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Magic Mouse battery only lasts 30 days?

I bought my new 21" iMac back in October and today got a message from Magic Mouse that batteries need to be replaced.
What kind of battery life other folks are getting from MM? Is there anything can be done to increase battery life of MM?

iMac 21.5" 2009, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Nov 24, 2009 1:13 PM

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58 replies

Nov 24, 2009 1:18 PM in response to Alex_pbkg4

I just got a new iMac with the Magic Mouse and wireless keyboard but I've used an older wireless keyboard and Mighty Mouse for three years. I just use some NiCd batteries and recharge them. I have two sets so I always have a fresh replacement. Note that they have to be replaced even MORE frequently, however they get reused.

Nov 24, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Alex_pbkg4

On my new i7, I went for the wired keyboard. What do you need a wireless keyboard and mouse for, I thought, when it's a foot away from your screen? My previous wireless keyboards were going through batteries like wildfire. I went with rechargeables but the drain length was somewhat better but the hassle of constantly changing batteries was not worth it. Additionally, the cursor was erratic and unpredictable. These were on my previous iMac in late 2007. According to Apple "up to 9 months battery life" was advertised but in reality all I got was two months life in the mighty mouse and one month in the keyboard. It was NOT a function of usage as I used my computer infrequently. It was suggested by an Apple tech that perhaps the auto function in the keyboard was not right or a flaw in the keyboarding OS. I sold both wireless keyboards and mice and have not looked back since. If you plan on keeping wireless, buy lots of rechargeable 2900+ Mah AA batteries.

zoz

Nov 25, 2009 5:31 PM in response to Alex_pbkg4

I got just 15 days from the batteries included with my "magic" mouse. Installed new alkalines on 11/18 and it is now at 68% so I am not sure the new batteries will last much longer than the original set.

Note that I am using it approximately 10hrs/day, and have not been turning it off at night. Starting with the third set of batteries, I will try to remember to turn it off at night and see if that makes an appreciable difference; but I doubt it.

I really do like the mouse, and think I will grow to love it should Apple employ a few more gestures. But I think this pup would have been much better suited to rechargeables and a drop in charging station like some of the Logitech models.

Nov 25, 2009 6:50 PM in response to Scott Simon1

If you get the more expensive Eveready Lithium disposable batteries, a pair of those should last much longer. Your mouse will probably also feel a bit lighter, because those AA lithiums are noticeably lighter than standard batteries. And unfortunately, NiCad re-chargeables will not last very long on a charge, and they are heavy compared to disposable batteries; your Magic Mouse may not feel quite right with a pair of NiCads inside.

All of which is why I prefer a simple mouse with a wire.

Nov 27, 2009 10:26 AM in response to mwrogers

This isn't my first wireless mouse (I have several both Apple and Logitech). I suppose if you use your computer an hour or two a day batteries will last 4 months.

On work days my mouse is going maybe 7-10 hours a day, sometimes 7 days a week. No battery operated mouse has come close to lasting even a month without recharging or replacing batteries.

I like this mouse; it's easier on my wrist and elbow than any I have tried. And I am ok with replacing the batteries regularly to continue using it. But with that said, I do think it would have been a better design to use rechargables and supply a charging station you can pop it in when you leave your desk.

Nov 27, 2009 11:49 AM in response to mwrogers

Then I would say that the Magic Mouse is not the mouse for you. If you need a wireless mouse look for one of the third party mouses that has a cradle to recharge the batteries.

I believe that you found this four month info somewhere, but I am not seeing it on Apple's website, neither for the MM itself or with the two new Macs that it ships with. But how could it be a warranty issue if it is a replaceable battery? Apple has not control over that issue because you select the batteries you want to use. Different types of batteries would have different lifetimes.

Dah•veed
User uploaded file

Nov 27, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Hi Kenichi Watanabe:

Would seem some Apple reference reported the Magic Mouse batteries should last four months. I've only found items that report the reference (have not located the reference itself). Clips below are cross posted, but if you search the Internet for the terms ["Magic Mouse" four months] (without the brackets), you'll find a whole series of early reviews and comments containing the same reference to four month battery life.

Perhaps inquire directly of Apple Care. Gizmodo's review ( http://gizmodo.com/5386202/apple-magic-mouse-review ) relays a claim about the Magic Mouse battery life saying, "it's powered by two AA batteries, which get up to four months of use per charge, according to Apple."

Engadget's preview (link follows) included the same reference, the related headline read, "Apple's Magic Mouse: one button, multitouch gestures, Bluetooth, four-month battery life."
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/apples-magic-mouse-multitouch-gestures-blueto oth-four-month/

Finding support for Gizmodo's reference ("according to Apple") and Engadget's headline may be a little more difficult. Perhaps I haven't read the press release carefully enough. Clip below, from that Apple press release:

"Apple Introduces Magic Mouse," press release, 20 Oct 2009, Apple.com ( http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/10/20magicmouse.html : accessed 24 Nov 2009), in part, "Magic Mouse uses Bluetooth wireless capabilities to create a clean, cable-free desk top and its secure wireless connection works from up to 10 meters away. To extend battery performance, Magic Mouse includes an advanced power management system that works with Mac OS® X to automatically switch to low power modes during periods of inactivity. The wireless Magic Mouse is powered by two AA batteries which are included."

Hope this helps

Nov 27, 2009 1:48 PM in response to mwrogers

+And people here seem resigned to the fact they're just going to have to spend a bunch more money on batteries.+

I believe your assumption is not accurate. I can not speak for others, but did quickly learn that batteries can easily be wasted or conserved at the option of the user. For example, if one ever holds down the mouse to scroll up or down for more than one second - *big, big mistake* - bye, bye batteries.

Magic Mouse battery only lasts 30 days?

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