Apple Is Doing Away With The Mouse Ball? Surely You Jest!
I just read over at the AppleInsider that Apple has applied to the FCC for two new devices using Bluetooth, one is a keyboard and the other is a new mouse design.
But what I found odd is this statement:
The new hardware, people familiar with the matter have said, will do away with the mechanical roller ball and use an expanded touch sensitive housing.
This must be in error since mice have been ‘ball less’ for a long, long, time.
Maybe an Apple person can clear this up.
8 Comments
MIke
October 2nd, 2009
at 3:01pm
Ummm..
The Mighty Mouse has a ball. Little bitty one on the top.
Ron Schenone
October 2nd, 2009
at 4:20pm
Mike – thanks for the info.
Anthony
October 2nd, 2009
at 11:09pm
I think that it’s the scroll ball. But who would want to get rid of the scroll bar!? I could imagine putting a multitouch pad in the keyboard, but at least keep the scroll ball!
Gary Bing
October 3rd, 2009
at 12:45am
I have been dealing with a laser / optical mouse for years I was in a class and dealt with the mouse ball, for a very short time. I threw it a way and replaced it with the first of the optical wireless’s available from Logitech. When I left the class for good, classmates reminded me that I forgot my mouse. No I didn’t forget ,as this was my contribution/gift to the next user of this computer I wouldn’t wish that crappy mouse I inherited before on my worst enemy. There is a new technology already in use which is/has made the whole mouse idea obsolete I forget what its called but I intend to check it out . I used to marvel at the mouse in the late 70’s now my love for it is fading–fast. I have a Logitech MX Revolution and the latest illuminated keyboard and the Orbit webcam and I’m already waiting for a change.
Antonio
October 3rd, 2009
at 5:51am
Nice! Touch-sensitive mouse! I’ve been looking on getting a mouse for my MBP, and didn’t hear lots of good things about Apple’s current Mighty Mouse (primarily complaints about the ball), so I guess I’ll just wait for this and see how it does before going with a 3rd party mouse.
Ron Schenone
October 3rd, 2009
at 9:03am
Thanks for the comments everyone. Sharing your thoughts is very appreciated.
Ron
f
October 4th, 2009
at 8:55pm
the ball is like their signature for the mouse.They will probably have a little laptop touchpad like an inch squre to simularte the mouseball.
Daniel Heppner
October 6th, 2009
at 12:52pm
I hate the mouse ball on the top of the Mighty Mouse. When dust gets into it stops working. Away with the scroll wheel, in with the touch.