Feeling like my Mighty Mouse is near the end of its days, I visited the friendly Stanford Shopping Center Apple Store to check out the new unibody Macbook (it's pretty nice!). I ended up playing around on one of the brand new 27" iMacs, which come standard with the Magic Mouse. After using the mouse in the store, I decided to buy it. After using it all day today, I think it's time for my review...
Description:
The Magic Mouse is a wireless Bluetooth device with multi-touch technology. The design is very sleek and Apple-like. The top surface is made of plastic, white, and clicks when you press on it. The bottom portion of the mouse is made from the same aluminum that Apple makes its laptops and desktops out of. You turn it on by sliding a tiny switch on the bottom.
Multi Touch:
If you've never used multitouch before, I'll tell you that it's really awesome, and allows you to accomplish more things by using intuitive finger gestures. The Magic Mouse has a few gestures that once mastered, you'll wonder how you lived without them. For starters, you can move one finger forward, backward, left, or right on the top of the mouse surface, and the effect is exactly like using a trackball to scroll, which comes in handy when using the internet and working with documents. It's super easy. Of course, if you can master swiping two fingers left or right on the surface of the mouse, you can do other things like switch between tabs in internet browsers, also a very handy feature. Of course, one of the drawbacks of multi-touch is that you lose some of that tactile feedback that trackball mice have.
Design:
OK, when it comes to design, Apple is doing better than just about every computer maker out there. The Magic Mouse is no exception. The top plastic part is curved symmetrically both from the front to back and the left to right. It is white with a shiny clear coating. There is a gray Apple logo towards the back of the mouse. On the bottom side, there is an aluminum piece that is also curved beautifully with two plastic pieces that stabilize the mouse. There is a battery compartment which holds two AA batteries, along with an on/off switch and a tiny LED light to let you know the mouse is on.
My biggest gripe(s)...
I like this mouse, but unfortunately, there are a few problems.
First, the shape. The mouse looks really sleek, but it doesn't fit as comfortably in the hand. The previous Mighty Mouse felt a bit more substantial, and was easier to hold.
Second, the mouse gives up some of the functionality from the Mighty Mouse. With the Mighty Mouse, I could bring up my dashboard, or open Expose. I can't do it with the Magic Mouse.
Overall:
Looks great, multi touch is awesome, a little awkward to hold, and less functionality. Worth the price if you're a fanboy, need a new mouse, or you get one with a new computer. If your mouse is working great for you, I'd save your money.
Pictures!
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