ANTenna Blog -- Apple

Mice are personal, and in some way, they're the most personal aspect of today's personal computers, whether a Mac or a Windows PC. Some people, for example, love Apple's mice. Other people can't stand them. I fall into that category. Thus, my pleasure at seeing that Microsoft — which makes great mice — has released a new Bluetooth mouse for Mac owners.

There are many good mice manufacturers. Logitech, Kensington, Microsoft. Apple. Others.

There are many styles of mice, and many ways of connecting them. Wired mice have their place: they're cheaper, they don't run on batteries, and they never get lost. However, Bluetooth wireless mice are nice, especially for notebook owners, because they don't need cables, and since all modern Mac desktops and notebooks have built-in Bluetooth, they don't tie up a precious USB port. That's a real plus for notebook users, who never have enough ports.

The new Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse for Mac, $49.95, which just began shipping this week, is slightly smaller than a standard mouse, which will make it ideal for both notebook users and for desktop users who prefer a smaller mouse. (In my informal polls, about 1/3 of adult desktop Mac users prefer to use a notebook mouse to a standard full-sized desktop one.)

The new mouse has some solid features, including a scroll wheel, an on/off switch (to save battery life and comply with FAA regulations) and a battery life indicator. Plus, it runs on AAA batteries, which means that if your batteries die, you're not out of luck until you wait for it to recharge. Just pop in new batteries, and you're back in business.

Interestingly, Microsoft also makes a notebook mouse called the Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000, which is billed as being for both Windows and Macs. What's the difference between the $49.95 Mouse 5000 and the new Mac mouse? Absolutely none, as a Microsoft spokesperson explained to me:

"The mouse itself is identical to the Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000. With the Mac packaging, we wanted to make it clear to consumers that the mouse is compatible with both the Mac and Windows operating systems. And now the product can be sorted in both Mac and PC sections of stores so users can ensure they are buying a product that will work with their computer."

That's why, the spokesperson said, you can find the new mouse in Apple stores, in the Mac section of Best Buy, and of course, online.