There's a myriad of ways us photographers interact with our computers on a daily basis. While Wacom tablets are certainly the luxurious way of editing, many of us still love our trusty mouse for plenty of tasks. One of the most popular and controversial mice on the market is Apple's Magic Mouse, and it looks like the love/hate fest is going to see even more action with the new Magic Mouse 2.
Engaget released a close-up photo showing how this new mouse gets its juice. Gone are the two AA batteries. In its place, in typical Apple fashion, is a non-removable battery with a Lighting connector charging port. That charging port is on the bottom of the mouse. Obviously this means that the mouse cannot be used while charging; a point Reddit was more than happy to turn into a frenzied controversy.
Reddit user Joetwizzy writes:
I'm a massive apple fan. And I called BS on this until I googled it. I think I'll stick with changing batteries.
He was not the only one to show dissension. User Philyeagles710 argues that this is just another example in the long-line of charging port mishaps, saying:
They suck with charger location. I can't stand having the charger port of my iPhone on the bottom.
Of course there are those coming to the defense of this design decision. SJS12 says:
It takes like two minutes to fully charge, so they put it in the least visible place possible.
And that's the big key right there. Charging on this new mouse is lightning fast. Two minutes of charging will give you an entire 8-9 hours of use. Overnight on the cable will give you an entire one to three months. Much ado about nothing? Absolutely. I know it takes me over two minutes just to find full batteries or a wired mouse when mine dies. If you can't find two minutes in your day to put down the mouse, you need a new job. I also figure that if the port was on the side, a lot of people would just use it plugged in, defeating the purpose of a clean, wireless design. This could also put unnecessary wear and tear on the port in certain usage situations.
Chances are that if you're a current Magic Mouse user and/or fan, you'll be a huge fan of the new version. I wouldn't have any reservations upgrading if I were you. You can pre-order it from B&H here. You can even check out this unboxing video if that's your sort of thing.
People are really getting up in arms over a charge port? Plug it, go take a shit, and you'll be good for the next couple days. Plug it in over night as the article said.
They couldn't make this so it sits flat in a charging cradle?
Cradles are very un-Apple like. They like as little stuff on your desk as possible.
True. They are the minimalists dream but yet they design that big track pad thing. A cradle would be smaller and only need a footprint barely larger than the mouse itself. Surely Johnny Ive could knock that out in his sleep. On an iMac, it could integrated into a redesigned stand.
My Logitech mouse going strong for four years on the same batteries and the software shows the battery power levels. And that's a pc mouse. Get a bite of the that Apple.
Wow, I've never thought of the design desision in this way. I guess it's not THAT bad. I think the Apple Pencil's charging solution is way worse, because you could like break it, or stab someone with it.
Charging is one thing, but no indicator light that the Magic Mouse 2 is charging was shortsighted, verging on egomaniacal. Even worse, if you aren't quick to charge when the warning message pops up you might be screwed. I can't tell if my mouse is completely dead or salvageable. I can't tell if the 4 attempts to charge it did anything. The computer doesn't recognize it via the Mouse or Bluetooth windows under system preferences. I wasted well over an hour on Apple Support reading gripes and complaints but found no solid, logical resolution. I hit a wall. The other Bluetooth enabled bits are working. I disconnected them to see if there was a conflict and they were readily identified and connected again.
I got so frustrated I went to Best Buy, no Apple stores here in Redneckville, and they had no clue. I looked at buying a new MM2 then thought better of it, not knowing if that would even work and then have to return it, so I bought a cheap corded Insignia brand mouse for $7.99, thinking it's a good back up in the event I ever get this less than one year old (with only 4 full 9 hour recharges to it's name) over-designed, under-considered MM2 to work again.
So my advice if you are frustrated and disappointed, and about to miss a deadline like I did, spend well under ten bucks on a corded mouse and put the MM2 is a drawer.
Interesting that the weakest link turned out to be the one thing you can't operate without. Oh, and AA batteries are a lot less expensive than a new mouse, and they can be changed out in less time than it takes to get a quick charge. I love my Apple products, been a user since 1987, and dealt with Microsoft during the Vista train wreck, and while this doesn't compare, it's a very serious flaw.