Home > Consumer Reviews > Apple Wireless Mouse - Mouse - optical - 1 button(s) - wireless - Bluetooth

I Really, REALLY wanted to love this mouse. I think Apple's USB optical pro mouse is perhaps the most perfect mouse I've ever used (including multi-button and scroll-wheel mice). I always thought that the only thing that would make it better was to make it wireless. So when Apple announced this bluetooth mouse I quickly purchased it.

Having owned it for about a month now, I can tell you flat out that I don't like it. It seems bigger than the optical mouse (I think this is because the pro mouse has a coating a clear plastic, because they look the same size next to each other, but it still "feels" bigger in my hand), heavier, and less responsive (Sometimes it doesn't move at an even speed with the hand - it kind of jerks).

In addition, it can take upwards of five seconds to de detected by the computer, and sometimes has an annoying habit of beining completely unresponsive after I wake up the computer from putting it to sleep. The only solution I've found is to turn off the mouse until it disconnects, and then turning it back on.

All in all I think I wasted my money on this mouse. I've been using it since I purchased it, but as of now it is going into the extra computer stuff drawer. I love Apple dearly, but this mouse isn't for me. Too bad, because I still haven't found anything useful for my bluetooth module. Perhaps I also wasted my money on the BT module as well?

After playing with my new PowerBook for a day, I quickly came to the realization that I needed a real mouse for it. The trackpad on the PowerBook works great, but a mouse makes things so much easier.

Beings that there are so few choices on the market for Bluetooth mice, there really was only one possible contender - Apple's.

Set up could not be easier. Just go to the Bluetooth prefs and tell it you have a mouse. That's it.

The mouse feels great! No problems at all with weight - they even have a mouse tension switch to adjust the click force. It's a very simple design and apple pulls it off very well.

It is really nice that Apple included a power switch on this thing. You wanna use it when you toss it in the laptop bag. They have also kindly designed the mouse to use regular AA batteries in case you are out somewhere and the batteries die on you. Just pop in some new ones.

My only real gripe is this: Apple needs to get a multi-button mouse. It ain't that hard, and their OS supports it, so why keep making one button mice?

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.

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!

This mouse is beautiful. It has a great design and is a nice visual complement to new mac systems. Regretfully, battery life has been sketchy, the unit is at times unresponsive after the computer wakes from sleep and it is a bit heavy. In addition, you should probably hold on to your old mouse as it may be needed to configure the wireless one when it goes down.