little higher.
But it’s enough to consider and weigh this miracle of technology, let’s connect it better to our faithful Mac and get to work. Pairing a mouse with Mac OS X is not difficult. It’s even very, one might say, simple, and this is done in the system settings by an elementary search for new Bluetooth devices. Although, no. There is one pitfall here that will distract users of an operating system with a version number below 10.6.2 for a while, which already includes the appropriate driver required for the device to work properly. Everyone else is invited here (for 10.6.1). The first link is still somewhat clear, not all users have switched to Snow Leopard. But why the second one, isn't it easier to just update the version with a couple of clicks? Since we are talking about the driver, it should be mentioned that the mouse refuses to work with Windows so far, and even the expected release date of the software for the PC is out of the question today.
However, we are much happier. We paired the mouse with the Mac and moved on to the pointer settings. Here you can mainly adjust the cursor speed, scroll speed and the time interval between two clicks that make up a double. In addition, just below there are additional settings, which at times and in places are even more interesting than the basic and already familiar, standard ones. First, “imitation of the right button”. Yes, Magic Mouse is in fact a one-button device, but the ability to determine the coordinates, direction and speed of manipulations embedded in it suggests the possibility of simulating anything. The variety of commands depends only on the driver. This implementation continues to develop the company's iPhone-centric policy. The phone, for example, is entirely dependent on software. Such an approach may well guarantee an increase in the ways of interacting with the mouse without replacing the hardware, and this is a very happy prospect.
In addition to the ability to program the right button press, additional settings offer to set the principle of scrolling pages - with or without inertia ( only for Snow Leopard). The first option adds pleasant such and new sensations (at least for most mice with a mechanical wheel, this is not available), turning off the inertia returns the user, so to speak, to the ground. At the end of the first day of use Magic Mouse I, frankly, considered this "bells and whistles" superfluous. He constantly has to control himself. What I've done? Disabled the feature in the settings. And then he turned it back on, feeling some kind of loss. That is, it was still somehow unusual with her, but even without her it was already somehow different. In the end, we bonded with her.
With the scale of the screen, everything is clear, and few people use this function in practice. Even if it happens, it is very rare, admit it! The only available today (with the expectation of driver updates) multi-touch manipulation, in comparison with scaling, looks somehow more significant and significant. With “two-finger swipes”, you can already tell your browser “forward” and “backward” even now. Believe me, it only seems at first that it is much more convenient to reach the corresponding arrow with the mouse. In practice, this solution turned out to be very good and qualitatively implemented.
From settings to direct work. Manipulation with Magic Mouse, what can we hide, the first time frankly did not stick. The fault is, perhaps, too low profile of the mouse. The hand, accustomed to resting in my case on a higher one in a very unflattering (actually) twisted state for its health, adapted to the new product for two or three days. The work was very difficult. However, upon reaching a full mutual understanding, things are rosier. It should be noted that the brush feels much better when it does not have to depict a semblance of a ladle every day.
Now about the scroll wheel, which is not. Someone right after the presentation Magic Mouse, I remember, expressed doubts about the correctness of such a decision, but believe me, it carries only pluses. Firstly, the absence of a horizontal wheel means that not only vertical scrolling, but also horizontal scrolling is possible. Secondly, as one very well-known specialist in the field of technical web solutions asked me to convey, he was very pleased with the “detachment” of the wheel. It is very convenient, according to him, to “twist” (and in fact from now on “stroke”) the mouse where it pleases. Not quite clear? Just imagine a wheel that does not stick out all the time in the middle, but changes its location in accordance with the preferences and momentary impulses of the user.
At first, I confess, I even stroked the central part of the mouse to scroll, but, again, in two days I got used to the new product so much that, picking up the good old Logitech, I tried to interact in this sense with my index finger with the left button. Nothing, of course, happened, I was even surprised, but quickly realized my mistake, smiled not without pleasure and twisted my finger without pleasure, placing it on the now unpleasant wheel for some reason. To fast, as they say, you get used to it well. Or is it said in some other way?
But ease of use doesn't always mean ease of play. Honestly, Magic Mouse not a gaming mouse at all. And those who intended to get a universal or purely gaming device should be warned against acquiring such a wonderful workhorse in practice. Why does she say no to games? Firstly, its complete incompatibility with today (the mouse is detected, but not connected). Secondly, this is an imitation of the right button, which is a pressing of the only physically existing one, just not on the left, but on the right. For lefties, of course, the opposite is true (their “right” button is on the left, and this is set in the mouse settings), but the essence is the same, imitation remains imitation. And that means no headshots in sniper mode, in which aiming is usually done with the right button held down, and a direct shot with the left button. And this is just one that comes to mind in the first place, an example of a lack in the gaming sense of the physical presence of a single button.
Summing up all the above, it is worth noting that Magic Mouse- this is a wild workhorse that needs to be tamed, but after pacifying its temper, it can only help, thereby facilitating the work of its owner. Due to its rather large surface and the possibility of programmatically adding manipulation methods Magic Mouse is an unfinished, open source project that I would like to believe will take years to develop until it is streamlined and complete in every way. But in any case, already now the new Apple mouse seems to me the best solution for the web, large amounts of text, and in some places for graphics. In general, for everything that you constantly have to do.
Apple has released regular mice for their computers, which are also suitable for all other computers and laptops. They work via Bluetooth. Made in the style of minimalism. The body is made of aluminum, and the work surface has an alluring white gloss with the Apple logo. The thickness of the mouse is only 2 cm and initially it seems not convenient, but then looking at the usual mice they seem large. It also provides convenience in carrying, because it does not stick out in the bag like a tennis ball. Many users consider the price for a mouse to be very high, but when using it, its decent value becomes clear.
Apple Magic Mouse Features
The mouse has a touch working surface, it is located on the entire surface of the mouse, which allows you to click and scroll not only in its far part, but in the middle. When pressed, the mouse is also physically pressed and emits a characteristic “click” sound familiar to everyone, like all mice.
The touch surface supports many functions. Scroll, which is performed by all of us with the familiar wheel in all mice, is carried out by simply sliding a finger across the surface anywhere on the surface of the mouse, both vertically and horizontally. This touch control will allow you to scroll and click with your finger in one place, which is much more convenient.
The mouse communicates with the computer via Bluetooth technology. Therefore, you do not need to connect a USB receiver and take up a USB input, especially since there are cases when this small USB receiver is lost and the mouse becomes useless. All these problems are absent in the Apple Magic Mouse.
Also in the settings you can control the charge of the mouse as a percentage, so you know in advance when you need to change the batteries in the Magic Mouse or just charge the Magic Mouse 2. Many may think that due to the Bluetooth connection, the laptop will sit down faster, but the power consumption is so small, that MacBook users will not notice this expense.
Differences between Magic Mouse and Magic Mouse 2
Apple Magic Mouse packaging Let's start with the packaging. The first Magic Mouse is sold in a transparent, oval, flat plastic box, it contains the mouse itself, instructions and warranty.
Apple Magic Mouse 2 packaging Magic Mouse 2 is sold in a white square cardboard box, similar to iPhone boxes, it contains the mouse itself, a Lighting cable for charging, instructions and a warranty.
There are almost no external differences. The Magic Mouse and the bottom have a compartment for 2 AA batteries, a green diode that indicates power and connection, and a white Apple logo. 
And in Magic Mouse 2 there is no battery compartment, because it has a built-in battery and there is no green diode, apparently the developers came to the conclusion that it is not needed, and apparently, for a change, the Apple logo is black. Charging located at the bottom is not a miscalculation of the developers, they simply could not violate the external design of the Apple Magic Mouse, and a five-minute charge is enough for another couple of days. The functions of the buttons and the touch surface are the same.
For some, a branded manipulator without a tail is the love of a lifetime, for others it is an indispensable tool when working in the same. iDownloadblog portal journalist Jeff Benjamin (Jeff Benjamin) refers to the latter and offers his opinion about Apple.
On the surface of a wooden table, the mouse glides much more smoothly than its progenitor, this is a fact. The modernized design of the sled allows it to “float”, almost ignoring the force of friction, and the rustling sound of movement has become noticeably quieter. It will take time to notice this - put the old and new versions of the gadget next to each other and you will understand everything yourself.
The price tag of 6,490 rubles is as much as 645 rubles more than the cost Magic Mouse the previous generation, probably due to the presence of a Lightning-USB cable in the box. On the part of Apple, not noticed for its tendency to dumping, this is practically a gift, since the wire is easily suitable for iPhone, iPad, Magic Trackpad 2, Magic Keyboard and other apple devices. Now we can safely say - goodbye, the tyranny of restrictions on branded chargers!
Plus, the included mouse cable lets you securely and instantly connect your mouse to your Mac the first time. The full importance of the latter aspect will be understood only by those who are worn out with the finicky Bluetooth pairing of the previous model.
Ditching batteries in favor of an integrated battery is a great idea. There is no risk of being left without a working mouse, because in a creative frenzy you forget to change a module that has exhausted its resource, no additional costs. In fact, as long as the mouse is connected by a cable to the computer, the issue of energy supply is removed from the agenda altogether - and how did we not notice this before?
Skeptics will object that with the wire connected, work with Magic Mouse 2 impossible, because the connector is located on the bottom panel. Okay, let's look at the question from the other side - a whole minute, while the mouse is "gaining strength" for the next few hours of work, it would be nice to spend thinking about the details of the project. Or to make coffee, do exercises for fingers and a stiff neck, go to the toilet. And if you build up the energy to break away from your computer and go for a 2-hour walk, any of the new trio of Mac accessories will have time to accumulate energy for a month of non-stop work. This is much better than a box with a supply of batteries in the bottom drawer of the cabinet.
There is no compartment cover for removable batteries, and there are no weak spots in the design of the mouse. with old version Magic Mouse it happened that after a long work it began to creak with loose joints in the muscular hand of a professional designer, but the new one is exceptionally “strongly built”. But Jeff would not risk throwing it at the wall in his hearts, after all, this product has a different purpose.
There are no new options, don't even look. Dot. And therefore, the need to replace the old mouse with a new one is the craftiness of marketers, and those who are used to working with Magic Mouse will not show any major change in performance. The accessory is still an ergonomic manipulator with a single spacious screen button that supports multi-touch gestures. But their list has not expanded and there is no resemblance at all.
So we got close to making a verdict - a purchase Magic Mouse 2 largely due to the subjective attitude to the issue. If it is possible to use the program to replace old gadgets with new ones, if the fuss with batteries has become sore, if the accuracy of cursor positioning is above all, then yes, you absolutely need a new mouse. Plus, this is a good reason to start getting acquainted with Apple products or to troll the haters of this brand.
