Magic Mouse: Mighty or Mini?

Is every little thing Apple’s new Magic Mouse does really magic?

OVERVIEW:

In late October, Apple introduced its new mouse: The Magic Mouse. This mouse replaces the widely criticized Mighty Mouse. This new mouse incorporates Apple’s revolutionary multi-touch technology, making The Magic Mouse the first multi-touch mouse in the world. The mouse is essentially one multi-touch capable surface that can be set to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. The Magic Mouse is connected to your computer via Bluetooth technology.   The Magic Mouse is extremely lightweight and stylish and can be purchased for $69. for more information on the Magic Mouse visit http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB829?mco=MTU3Mjk0NjI#overview

GADGETGUY SAYS:

One thing is for sure, this mouse is cool. Its sleek and stylish look is almost enough for me to spend nearly 70 dollars. But let’s face the facts and look past its outer beauty. While innovative, the multi-touch technology is far from extraordinary. The number gestures that can be made is very limited and many of these gestures are almost no different than the gestures on a regular and cheaper mouse. The Magic Mouse also gets rid of the best aspects of its predecessor (The Magic Mouse): the ability to access Exposé and Dashboard. The Magic Mouse only has gestures to scroll (horizontally, vertically, and diagonally) and to swipe forward and back between pages and photos. Are you kidding me Apple? My trackpad on my Macbook Pro can do so much more. In fact, wasting $70 on a Magic Mouse (not including the price to renew the two AA batteries every few months) would be a downgrade for an owner of a laptop with a trackpad. While lightweight, the Magic Mouse is nothing I would carry to school with me. Simply put, it does not improve my computer experience enough for me to bring it with me (although I admit, its style may be a hit with my classmates). So what’s the verdict?

VERDICT:

If you are looking for something that will look great on your desk or if you are an Apple fanboy (or fangirl) that must have everything Apple makes then buy a Magic Mouse. No, it wont help you be more productive and chances are you already own a laptop with a trackpad that is much more functional, but you will be able to brag to everyone that you have arguably the coolest looking mouse for under $70.

For everyone else, don’t waste your money. If you really need a wireless bluetooth mouse you can find one that, while not multi-touch, will be just as if not more functional than the Magic Mouse and almost certainly cheaper.

REPORT CARD:

I give the Magic Mouse a B on its report card. Its pros are its style, coolness, and its multi-touch. Its cons are its price and its functionality.

Already own a Magic Mouse? Have an opinion on anything you have read? Have anything to add? Post your comments below!