I love Apple computers, but I've never been especially smitten by Apple mice. The old, original, pre-ADB Lisa/Mac mouse is just plain clunky, and not especially durable either. The first-generation Mac ADB mouse was better mechanically, but had an odd, angular shape that was neither comfortable nor ergonomic. The best Apple mouse, IMHO, was the second-generation ADB mouse, which had a reasonably comfortable shape, attractive styling, and was as tough as an anvil. Well, almost. It's main shortcoming was that the button action was too stiff for my taste.

Things went downhill with the USB "hockey puck" mouse introduced with the original iMac in 1998. A few users (including my son) professed to like its feel, but most didn't, and it wasn't especially rugged either. Apple's second USB mouse, the "buttonless" optical unit, is a major improvement. It looks great, is ergonomically better, and optical technology is superior, but like the ADB mouse and for that matter the hockey puck, its action is still too stiff. I quit using the Apple USB optical mouse that came with my G4 Cube after few days, and switched to a third - party unit with a lighter action. Another complaint some users have about Apple mice is that they have only one button. There is indeed room for "a better mouse."

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The Mouse From MacMice

The first subject of this review, "The Mouse" from MacMice Workplace Products Co. of Hendersonville, Tennessee, is one interpretation of what a better mouse should be.

Appearance - wise, it pays more than a little homage to the Apple USB optical mouse, but in my estimation it is a nicer mouse to use. Like the Apple unit, The Mouse is a nearly symmetrical rectangular ovoid in shape and of about average size for computer mice, and the entire clear (an aluminum-colored model is also available) mouse housing cover serves as the button -- or more accurately in this case two of the three buttons. The front half of the case is split and serves as left and right buttons.

This configuration does not provide the same sort of satisfyingly precise tactile feedback that a regular mouse button mounted on a mechanical switch mechanism does, but it's not bad. The mouse also incorporates a scroll wheel with a delightfully light and silky-smooth action and also a third button click function. The left/right button click action is slightly lighter than with the Apple mouse, but still stiffer than I prefer, and I found the scroll wheel button click uncomfortably stiff.

The Mouse itself is nicely balanced and weighted, and glides smoothly and almost effortlessly on my mousepad. It has 800 dpi tracking resolution, with a fast, responsive optical tracking mechanism for accurate pixel level editing.

When you move the mouse, the red optical sensor lights up causing the entire skirt of the housing to glow.

If you are using OS X 10.1 or higher, no driver installation is necessary for basic support of mouse clicking and the scroll wheel. If you're still using OS 8.5.1 through OS 9.2.2, or you want more mouse functionality than the built-in OS X drivers provide, proprietary drivers are downloadable at the MacMice support Web site. MacMice's MouseCommand v10 and MouseCommand v9 USB mouse drivers are full featured to satisfy demanding multi-button mouse users, with assignable scroll button, left-handed operation, adjustable clicking and motion, built-in adjustable cursor acceleration, reversible horizontal scrolling. The v9 driver works with Mac OS 8.5.1 through 9.2.2, and the v10 version works with Mac OS 10.1 through the latest version of Panther... in fact, we've MouseCommand has been specifically tweaked for Panther.

Aside from the button stiffness issue, my only real complaint about The Mouse pertains to its cord, which as with Apple mice is a tad on the short side at 31.5-inches (I'm a fan of six foot mouse cables). It is also very small diameter wire that MacMice says is purposely the most soft, supple materials they could find, which makes it nice to handle, but I'm wondering about long-term durability, especially with rough treatment. Other than that, the quality of materials and standard of finish seem first-rate.

The Mouse is available in both clear-over-white and an "aluminum" version to harmonize with Aluminum PowerBooks and the G5 towers in a shade of silver selected to nicely match the new Aluminum themed products from Apple. The USB cable is silver-gray as well.

The Mouse sells for $39.99.

For more information, visit:
http://www.macmice.com/

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Radtech BT500 Mobile Bluetooth Mouse

The second member of this review's rodent duo is the new Radtech BT500 Mobile mouse, an optical, three-button, 800 dpi, Bluetooth wireless unit that is compatible with any Bluetooth-supporting computer -- Mac, Linux, or Windows.

As its name indicates, the BT500 mobile is targeted primarily at laptop users who are looking for an easy-to-take-along mouse for road warrioring. The BT500 is very small, measuring just 85.2 mm x 50 mm x 32.6 mm, and is dwarfed by the MacMice Mouse, which itself is only moderately-sized.

The small size is a mixed blessing functionally. This tiny cordless critter pops easily into a shirt pocket, and even with its two AAA batteries installed, it is feather-light, but unless you have very small hands, you will likely find it a bit close-coupled for long hours of use. On the other hand, it's compactness and lightness will probably more than compensate for the less than optimum ergonomics for this mouse's target market.

The BT500's three buttons are actually left and right buttons plus a clickable soft touch silicone scroll wheel. The BT500 mouse's scroll wheel button function can be assigned to individual applications that support device button mapping, as well as OS X Expos�.

The action of all three is comfortably light, although, like the MacMice Mouse -- not as mechanically precise and positive-feeling as I would prefer. The BT500 also glides smoothly and effortlessly on the mouse pad or other contact surface thanks to low-friction nylon feet.

Another area where the be BT500 gets full marks is in ease and convenience of access to its battery compartment. The palm rest segment of the case just quickly pops off, making battery insertion a literal snap.

To activate the mouse connection, make sure Bluetooth is active on your computer. In OS X, check the "Discoverable" check box in the Bluetooth preferences panel, and also "Show Bluetooth Status in the Menu Bar." On the be BT500 mouse itself, press the grey pairing button on the bottom near the optical sensor. The scroll wheel should glow blue to indicate that the mouse is discoverable.

From the Bluetooth menu, select Set Up Bluetooth Device and then follow the instructions in the instruction sheet that comes with the BT500. If you are using the BT500 in conjunction with the Apple wireless Bluetooth keyboard, make sure to switch the keyboard on first, then the mouse (after the mouse has been paired).

The mouse will automatically enter sleep mode after 2-3 minutes of inactivity. Moving the mouse or pressing any of the buttons will wake it in two seconds. To conserve battery power, make sure to switch off the mouse when it's not being used. Battery life is estimated at around seven days when powered on 24/7 � several weeks when in use 4-6 hours per day. The scroll wheel flashes blue when battery power reserve is getting marginal.

The BT500 mouse is available in both Apple white or a snazzy three-tone silver-blue-black livery.

BT500 Mobile Mouse Features:
� Smooth tracking, maintenance-free 800 DPI optical technology.
� 3 button control, plus scroll wheel make navigating your workspace a breeze.
� Center button can be assigned by applications
� Perfect for Expose'.
� BT Class II
� Supports standard HID profile.
� 10 Meter free space range � control your notebook from the next room
� Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology minimizes interference from other devices.
� Optimum size for using and packing
� Satin rubber waist provides positive grip.
� Use with non-BT equipped computers requires Bluetooth USB adapter
� Power switch conserves energy when not in use.

System requirements:
Requires MacOS 10.3.2 or higher
Apple Bluetooth Software 1.5 or higher
Apple Bluetooth Firmware 1.1 or higher
Available Shareware HID driver provides custom button mapping in Mac OSX

BT-500 Specs:
Radio Class: Bluetooth II
Frequency: 2.4 - 2.48 GHz
Spectrum: FHSS
Antenna: Internal Omni Dipole
Data Rate: > 700 Kbps
Tracking Method: Optical (LED)
Resolution: 800 DPI
Power: 2-5VDC (2-AAA Dry Cells)
Profile: BlueTooth HID
Platform: MacOS, Linux and Windows
Dimensions: 85.2 x 50 x 32.6mm
Weight: 64g With Batteries

Price: $54.95

For more information, visit:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/BT500.aspx#


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