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ChairmanAgnostic

(28,017 posts)
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 11:04 AM Dec 2011

Mouse or track pad?

I have a nice iMac for the office, and about two months ago, I decided to try out the trackpad. Together with lion, (and some art software) I find it a hell of a lot nicer than mice. Given that I quit using my laptop and replaced it with the iPad, it just seems far more useful and natural. And comfortable.

What sez you folks?(damn, cannot do a poll here)

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Mouse or track pad? (Original Post) ChairmanAgnostic Dec 2011 OP
Funny you ask . . . Stinky The Clown Dec 2011 #1
I use a Magic Mouse, which operates pretty much like a track pad with scrolling and such NV Whino Dec 2011 #2
Try some rechargeable batteries Hoodoo Jan 2012 #9
Wow, thanks for the tip NV Whino Jan 2012 #10
Just an FYI REP Jan 2012 #15
This message was self-deleted by its author Tesha Jan 2012 #16
Now there's a thought NV Whino Jan 2012 #17
I'd switch in a NY minute but sellitman Dec 2011 #3
I only have a laptop (MacBook Pro). Even though I do have a mouse, NYC Liberal Dec 2011 #4
Track Pad for me av8rdave Dec 2011 #5
Lion and Apple's Magic Trackpad is a perfect combo. onehandle Dec 2011 #6
Track pad. n/t davidwparker Dec 2011 #7
track pad for most things erinlough Dec 2011 #8
This message was self-deleted by its author undercraticground Jan 2012 #11
Almost always a trackpad. originalpckelly Jan 2012 #12
Mac Magic Trackpad CreekDog Jan 2012 #13
Both. REP Jan 2012 #14
Mighty Mouse for me hamerfan Jan 2012 #18

Stinky The Clown

(68,476 posts)
1. Funny you ask . . .
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 11:13 AM
Dec 2011

. . . . I recently added a trackpad to my MacPro. That now makes two mice and the trackpad connected to it. I am still using Snow Leopard.

I do CAD work. I have a Logitech VX Revolution mouse with scads of buttons, each programmed for a CAD function. Enormously useful (invaluable) for the CAD work, but nothing special as a general purpose mouse. I also have a Mac wired mouse that I never use and really ought to just unplug and put away.

After so much laptop time, the trackpad is the best way to go for some general functions, particularly web surfing, scrolling, changing apps, etc. I use Spaces and it is great for screen switching between my 10 active desktops.

I still prefer a mouse for writing and spreadsheets and any cut and paste stuff. Far more precise for me.

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
2. I use a Magic Mouse, which operates pretty much like a track pad with scrolling and such
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 11:15 AM
Dec 2011

It eats batteries for lunch, however. Of course it would help if I remembered to turn it off when not in use.

Hoodoo

(4 posts)
9. Try some rechargeable batteries
Tue Jan 10, 2012, 10:55 AM
Jan 2012

Sanyo's Eneloop batteries would be a good choice, as you would be able to charge them as many as 1500 times.

You might try buying a set of four batteries along with a charger made for Eneloops.
With your mouse, you can check your battery level by clicking the bluetooth icon in the upper right corner of your screen. In the drop down menu you will be able to select Apple Magic Mouse and its battery level.

Once the level is low enough, I'll turn the mouse off, take out the old batteries and insert an already-recharged 2nd set. I'll then immediately charge the spent batteries and tuck them away in a drawer to be used again a few weeks later. I never turn my mouse off except to change out batteries.

The Ni-MH type batteries retain 75% of their charge capacity after as much as 3 years storage.

Please forgive me if you were already familiar with Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
10. Wow, thanks for the tip
Tue Jan 10, 2012, 01:02 PM
Jan 2012

I bet I can use these for the keyboard as well. Although the keyboard doesn't eat them as quickly as the mouse.

REP

(21,691 posts)
15. Just an FYI
Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:16 PM
Jan 2012

My iMac, ordered with Magic Mouse and trackpad, also came with rechargeable batteries and a charger. I thought that was pretty cool.

Response to NV Whino (Reply #2)

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
17. Now there's a thought
Sat Jan 14, 2012, 08:25 PM
Jan 2012

I'll dig into my used batty bag and give it a try.

In the mean time I've ordered rechargables with a charger. Best of both worlds.

sellitman

(11,688 posts)
3. I'd switch in a NY minute but
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 11:17 AM
Dec 2011

My daring wife would shit a brick. She hates change. She freaked when I added Lion. Lol Not worth the hassle.

NYC Liberal

(20,353 posts)
4. I only have a laptop (MacBook Pro). Even though I do have a mouse,
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 01:26 PM
Dec 2011

I find myself gravitating back to the trackpad even I have the mouse connected.

av8rdave

(10,617 posts)
5. Track Pad for me
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 04:40 PM
Dec 2011

I use it with my MacBook - open or in clamshell mode with a Bluetooth trackpad. I am not a "power user," so it has more than enough precision for me. I love the gestures. Managing multiple applications is a breeze.

onehandle

(51,122 posts)
6. Lion and Apple's Magic Trackpad is a perfect combo.
Mon Dec 12, 2011, 08:17 PM
Dec 2011

I liked my Magic Trackpad under Snow Leopard, I love it under Lion.

The new gestures make it fantastic.

Response to ChairmanAgnostic (Original post)

originalpckelly

(24,382 posts)
12. Almost always a trackpad.
Wed Jan 11, 2012, 08:56 AM
Jan 2012

But when I'm working on something that requires detailed control, I ditch it and go for a mouse. Not even the magic mouse, but a souped up PC mouse, that just happens to work A-OK on Mac OS X.

CreekDog

(46,192 posts)
13. Mac Magic Trackpad
Thu Jan 12, 2012, 06:53 PM
Jan 2012

it's the best trackpad, period. the only PC version of a trackpad pales in comparison.

REP

(21,691 posts)
14. Both.
Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:13 PM
Jan 2012

My birthday iMac came with both. I didn't think I'd use the trackpad much, but I'm really liking it. I have extensive hand/arm/shoulder problems, and the trackpad is often easier to use. Still mouse-dependent for Photoshop, iMovie, Audacity, etc.

hamerfan

(1,404 posts)
18. Mighty Mouse for me
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 04:13 AM
Jan 2012

I have an iMac and run SL and have the trackpad and the BT Mighty Mouse. 95% of my use involves the MM.
Just resistant to change, I guess.
+1 to Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries. They power both my MM and the trackpad.

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