Bluetooth and Mac Mini - Initial Set up

Question

Bluetooth and Mac Mini - Initial Set up

Hi,

I've read a few posts on here about initally setting up the Mac Mini with only a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, with varying degrees of success (ranging from not working, to no problem at all).

My Mac Mini is the 80GB, superdrive model with built-in bluetooth/wireless.

It has recently shipped from Apple, so will hopefully have the latest build and firmware.

I need to buy a keyboard and mouse to set it up and would prefer the bluetooth versions, as I could use them with my Apple Powerbook as well.

Will I be able to set up the Mac Mini without the USB wired equivalents?

Please bear in mind that I will be purchasing genuine Apple keyboard/mouse and do not have access to any USB keyboards/mouse at the moment.

Thanks,

GD

Powerbook G4 12, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Dec 26, 2005 5:57 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 26, 2005 7:46 AM in response to Guildford Dad

I have same setup, you don't need any USB wired keyboard or mouse to configure the Bluetooth devices with your computer.

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Answer 2

Dec 27, 2005 4:32 AM in response to German Wiernik1

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I tried it out and I have the devices switched on.

When I turn on the Apple, I get a screen showing 1) batteries being put into the mouse, 2) the mouse being switched on with the blinking light....and then just sits there.

The keyboard and mouse are definately switched on, but interestingly, on the side of both boxes it says that a USB keyboard and mouse is required to configure them.

Fortunately, the shop where I bought them from, said to try it out and if it doesn't work, take the Mac mini and BT wireless devices back and they will set it up for me.

Did you do anything differently to get your devices working please?

Cheers.

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Answer 3

Dec 27, 2005 5:26 AM in response to Guildford Dad

This definitely works without using a USB keyboard and mouse. I have 2 mini systems configured this way with no problem.

Have you opened the slider panel on the base of the BT mouse? You should see the red led/sensor flashing. When the mini initially boots up it takes a while to make a bluetooth connection to the mouse but eventually it will find it. You should see the usual "clock timer" on screen as this is being configured.

Other suggestion would be to check the batteries in the mouse.

Can't think why it wouldn't work if neither of these fix it other than a hardware problem with the BT in the mini itself. Unlikely though.

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Answer 4

Dec 29, 2005 1:13 AM in response to Rob Lisanti

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. The BT mouse was definately on, but when I first booted the Mini and it automatically goes into the initial setup, it claims it can't see the mouse (it was definately on and the red light was flashing away)...I even pressed the mouse button like a madman and moved the mouse around, but it wouldn't pick up.

I took it back to where I got the keyboard/mouse from and they let me plug my Mini into the display setup (ie. removed their mini) and I set it up from there.

Interestingly, the pairing on the mouse is automatic (ie. trusted), but you have to enter the number phrase and press enter for the keyboard to work (ie. requires authentication).

I think it would have been possible to get the keyboard working with a USB mouse, although the setup does ask you to press the key to the right of the left shift key, so not sure how that would work with the bluetooth keyboard (although I could maybe exit at this point, by just using the mouse).

Anyway, it is all working a treat now, so maybe there's a slight difference to the UK model, or firmware, or the SOE applied to the mini when it's shipped.

Thanks for the all advice!

PS. I got some very funny looks when I unplugged my mini in the shop, slipped it into my bag and then walked out!

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