Apple Introduces Mighty Mouse (Finally, a multi-button mouse from Apple!)

Apple Computer, Inc. ^ | August 2, 2005

[Dont Mention the War]

Apple Introduces Mighty Mouse

New Multi-Button Mouse Features Innovative Scroll Ball

CUPERTINO, California—August 2, 2005—Apple® today introduced Mighty Mouse, its next generation mouse with several innovative new features that make using a Mac® even more powerful and easy. Mighty Mouse offers power users up to four independently programmable buttons, without compromising simplicity for users who prefer just a single-button mouse. Mighty Mouse also introduces an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction—vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. With the Scroll Ball, users can scroll with natural, fluid movements, making Mighty Mouse perfect for applications from viewing web pages and photographs, to video editing and music creation. Mighty Mouse is priced at just $49.

“With Mighty Mouse, we’ve simply built a better mouse,” said David Moody, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. “With its innovative Scroll Ball and unique integration of multiple buttons, Mighty Mouse adds functionality while retaining the elegant, easy-to-use Apple design.”

Mighty Mouse is the first multi-button mouse that retains the simplicity of a single-button mouse, and can be used as a single- or multi-button mouse depending on the user’s preference. Mighty Mouse features a single seamless enclosure with programmable touch sensors that act as primary or secondary buttons. With a simple click on the upper right or left side of the mouse, users can instantly access features such as contextual menus found in Mac OS® X and other applications. Mighty Mouse’s two other buttons are activated by pressing its Scroll Ball and squeezing its sides, and can be easily programmed to give users one-click access to Mac OS X version 10.4.2 “Tiger” features such as Spotlight™ , Dashboard and Exposé™, or to launch any application such as Safari™ or iChat.

Mighty Mouse features an easy-to-use design that comfortably fits the left or right hand and an optical tracking engine for responsive and accurate cursor movement on almost any type of surface. With up to four programmable buttons, Mighty Mouse makes it easy to access key features of Tiger with the side buttons and Scroll Ball providing quick, one-click access to Spotlight, Dashboard and Exposé.

Pricing & Availability Mighty Mouse is available immediately through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $49 (US). Mighty Mouse requires Mac OS X, Windows 2000 or Windows XP and easily connects to Mac and Windows systems; Mac OS X version 10.4.2 “Tiger” is required to customize buttons for one-click access to Spotlight, Dashboard and Exposé or to launch applications. Mighty Mouse is compatible with either USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 ports.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

Press Contacts: Teresa Weaver Apple (408) 974-6851 tweaver@apple.com

Pam Bennett Apple (408) 974-7608 pamb@apple.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple’s PR website, or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

[Dont Mention the War]

[Dont Mention the War]

ping

[newzjunkey]

One more nail in the coffin of the traditional Macintosh.

[Andy from Beaverton]

I've always replaced my single button mouse on my Macs with a double.

[6SJ7]

A multi-button mac mouse, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!

[antiRepublicrat]

Hell Freezes Over, Part II

However, that's one nice mouse design. My only worry is the lack of tactile feedback on the buttons. And no cordless?

[avg_freeper]

I always purchase Microsoft mice for my Macs.

They seem to make the best mouse and Macally's iceKEY is the best keyboard.

[day10]

[Rodney King]

Not sure I like the right thumb button. If it is too sensitive, one will accidentaly click it a lot. Certainly that is the case one is playing any sort of action game with it.

[kharaku]

This mouse kicks but. I love it. (Plus you can buy it for PCs if you like as well)

[Ksnavely]

Ingenious scroll wheel??? What is so ingenious about that? I have had my Logitech MX 1000 for quite awhile now and it has 4 way scroll functionality. Article should be rewritten, Mac mouse function enters the 21st century 5 years late.

[stylin19a]

Anyboedy think Apple will get sued for using "Mighty Mouse" ?

[dfwgator]

"Here I come to save the day."

[OXENinFLA]

Settle down Peter or Gozer will get you...

[steveegg]

It's a shame Apple waited this long to bring out a multi-button mouse. Damn, but she's a beaut. I especially like the idea of a Scroll Ball (whether I'd like it in practice remains to be seen).

For you PC types out there, it's also compatible with Windows 2000/XP (and I presume 2003 Server).

[savedbygrace]

If there's no function you really need it for, just set it to do nothing. You can do that with this mouse, can't you?

The problem I have with it is that, at $49 retail, Apple is way too proud of it. I can buy a number of two or four button mice with scroll wheel, for around $30.

I usually use a Microsoft Intellimouse Optical. USB plugs and plays nice.

[minus_273]

they have permission from viacom.. its in little print at the bottom of the mighy mouse page. now what i really want is the hear the "here i come to save the day" song in the ads

[Politicalities]

Yet another example of Apple's penchant for style over substance. The mouse is lozenge-shaped, which looks nice and pretty, but ain't exactly ergonomic. The scroll wheel appears to be located near the front, horizontally centered, where the index finger will have to stretch awkwardly to use it. I'll reserve final judgement until I've tried it, but so far I'm inclined to give it a thumbs-down.

Of course, I may be biased. I switched to a good ergonomic trackball several years ago and never looked back.

[Rodney King]

If there's no function you really need it for, just set it to do nothing. You can do that with this mouse, can't you?

Yeah, but then it's a one button mouse. Let's face it, just for the sake of being different, Apple has been pushing the stupid one button mouse for years. I couldn't live without my right click in excel and word.

[stylin19a]

I love Freepers...they miss nothing. thanx....