Apple’s minimalistic, aesthetic-focused product design philosophy seems to work very successfully in nearly every product they produce, bar one glaring exception; The Apple Mighty Mouse. For some reason, this product is, frankly, an ergonomic nightmare. Oddly, it seems to be shaped like some sort of alien pod from the future/space, not formed subtly to the natural flow of the human hand like you’d expect from a direct input device. This means that not only is it difficult to use (I sometimes find myself contorting my hand in wrist-tingling ways just to complete certain tasks as a part of my daily routine web-browsing and designing) but even more annoyingly, the pitifully tiny and strangely shaped scroll ball just stopped working for me a couple of weeks after purchase.
At first it wouldn’t scroll down, then upwards motions stopped registering and finally it just completely stopped responding. Upon checking the Apple support forums I discovered a huge number of folks with similar issues, and none with a working solution (at least, for me).
So, being completely fed up and ready to hurl this little smooth white hunk of useless shiny plastic through the wall, I ran out to a computer store and picked up the Logitech MX Revolution, having read such positive reviews for the thing by some respected bloggers (namely Glenn Wolsey).
And wow, what a difference! I honestly can’t believe I’ve been using anything else over the past years. This mouse feels absolutely comfortable to hold, and has more features than ever imaginable. I’ve now set it up to have complete control over my iTunes, I can increase/decrease volume, skip forwards and backwards between tracks, play and pause the current track and even hit the “quick search” button to bring up CoverSutra’s awesome input box to skip to specific tracks by typing in keywords.
This is the best mouse I’ve ever held in my hand, and is in stark contrast with Apple’s rounded thing. If you’re considering a new mouse, then be sure to read more about the MX Revolution, and by god, think twice before grabbing the Mighty Mouse.
I love the Logitech MX Revolution Mouse. Been using it for quite some time. Much nicer than the mighty mouse.
After using a tablet, I don’t think I could ever go back to a mouse. I do wish there were some additional doodads on the pen though.
You’re so right about the Mighty Mouse. I had to return mine to the shop last week as the scroll ball wouldn’t scroll downwards. I was given a replacement mouse, which I’m planning to sell on ebay as I’ve found another mouse which suits me better.
i had the mighty mouse and it stopped working after 4/5 months of using it. piece of shit.
I’ve had a Mighty Mouse for 3 years, never had a problem.
Used the Apple Keyboard never had a problem. Maybe I’ve just been lucky but I use Apple products all the time and very rarely get a problem.
forgive me if it sounds stupid, but.. in my opinion every mouse sucks!
if you look for a real control over your environment you should try something like a pen tablet. check wacom.com for some examples…
Subtle plug there by ‘John Doe’.
Simon I believe you don’t use the mighty mouse or even the Apple Mouse any more as 1 your main IDE is PC and 2 You, like the rest of us, can’t live without right-click.
I personally can’t stand the MX because it’s too much like dough in your hand. Ergonomic, yes, but RSI, yes. Not saying I’m a fan of the MightyMouse though- it drives me mad as my palm spends most of the time dragging on the desk (Apple store), at least it muffles the deafening noise created as it slowly erodes the surface on the desk.
Anything not Apple SUCKS.
The mouse you bought I could never use, I’d have a cramp.
I totally agree… it’s funny cuz I use a Microsoft mouse with my Mac!
I do agree with you. I bought a mighty mouse 6 months ago and that bloody ball stopped working so I couldn’t scroll down. It happened many times before but this time all the approaches like blowing, cleaning, hardly pressing it or else were useless. I bought an MX mouse (which was only 10$ more expensive than that crappy mouse) but it’s working flawlessly. The only thing that makes me happy is the fact that I had a 100$ voucher and didn’t really pay for that silly mighty mouse! Apple has to redesign its mice and have more variety instead of offering that same piece of shit with or without a tail!