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Apple Archive

Is there a Two-Button Mouse in Apple's Future?

, 2005.03.18

A recent report I read on AppleInsider suggests that Apple is going to be introducing a 2-button mouse soon. After years of saying, "Oh no, two buttons is far too complicated for the average computer user" (who is somehow supposed to already know that pushing the Control key while clicking the mouse button does the same thing as the right mouse button), it appears that Apple is finally realizing that it will lose sales without a two-button mouse - especially in the low-end markets it's now entering.

These Windows users are so used to having more than one button that using an Apple mouse will be a frustration for them. Control-click really isn't easy for beginning Mac users to figure out, and even after years of using it, it can still seem a bit awkward.

I have found that I can live with a single button mouse if I have to. On my PowerBook, there's only one button for the trackpad. On my G3, while for some time I had been switching the Logitech mouse that I shared between that and my PC, I'm now back to using the original round Apple USB mouse that came with the machine - the main reason being that I dislike having to reach around the back of the computer to disconnect the Logitech mouse, then try to bring the cord up behind my desk so it can connect to the Mac's keyboard.

I don't mind the Apple mouse, mostly because it takes up very little room on my desk. Coordinating with the rest of the system isn't a huge factor, since my CTX monitor is beige and my Apple Design Speakers (ca 1993) are also beige. I also don't find the round Apple mouse difficult to use like some people do, but it could be just because I'm used to it.

If I had a second two-button mouse, I'd switch to it without a second thought.

People have been complaining that Apple doesn't have a two-button mouse for years. Many of them end up using the Apple-supplied mouse anyway. Why? It was provided with the computer, and perhaps they never had the chance to pick up another one.

I tend to use whatever comes with the computer instead of bothering to go out and purchase a new mouse. I figure that if what comes with the machine is useable, I'd rather spend that money on something that doesn't come with the machine (a printer or speakers, for example).

I'll use the provided mouse - unless the computer doesn't come with a mouse. This might be exactly what Apple's aiming to do in the near future. They've already started it with the Mac mini, this time saying that users can use their existing PC keyboard and mouse with the new Mac. Perhaps, though, they'll end up doing something like this for the iMac and PowerMac G5?

It's more probable that if they get this far offering several different keyboards and mice as an option in addition to the provided ones, eventually they'll stop including them and give you the choice when you purchase the Mac.

The base iMac, for example, would not include a keyboard and mouse (yet another way to lower the sticker price of the machine). If you don't already have a keyboard and mouse that you can use, you would have the option to add whichever variety of Apple's (or another manufacturer's) at an additional cost.

The number of options available to Mac users is increasing and will only increase again if Apple decides to introduce a two-button mouse. There are a number of wireless keyboards and mice (from Logitech, Macally, Apple, and others), and many, many corded keyboards and mice that work with the Mac.

However, there are very few that coordinate design-wise with current Mac models. Apple's two-button mouse will fill the hole faced by those who want an all-Apple system and also want more than one button on their mouse.

And it would be nice if that two-button mouse also has a scrollwheel.

Recent Apple Archive articles

iPods, notebooks, and other modern electronics more readily replaced than repaired, 12.07. Whether it's an intermittent failure or a broken display cable, more often than not it's cheaper to replace a broken electronics device than repair it.
Options for replacing your older iPod, 11.19. Whether you've run out of space on your old iPod or want features it doesn't have, here are your options in new and used iPods.
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More in the Apple Archive index.

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November 8 in LEM history: 99: OS 9: I think I like it - 01: The simplified Mac life - Soured on Windows - Flea market Mac - 02: Little room for improvement in new 'Books - Combo drive upgrade for iceBooks - 04: Re-Porter - 05: Fix the old iMac or buy a Mac mini? - Apple's Copland project - 06: MacBook Core 2 - MacBook value equation - Cheap is as cheap does - 07: Problems with Classic mode in Tiger - The G4 Power Mac that won't run Leopard
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