Hell has frozen over.
That is, Apple Computer has released a multibutton mouse.
And it's not just any multi-button rodent but one jam-packed with new features such as a touch-sensitive upper surface, force-sensing side buttons, a clickable scroll ball instead of a wheel, and other clever enhancements of the sort you'd expect from the trendsetting, cutting-edge Apple.
And it's called the Mighty Mouse. Heh.
More later, after I've chatted with an Apple exec about this.
(It's called Thinsulate, Satan.)
Update: Whoa, a review sample just hit my desk.
Quickie review: The mouse is a nice blend of mechanical and electronic features. It's still one big mechanical button, but one that works as a left or right mouse button depending on where your clicking finger happens to be resting/pressing. This is better, I think, than an electronic touch button with no physical feedback.
I'm not sure I care for the ball-driven scrolling function (with a too-small ball, methinks), but I have always disliked and never used scrolling wheels. If I rest my finger on the ball while clicking, though, it becomes a third button. Nice!
I doubt I'd use the squeeze-sensitive side buttons, but these (and the other buttons) can be set for a variety of functions.
Overall, this is a nice gizmo. No wireless version yet, though.
