Apple mice to add optical trackpads?
updated 04:10 pm EDT, Thu June 26, 2008
Apple mice w/optical pads?
Future mice from Apple may incorporate optical scrollwheels, a new patent application suggests. Simply entitled Mouse having an optically-based scrolling feature, the application depicts a mouse similar to Apple's current Mighty Mouse, but with an oval trackpad in place of the current mechanical ball unit. According to Apple this is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but more intuitive, as it requires no force to scroll or click, and it becomes obvious that people can scroll both horizontally and vertically.
Apple's concept also involves an internal buzzer, which would provide audio feedback matched to the rate at which someone scrolls, compensating for the lack of normal mechanical sounds. To ensure people don't continually run their finger off the scrollwheel, subtle tactile barriers would be set up around the rim; alternately, Apple could print some form of visual boundary.
hey
06/26, 04:26pm (1 reply) reply
This idea has been mentioned before on MacNN as well as other places. Can we all sue Apple for patent infringement???
Though I'm not sure how having a pad, vice a ball, makes it more or less obvious you can scroll in both directions (in fact, I'd think a ball would be more obvious).
LouZer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
The reason may be
06/26, 05:11pm (1 reply) reply
The same as why optical mice took over ball based ones. I have read of issues some people are having where the ball system gets damaged after a while. Also less moving parts means cheaper to manufacture. And lastly if you imagine a more rectangular design, that could be used by the index finger for gestures.
Judging by the drawing, I would say that this new mouse is designed for the weird mutant monkeys who will enslave mankind in the future. Apple is prepared.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
I have two...
06/26, 11:54pm reply
...of the Apple Mighty Mouse with not so mighty mouse scroll balls. Both didn't last all that long. This design is a joke. I hope 'optical' in the future is where they are heading provided the mouse of the future with optical scrolling is of value and won't c*** out after a years use.
MeandmyMac
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
mine is fine
06/27, 02:09am reply
My Might Mouse is fine since the first thing I do when I get one is stick it on the shelf and not use it.
chadpengar
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001
Annoying
06/27, 06:08am reply
Some how, this sounds annoying.
Like a double-story porta-loo.
Sounds good, but in practice, you just get c*** all over your face.
calverson
Mac Elite
Joined: Jul 2007
alright!
06/27, 08:07am reply
Another sensor to get screwed up by outside interference or unintended touching. I guess they're fixing the most annoying problem with the mouse (the damn ball, which, as has been said, is just as bad as the mouse balls on the bottom of mice), they still have the funky "two buttons but only one button, make sure you lift that left finger in order to right-click" design.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Try Logitech
06/27, 09:05am reply
The MX Revolution mouse ROCKS. Seriously, it's truly amazing. Check it out.
Zkatz007
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 1999