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Level 3

775 points

Bluetooth Mouse - Suggestions?

I'm looking for a multi-button BT mouse that will work perfectly with my PowerBook. My top candidate is Macally's BTmouseJR for price and how Macally has given me reliable good products in the past. Any suggestions or support for my decision?

Posted on Aug 28, 2004 8:47 PM

124 replies

rd47

Level 2

255 points

Sep 6, 2004 7:16 PM in response to Devin Chalmers

I have had my BT500 mouse for several weeks now. Bought it in Hong Kong for about USD50. It works great.

I have been using small mice for my PB for a long time -- both wired and wireless. So I am used to the small size. In fact, a regular-sized mouse now feels strange in my hands. My point is -- you will get used to the small size.

Steve-Mac-

Level 5

5,804 points

Sep 11, 2004 6:35 PM in response to Alexander T.

I read this post all along, and many are talking about the BT500. I just received mine last week, and I must admit, at first I hate it because of the size. it is so small.... But You can get use to it easily. I have large hands, so I have to take it just with my fingers 🙂

But I think it cannot be worst that the round mouse Apple sent with the first gen iMac. This one as disapear in no time without anyone been advise of it in a keynote from Steve J.!

Sep 12, 2004 11:33 AM in response to Alexander T.

BT500 here too. Works like a charm. The only gripe is that the battery meter in the mouse System Preferences doesn't show the battery level.

Sep 18, 2004 8:23 PM in response to Alexander T.

Isnt the macallys BTmouseJR small too? I am confused: BT is obviously BlueTooth and the JR, isnt that Junior? Implying small? I have looked for so long for a regular sized Bluetooth mouse with multiple buttons and a scroll wheel. You'd think that someone would make one. I understand the portability thing, but many people, like myself, use their PB on the go AND as a desktop.

Steve-Mac-

Level 5

5,804 points

Sep 19, 2004 12:34 PM in response to Benjamin Namllih

I do have the BT500, and sure, I may have to find myself a normal size Bt mouse for the desktop use. I'll keep the BT500 for travel.

Miscosoft and Logitech made one. TheMouseBT just came out with a new mouse as well. thnk the choice is very large!

ApolloYK

Level 4

1,410 points

Sep 19, 2004 12:56 PM in response to Benjamin Namllih

The Macally Mouse is called Jr but in reality it isnt a mini mouse, just not quite full size. I don't feel a difference at all between lets say a Microsoft wired mouse (normal sized) and the BTMouseJR. I've been using mine for a month and a bit and I love it. Hope this helps

- O

Alexander T. Author

Level 3

775 points

Sep 19, 2004 6:47 PM in response to Alexander T.

The reason why I think I'll get the BTmouseJR by Macally is because of the price. $60 CND as compared to $100 CND for any other BT mouse. I would love to receive some feedback to The Mouse BT but seeing as it was just released for pre order I don't think many people will have it yet.
Thanks,

Alex

CM Leys

Level 2

381 points

Oct 11, 2004 7:56 PM in response to Alexander T.

I just recieved "The Mouse BT" from MacMice ($69, www.macmice.com), and it is working flawlessly. Size about the same as the Apple Bluetooth mouse, but with right and left buttons and scroll-wheel with button. Very easy setup. Batteries included. On-off switch.

ERMD

Level 1

85 points

Oct 13, 2004 1:48 PM in response to Alexander T.

Just got the Macally BT JR two days ago, and it's great!!! The color matches the aluminum too. The size is perfect. Not too small to be awkward in normal sized hands.

I don't know why Apple doesn't just make its own 2-button wheel mouse. EVERYBODY uses one!

Alexander T. Author

Level 3

775 points

Oct 13, 2004 4:28 PM in response to ERMD

EXACTLY!! I wish Apple did make a multi-button Bluetooth mouse! If any employe sees this post please consider it! Ok I remember the whole thing that this is for those who use their products and Apple does not monitor the forums or will do what everyone says blah blah blah... So I guess it's futile. Yep Macally BT JR (which is $40 cheaper than all the other BT Mice for me) or MacMice The Mouse BT Alu. In Canadian prices the Macally is $60 and all other mice are at least $92. :S not nice... But BT is a very good way to go, I heard its already getting old in Japan so I can't wait to see what's next! For the time though BT rocks.

Alex

Oct 16, 2004 6:14 PM in response to CM Leys

I received my "The Mouse BT" yesterday (was sitting in the rental office for a week!). The mouse initially was not operating correctly; it was laggy and jumpy and seemed to be dependent on the CPU: some web mouse-overs would cause it to lag.

HOWEVER, removing the mouse from BlueTooth control panel, updating the firmware ( http://www.apple.com/bluetooth/), rebooting, and re-adding helped tremendously.

I still see some minor lag sometimes, but maybe this is an artifact of BlueTooth itself?

Alexander T. Author

Level 3

775 points

Oct 16, 2004 7:05 PM in response to Doug Everly

Yes, sometimes BT devices lag normally like any wireless technology. While BT has a good data transfer rate it will occasionally lag or get interrupted. BT is a good technology and Apple did the right thing with making it built-in on PBs and optional on every other model. For and extra $70 CND its worth it.

Alex

Steve-Mac-

Level 5

5,804 points

Oct 16, 2004 10:10 PM in response to Alexander T.

Sometimes it is also the mouse itself that create the lag by being in sleep mode to save bateries. My BT500, if I do not use it for a while, will go to sleep. Then it may take a few seconds to get back the normal control.

Oct 18, 2004 5:08 AM in response to Alexander T.

I just purchased a second Macnally BTMouseJr. This one for my desktop.

I've been using one with my pb for a few months now. I absolutely love it. Both the function and the fit of it in my palm.

I can't recommend it highly enough.
(and now I don't sell them or know anyone who does. blah blah)

Oct 22, 2004 2:55 PM in response to Doug Everly

I gave up on The Mouse BT. While the lag when the mouse is moved after sitting still is acceptable, I experienced velocity changes of the cursor as I was using the mouse. This caused me to mis-click way too often. A coworker tried it on his 17" PB and experienced the same issue. I am going to return The Mouse BT and get a Kensington BlueTooth Pilot Mouse instead. Oh well.

Bluetooth Mouse - Suggestions?