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To: HAL9000; All

As a long time Mac user, I have often wondered why Apple has stayed with the one-click mouse. I use both the one-click, and have a Kensington for games which require them.

But can't talk my husband into using the Kensington for anything. He doesn't game.

I wonder what the theory/philosophy behind Apple's single click mouse is. Does anyone have any ideas?


36 posted on 08/02/2005 9:28:53 AM PDT by jacquej
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To: jacquej
I wonder what the theory/philosophy behind Apple's single click mouse is. Does anyone have any ideas?

According to Apple's research in Gestalt psychology theory, it's easier for new users to learn how to work a computer with a single-button mouse. Apple advises software developers to design programs so that a multi-button mouse is not required for operation.

A single-button mouse can simulate a right-click by holding down the Option key on the keyboard while clicking the mouse button.

43 posted on 08/02/2005 9:42:57 AM PDT by HAL9000 (Get a Mac - The Ultimate FReeping Machine)
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To: jacquej
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'Cause it was the first mouse, and just so damned cool! :)
Notice the DB9 connector - this puppy plugs onto a card slotted in my Apple][+. Also: it only had 9 pins and there's no electronics on the board - the quadrature signals go down the line to the computer (where the circuitry is). With power, ground, button, and 4 detector lines, it only leaves 2 wires. They _could_ have added another 2 buttons; but depended upon using the modifier keys instead - nobody ever _thought_ more than one button was necessary.

49 posted on 08/02/2005 9:56:56 AM PDT by solitas (So what if I support an OS that has fewer flaws than yours? 'Mystic' dual 500 G4's, OSX.4.2)
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