What Are My Choices In Using a Mouse With My New Mac?

When it comes right down to it the preference in mice is a personal one.  Different features are important to different people.  Different situations call for different mice.

Up until the Mighty Mouse was released in 2006, Apple held steadfast in a one button mouse.  Their reasoning was simple usability - one is easier than two.  As a user experience professional I applaud that, but it’s outdated.  When the mouse was an entirely new concept it made sense, but it’s 2008 and far from the mystery it once was.

Many non and new Mac users do not even realize that the Mac supports a two-button (and then some) mouse.  Mac OS X has actually supported a two-button mouse since the very beginning.  iMacs, Mac Pros and Mac Minis now ship with Apple’s four-button wired Mighty Mouse.  You can configure the four buttons (left, right, scroll ball and squeeze) in the mouse preference panel.  MacBook and MacBook Pro users are still limited to a single-button trackpad, but a simple CTRL-click or two-finger-click gives you the same effect.

So what choices do you have?  If you are thinking about switching to Mac, the current mouse you use and love on your PC will probably plug & play with your new Mac just fine.  Nearly any mouse you find will work on a Mac at least to some level. 

Wired vs. Wireless
Let’s start with wireless.  There are two types of wireless mice - Bluetooth and radio frequency.  If you purchased a Mac within the last 3 years, it probably has integrated Bluetooth.  Bluetooth mice work by “pairing” with your Mac.  There is nothing else you need.  Radio frequency mice work with an external dongle which plugs into a USB port on your Mac. 

If you are on a desktop Mac, the external dongle may not be an issue.  However, on a MacBook or MacBook Pro, keeping up with that dongle may be a hassle.  If you lose the dongle, your mouse won’t work and getting a replacement may be a hassle, if even possible. 

What’s the downside to wireless you ask?  Well, wireless mice require batteries, so that is one part of the equation.  Dead batteries, dead mouse.  The other is resolution and latency (the time it takes a mouse move to register on the Mac).  Not an issue for everyday tasks, but if you are a heavy gamer, this may affect gameplay.

Wired mice do not need batteries and have less issue with latency or resolution.  The only real downside is the wire.  You’ll need to have an open USB port and not be distracted by the wire.   But you will have an almost unlimited choice in mice. 

Size
Mice come in all shapes and sizes.  Mac notebook users may want to consider a small portable mouse that is easy to tuck inside their case and a larger, full-featured mouse for when at home.  Ergonomically, larger mice my reduce the risk for carpel tunnel syndrome.  I know a number of people that suffer with this that swear the trackball-type almost entirely eliminates the symptoms.

Market Leaders
Logitech is the leading mouse manufacturer and offers a wide selection.  The VX and MX Revolution models are the most popular, but they have 20 different Mac-compatible mice and trackballs to choose from.  Microsoft (gasp!) also makes a wide range of great mice.  Kensington is yet another prolific provider of respected products.

The Bottom Line
I recommend trying a new mouse on for size by visiting your local electronics or computer store to find one that is comfortable and offers the features you need.  Keep in mind almost any mouse connected to Mac OS X will be recognized and the left, right and scroll buttons will work.  Taking advantage of additional buttons or features may require a specialized preference panel which most manufacturers provide.  Read the packaging to see how the mouse is supported on the Mac.  However, just because Mac support is not indicated does not mean it will not work. If your preferred mouse doesn’t have Mac support, try the $20 USB Overdrive shareware application which handles nearly any USB device for the Mac.

Chuck Konfrst has been using Macs for over 15 years for work and play.  During the day he works as a Usability Professional for OneSpring  and at night is currently infatuated with his new iPhone.


What's your favorite mouse and why? Let us know in the Comments section below!

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Logitech   
Microsoft Mice
Kensington
USB Overdrive
CNET Mice Reviews

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