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    Best Bluetooth mouse for Macbook?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by chyidean, Nov 23, 2008.

  1. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    I can't seem to find a clear winner. I HAVE to have Bluetooth, as there is only two USB ports on the Macbook and I will be going with a form fitting bag (so even a VX Nano receiver can't stay in).

    From what I read, cons are listed below:
    V470 - Lag between idle to active, gets disconnected when Macbook turns off?
    Microsoft Wireless 5000 - gets disconnected when Macbook turns off (from one reviewer, not sure if it's true. Then again that reviewer said the V470 doesn't disconnect, so I'm confused.)
    Razer Proclick Mobile - random disconnects, choppy

    Those are the main contenders, but people seem to find flaws with each one.

    Which ones are you using with your Apple computer, and are there any pros/cons you find about it?
     
  2. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    I have the Razer and I've had no random disconnects what-so-ever.

    But like every other bluetooth mouse, it does power down when idle, to save battery. But it's not going to power down while you use it.

    I really recommend the Razer. No lag, great battery life!
    (can't really think of a con for it)
     
  3. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    Yea, the razer is a really good mouse. I've had mine for a while now, batteries last about 6 months with constant usage.

    Never had any disconnect issues, other then like cdnalsi said, it will sleep if you dont touch it for a while, just gotta move it and it will wake up again.

    Only issue with it, may be the bluetooth drivers in osx. In windows, I can be playing games and it will still be fine. OSX, last time i checked, when the cpu gets busy, it lags sometimes. (this is like 100% cpu usage), but it will go back to normal when not under heavy heavy load. Its obviously osx thats doing this, so maybe new drivers at some point will fix this (10.5.6, or an update)

    But yea, really good mouse, no complaints really at all.
     
  4. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Hmm, sounds like Razer is pretty popular. 1600 DPI, right?
     
  5. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    Apple Mighty Mouse - just cool

    cheers ...
     
  6. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    I'm actually quite liking the new Microsoft Arc Mouse. I haven't had too much time to try it out and its quite expensive for me, but its nicely design and a nice concept!
     
  7. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    It's not bluetooth, lol.
     
  8. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Oh, I missed the Bluetooth part, sorry :p!
     
  9. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Haha thats OK. Any input, folks?
     
  10. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    Just get the Razer and get it over with :D
     
  11. Stunner

    Stunner Notebook Deity

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    My brother bought a Razer but ended up returning it because it is not a very good gaming mouse according to him. Be was playing CoD 4 and when you don't move the mouse for about 5 seconds it goes idle and when you try moving the mouse, it gets jumpy and there is delay so that really messed him up on his games. This was on Windows by the way. I am not sure if there is a setting that allows you to extend the amount of time before the device goes idle though.
     
  12. cha

    cha Notebook Deity

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    Bluetooth mouse and gaming ( especially fps ) don't really go hand in hand. Razer gaming mice are wired.
     
  13. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    Never had that problem with mine. Used to play COD4 all the time, just beat fallout3 couple of weeks ago with one, and was playing more games with it. Maybe it was a faulty unit, batteries, or maybe his settings were weird.
     
  14. maos

    maos Notebook Guru

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    i played fear with my razer. it was good.

    anyways, dont get the white razer. i've had mine for half a year now and sides are now stained orange. can't seem to clean it. i've used detergent to no avail. :(
     
  15. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    what about apple mouse?you don't like it?
     
  16. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    Yeah I've played CoD4 with the Razer. Worked just beautifully.

    There's no such thing as a 5 second idle time. It's maybe like 1 minute.
     
  17. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    I kinda got a clue when users rated it 3 stars out of five on Apple's own site, no less. Plus, I'm getting vibes from a lot of review sites on how the tracking isn't smooth nor precise, and it seems to not be very sensitive.
     
  18. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    Try emailing razer/trying a rma. I've gotten replacements from them on similar cosmetic differences.
     
  19. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    I think it's typical wear. I mean, daily use on a white mouse?

    I think you RMA when it's like that on arrival, not after a year and a half of use lol.
     
  20. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    heh, ok I guess i'm the only one who rma's stuff for cosmetic reasons.

    Razer has always been good with rma's, atleast for me. It all depends on how you word it ;p
     
  21. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Okay, now I'm a little scared of Razer mice. I think someone on this forum mentioned the 5 second idle time, and coupled with the fact that someone on Amazon said the same exact thing, I'm slightly paranoid about this not being an isolated issue.
     
  22. hehe299792458

    hehe299792458 Notebook Deity

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    Well, I think it isn't isolated. This is a problem among all bluetooth mouse and since the Razer is a bluetooth mouse, it'd be fair to assume that the Razer has this "flaw"
     
  23. araharja

    araharja Notebook Consultant

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    can any1 post the link of this "bluetooth razer"? tq
     
  24. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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  25. pampas

    pampas Notebook Consultant

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    Apple Mouse (wireless, bluetooth) SUCKS !!!
    I just tried the second one, with the crazy hope the first one was somehow broken.
    Now, the same problems: HUGE LAG, imprecise movement, slow response, nasty scroll (says on the website that it's 360 degrees movement, in all directions, but instead it's plain up/down and left/right, with nothing special-like any other mouse). Don't care much about 360 scrolling, but the feel of the scrolling wheel is terrible, with the most important issue being the LAG.

    I am not sure if this is a mouse problem though, since I also tried 2 Microsoft (latest 80-100$ mouse) with my brand new MBP alum., and all of them lag. Also tried a logitech over 2.4 wireless (not bluetooth) and lag also, a little less but still very anoying. Is APPLE having issues with the bluetooth receiver(incorporated) or it's just the drivers? Should I look for some software that change mouse behaviors? (please post if you know any really good).

    Basically, APPLE Wireless MOUSE SUCKS big time!!!
    I am using a Logitech G5 with the speed on high on the mouse and at medium in MouseSpeed/preferences. This I find usable, but it's corded and not really a laptop mouse at all.

    And now, I have the same problem as the OP, please advice on a good bluetooth mouse that will WORK with a MAC with no delay. There is no delay with Vista over Bluetooth with any of the mice I tried (about 5 brand new devices!!!) but a HUGE delay with my MBP. Same with my wifes Mac Air. I will try the bluetooth razer just to see if there is no lag as some say here..with tiny hopes after so many mice/tries.
     
  26. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Ouch. I read something about bluetooth not being anywhere near the technology of RF but it was about two years ago, so naturally I assumed the technology would have improved.

    So yeah. Still haven't settled on a definite choice. Probably buying the aluminum 2.4 Macbook this Friday. I'm still waiting to hear from a friend who works at Infinite Loop at how their employee discount works and if it's stackable with Black Friday offers.

    In a best case scenario:
    My friend purchases the Macbook using both employee discount
    Stack the employee discount with the Black Friday sale event
    Throw the thing on eBay as a private auction, and let me get both Microsoft Live.com cashback AND 15% off eBay coupon.

    But that's just wishful thinking.

    Wonder what the price would come to if I did that, lol. That would be a mad crazy deal.
     
  27. Beric1

    Beric1 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a Logitech v470, have used it with my Macbook for 2 months, and have been completely happy with it. I'd definitely recommend it.
     
  28. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Hmm, that's interesting. Did you get the white version or the blue version? Both versions work with Mac, right?
     
  29. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I have had a v470 for a month or two now, and I must say, I am very happy with it. It is comfortable and works on every surface I have tried thus far. It will lag coming out of idle. I am not sure about the disconnect you are talking about, I can wake the MBP from sleep with it. The only time it disconnects is if I turn off the mouse, the computer or am out of range which makes sense.

    If you want speed, accuracy, and responsive, don't get wireless, RF or Bluetooth. Get a wired mouse if those things are critical. Every wireless mouse will exhibit some lag at some point and will be less responsive and accurate than wired. It is the trade off for cutting the cord.
     
  30. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Actually, my Microsoft Optical Notebook Mouse 3000 has been really great with my desktop. I have a wired 1600 DPI mouse and both have the same response time/tracking capabilities. I would use it with the Macbook but I really need the 2 USB ports, and I don't want to carry a hub, so Bluetooth is the only option.
     
  31. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    I'm just curious about your choice? What did you buy eventually?
     
  32. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm still waiting. I've read all reviews for each of the three mouse I mentioned from the first three pages of Google reviews for "[mouse model] review".

    LOL
     
  33. Jeradin

    Jeradin Newbie

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    Stay away from the mighty mouse!

    I was thinking to purchase from radtech.. but will look into the razor also, the below two mice seem pretty sweet, both with a usb charger.

    I cant post links yet, but its radtech then .us

    BT600 $59.95 (20$ off this weekend) $47

    Specs:
    Bluetooth Version: 2.1
    Frequency: 2.4 GHz AFH
    Profile: HID v1.0
    Data Rate: > 2.1 Mbps
    Tracking Method: Laser 1600 dpi
    Power Requirement: 2.4 - 3 VDC
    2xAA NiMH Cells included
    Charging: Via USB Cable
    Charge Rate: 500 mAh: 80% @ 290 min
    Dimensions: 109 x 67 x 36mm

    Also the BT550 looks good, but only 1200dpi...

    BT550 $54.95 (20% off this weekend) $43.95

    Specs:
    Radio Class: Bluetooth II
    Frequency: 2.4 - 2.48 GHz
    Profile: BlueTooth HID
    Data Rate: > 700 Kbps
    Tracking Method: Laser (Invisible)
    Resolution: 1200 dpi
    Power: 2-5VDC
    2xAAA NiMH Cells included
    Charging: Via USB Cable
    Charge Rate: 500 mAh; 140 min
    Dimensions: 106 x 57 x 35.5mm
    Weight: 98g with Batteries
     
  34. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    The BT600 has better specs, but it's horribly ugly. :p
     
  35. StrongerThanAll

    StrongerThanAll Notebook Deity

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    anyone with any good ideas?
     
  36. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    Razer Pro|Click Mobile.
     
  37. StrongerThanAll

    StrongerThanAll Notebook Deity

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    i find it to be a little on the small side, is it a good mouse for gaming?

    does it work for both mac/windows?
     
  38. cdnalsi

    cdnalsi Food for the funky people

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    It is a bit small, but certainly not as small as my dad's Microsoft laptop mouse. Don't remember the exact number/name.

    I game with it all the time, there's no lag what-so-ever. If you stick close to the Mac.

    And yes, it works with both Mac and Windows.
     
  39. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    Yea i've gamed with it too, without any lag. Though This is in windows, not sure about gaming in osx.
     
  40. StrongerThanAll

    StrongerThanAll Notebook Deity

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    yeah, i probably won't game on mac
     
  41. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    I can't help you here. I returned the Macbook due to subpar screen and issues out of the box such as squeaky keys, misaligned battery latch, issues connecting to an external monitor, etc.
     
  42. StrongerThanAll

    StrongerThanAll Notebook Deity

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    yeah, i ordered the microsoft 5000 mouse, i didnt like the blue on the v470, and i cant find the white version, plus, the microsoft one has a 4th button you can use to open expose/dashboard
     
  43. mmoy

    mmoy Notebook Deity

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    I have the Microsoft notebook mouse - not sure of the model. It gets the job done. I prefer full-size mice but not enough to carry them around with me.
     
  44. StrongerThanAll

    StrongerThanAll Notebook Deity

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    Just received my Microsoft Mouse 5000, so far its pretty solid, no lags whatsoever..

    its very compact, it may be a bit small for bigger hands, but definitely nice construction and solid quality.
     
  45. kekinash

    kekinash Notebook Guru

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    I being using Microsoft Notebook 5000 mouse several months and I liked it very much. Batteries last almost one month with a 8 hours/day use. Seems that the invisible laser drains less power. And the microsoft mac drivers really works on leopard, you can configure all settings to detail, no as on windows, that it doesn't have any driver (microsoft doesn't recommend using the intelligent software on windows, strange).
     
  46. george.vala

    george.vala Notebook Enthusiast

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  47. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

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    Eight hours a day on the computer? That's pretty hardcore :)
     
  48. Adivino

    Adivino Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey, i use a lot the mouse for working and after my big mistake when i purchased the cord apple mouse together with the new MBP, i've been looking for one. In the end two options: BT white Logitech v470 (45 euros=62$) and apple mighty mouse (69 euros=95$). Eventually i went for the first, cheaper than the mighty mouse, nice design and with more stars in reviews than the mighty mouse. I've been using it a lot hours lately and it works great: it doesn't go idle, no delays, works in every surface, you can wake the laptop just moving the mouse... very happy...so far.