Best Mac Mouse?

[Robert Johnson]

For those interested in the MX Revolution:

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=1&catalogId=10051&productId=153884&cmArea=SEARCH

 

[TestEng]

I’ve been flip flopping between the Mighty Mouse and the Logitech MX Revolution Wireless mouse. I want a mouse with a second button. I even bought a Mighty Mouse last week, but I returned it after reading the negative comments about the MM, and I didn’t like the ergonomics of the track ball.

Then I read Cutterpillow’s posts about the MX400, checked it out, and proceeded to flip flop between the MX400 and the MX Revolution Wireless, and eventually got the MX400. But I really like the ergonomics of the MX Revolution, and I’ve thought at times that it might be nice to have a wireless mouse, since my Apple single button mouse’s “tail” occasionally gets hooked on things and that annoys me.

But then I decided to get the MX400 because I didn’t want to deal with constant recharging, and a review (MacWorld, I think) mentioned that the MX Revolution was power thirsty and you need to make sure you turn it off when not using it. (Doesn't it just go to sleep on it's own?) I thought the charging issue would out weight the benefits of being wireless, and the wireless seemed to be overkill.

The extra cost of the MX Revolution really didn’t bother me much, especially for something that you used so much, and it felt so good in my hand!!

So, all that being said, I still have not yet opened the box for my MX400. I might just return it for the MX Revolution after reading many positive comments here about the Revolution.

I don't know.......they both seem quite nice.....

--

There are 10 kinds of people in the world: Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

 

[TestEng]

Logitech MX Revolution plus USB Overdrive - a perfect combination!

I'm not familiar with USB Overdrive, but I was also concerned about the possibility of Logitech driver issues with OS 10.4.10 (or later with Leopard) on my G5 iMac.

Could you elaborate more, or point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

--

There are 10 kinds of people in the world: Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

 

[Ellis Vener]

Razer Pro 1.6: far and away the best highest precision mouse I've ever used. But for graphics work and retouching you really do want the Wacom tablet sytem.

 

[Alpha Doug]

I know the Mighty Mouse has it's problems with acquiring dirt under the ball, but why do you think it only has one button? First off, if you press left of the ball or right of the ball, you get the same left/right button arrangement of any other mouse. Perhaps you have not opened the mouse/keyboard preference and set those buttons for whatever you want them to do. Also, the two lower buttons on each side, while somewhat hard to press, can also be programmed to bring up or activate specific things. And lastly if you press down on the ball, vs. rolling it, it also is another button and can be programmed. Presuming your trackball still works O.K. it would be a shame not to use the full functionality of your Mighty Mouse. Go to preferences and program the thing.

--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}
http://www.dougwigton.com/

 

[TestEng]

I never actually used the MM that I bought. My comments on the MM ergonomics were based on trying one out on a display iMac in the Apple Store.

I bought the MM because I wanted a mouse with a second button, but before I ever opened the package, I discovered the MX400 and tried it out at Best Buy. I instantly decided that I like the MX400 much better than the MM, so I returned the unopened MM. And the MX400 was cheaper than the MM to boot!

But I’ve not had a chance to open the MX400 package and play with it yet, and I’m even toying with the idea of returning it for the MX Revolution.

--

There are 10 kinds of people in the world: Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

 

[Alpha Doug]

Here's the deal. I want you to be open minded. You already have a MM that came with your computer I think. Even though folks complain about them because of the "dirt" issue (me included), it really is a spectacular mouse when it works. Apparently the MM that you tested at the store had not been set up right, or you just didn't understand how it works. Try yours out. You might like it, at least until it goes belly up.

I use a Logitech MX Laser 1000 (an older version of the MX) now that my MM is dead (RIP). It works O.K. I find the tracking is a little skittish compared to the MM, and I don't like the scroll wheel as well as the ball on the MM. Also, I'm not crazy about the charging stand and plugging it in all the time.

I'm looking at the VX Revolution which is physically smaller and has no side scroll wheel. It has a 2.4Ghz USB dongle that it communicates through, and it is battery powered. You can "dock" the dongle in the base of the mouse for transport. I teach classes at remote locations so it might work well in those instances.

Also, in spite of the fact that the control center for the Logitech mouse works "mostly", the mouse often sort of loses it's mind, and gains it back after I go futz around with the setting.

--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}
http://www.dougwigton.com/

 

[TestEng]

You already have a
MM that came with your computer I think.

Actually, no. My +2 year old G5 iMac came with a plain old clear & white single button mouse, hence the quest for a multi-button mouse.

But thanks for all of your feedback. I will take it into consideration!

--

There are 10 kinds of people in the world: Those that understand binary, and those that don't.

 

[JBP]

I have had one for maybe 5 years now and love love love it. I'd never go back to an Apple mouse, in fact the MM that came with my Mac Pro is still in the box, never used.

I also really like the wireless feature and simply put it in the cradle at the end of the day to charge up. It uses NiMh batteries and I can easily get a full 10 to 12 hours out if it without having to recharge it. It still has the original batteries too which I think is amazing, they are AA so I can replace them anytime with new NiMh's.

I like the Application switcher button, use it every day. I have had no issues with the Logitech software either. I did trade up though as the first Logitech model MX (less than 700)didn't have Fast RF and the cursor blinked on and off while tracking across the monitor.

--
35 to 4 x 5 - NPS Member

 

[Cutterpillow]

Then I read Cutterpillow’s posts about the MX400, checked it out, and
proceeded to flip flop between the MX400 and the MX Revolution
Wireless, and eventually got the MX400. But I really like the
ergonomics of the MX Revolution, and I’ve thought at times that it
might be nice to have a wireless mouse, since my Apple single button
mouse’s “tail” occasionally gets hooked on things and that annoys me.

But then I decided to get the MX400 because I didn’t want to deal
with constant recharging, and a review (MacWorld, I think) mentioned
that the MX Revolution was power thirsty and you need to make sure
you turn it off when not using it. (Doesn't it just go to sleep on
it's own?) I thought the charging issue would out weight the
benefits of being wireless, and the wireless seemed to be overkill.

Well, I'll just say again that I love the MX400, it's the best mouse I've ever used. I used to have one of Logitech's top of the line wireless mice (an older model before the MX Revolution) and it was also a great mouse, but I just don't like the endless recharging. I prefer a wired mouse over a wireless mouse any day on a desktop computer. If the computer's not going anywhere then what's the point to a wireless mouse aside from constant recharging or changing of batteries?

That's just me though, it's my preference. If you think you might like a wireless mouse then I'm sure the MX Revolution is also excellent. Whatever you decide on, I think you'll be happy with either one.

Dave

 

[shrunk]

First of all, any mouse will work with mac. I went to my local photomart and bought a 2 button Creative Technologies" mouse with scroll wheel and it was plug and play, no drivers needed, and it was only $19.95. I'd never go back to one of Apple's mice.
--
WJBart

 

[Alpha Doug]

On DealMac today there was a note that Staples.com is selling the MX for $79.98, but there is a coupon code you can use to drop the price to $49.95 with free shipping! What a deal!
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}
http://www.dougwigton.com/

 

[John Rayl]

Finger tip control of mouse movement are precise with this.

Programmable buttons that is application specific enables a better workflow, especially in LightRoom.

http://us.kensington.com/html/2200.html

 

[Jacques Cornell]

I'm a trackball fan, and the Microsoft (shudder!) Trackball Explorer is the best I've found.

--
'No matter where you go, there you are.'

 

[Bagelturf]

The best mouse is one that is unplugged.

A graphics tablet with a pen is very natural, easy on your hand, wrist and fingers.

--
Aperture articles > http://www.bagelturf.com/

 

[hfg]

I prefer the VX Revolution for use with the MacBook Pro since it uses 1 standard AA battery and doesn't need the charger when traveling. The wireless USB module stores in a recess of the mouse, turns off the power, and pops out at the touch of a button. I find that the AA alkeline battery lasts around 6 months with daily usage. I would think a primary LiIon would almost last forever. The VX is slightly smaller than the MX, but still retains the good feel. I use the MX on my desktop Mac.

If you watch eCost and NewEgg specials, they occasionally will have the MX or VX revolution down in the $30 range after rebate. A very good price on a great mouse! Note that Logitech now has a "nano" version of the mouse where the USB module is so small it barely sticks out of the USB port at all and thus can be left in place all the time without danger of being broken off. I think it is in today's Best Buy flier.

-howard

 

[SUBY]

I asked this very question previously and the MX revolution got the
thumbs up from many here. I agree about the non-bluetooth ability
though, but I seem to recall reading about not loading the Logitech
software itself due to it's bugginess. Either way, after regular MM
gutting for cleaning purposes and many returns (will keep doing this
now after warenty expires in 12 months) the MX will be on my hit
list. No personal experience though, just the responses I got here
and a quick play at the shops.

Just a reply/update to myself and anyone else. I love the MM but vertical scroll has once again gone south on mine. Looks like I will be knocking on the warrenty door for the 4th time in 2 years. The design of the scroll ball does seem to make it fairly obvious where the dirt will eventually accumulate and deposits, on the north> south internal rollers exclusively. Will keep using replacements for another year until my 3 year warrenty expires. Then probably the Logitech MX (maybe bluetooth by then)?

--
Cheers Suby