Apple Wireless Mouse - Mouse - optical - 1 button(s) - wireless - Bluetooth

A warning though--make sure your firmware and software is up-to-date when you install and begin to use the mouse. Also, it helps to confirm that your bluetooth module is actually working. Funnily enough, mine was on the fritz and had to be repaired, but now it all works like a charm. My PowerBook easily adapts from going between trackpad and mouse i.e., I don't have to make any changes--I just start using one or the other.

I also have not had the problems that other users have had regarding waking from sleep. My mouse connects back up with the computer just fine. I just "double-click" the body to wake it up and can see from the bluetooth icon in the menu bar that it's re-connected. I have noticed that it works better on a mousepad or other surface, and suggest that you should do so, although others tell me it works fine anywhere. When I use it on the bare surface of my desk, I seem to keep picking up dirt, hair, dust, etc. It also works well from across the room, useful for presentations and the like.


Good Mouse   March 28, 2004
Mossberg500 (Southern Appalachia)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Before reviewing this mouse, I made sure I had the latest Bluetooth and Wireless Mouse Firmware installed (March 2004). The CD in the box was already out of date. Always check with the Software Updater first. Many bugs are fixed by firmware. For those with problems, I might suggest you make sure your Firmware is up to date.

I installed the 1.5V Lithium batteries that came with it. A note about using AA rechargables. Most all AA rechargables are 1.25V, not 1.5V, so you are starting off with 17% less power if you use rechargables, which will reduce your range. The Energizer Lithium batteries that is comes with are probably the best AA batteries that you can buy. (about $5 for 2)

This mouse is about 20% heavier than the Apple Pro mice (white or clear). It weights slightly less than my 15G iPod. If you don't have to lift the mouse up and down, you can easily get used to the extra weight. I've been using Apple mice since 1984, and the early ones were like heavy bars of soap, so this is light in comparism. The click tension is also adjustable inside, which is now missing from the White Apple Pro USB Mouse.

This mouse appears larger to the eye, because it is solid white, not clear or white/clear. In fact, it's identical in shape and size as the Apple Pro Mouse.

Tracking seems identical to the Apple Pro Mouse. I would recommend that you use a solid colored mouse pad with any optical mouse. Sharp contrasting colors can make them skip (orange to black for example).

If you still think a corded mouse is the best option, the new White Apple Pro mouse has a 6" longer cord, which will reach the left side of an iBook better than the clear corded mouse, which is a bit too short. Using a wireless mouse does free up 1 USB port, if that matters to you.

It does take a few seconds to find it once you turn it on.

I give it 4 stars due to the additional weight and startup delay.


Disappointing   March 1, 2004
pianodwarf (Silver Spring, MD United States)
4 out of 8 found this review helpful

My experience with the Apple Wireless Mouse has not been good. It tracks poorly on most surfaces that I worked with, especially with fine motion. It seemed to fare best on textured surfaces such as thin cloth, or a mouse pad. For that reason, I'd strongly recommend that you use a mouse pad with this product.

I also have problems with the Mac not pairing with the mouse when I turn it off, then turn it back on. This is a common problem, and the recommended solution is to update to the latest Bluetooth firmware. However, I am already using the latest version of the firmware (I installed it before I installed the mouse, per the instructions), and I'm still having the problem with pairing after power on.

The mouse is beautiful and very comfortable to work with when it's paired and is being used on a surface that it likes. However, its aesthetics and ergonomics are not enough for me to continue using this device, and I can't recommend it to anyone else, either. I suggest visiting Macworld to read their reviews of other wireless mice to consider one of those instead. (I'm also told, btw, that the non-rechargeable batteries for this mouse don't last long, but I can't speak to that since I don't plan to keep this mouse long enough to find out about battery life.)