Apple Mighty Mouse Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers like the Apple Mighty Mouse's designer look, which matches other Apple products. The mouse is lightweight and could be portable. The unique scroll ball is comfortable and easy to use. The wireless range is up to 30 feet. It's dual-platform compatible and symmetric, so it can be used by left- or right-handers.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers have multiple complaints about ergonomics: many say the Apple Mighty Mouse is uncomfortable, it's too big, and buttons are hard to use and poorly positioned. The software doesn't allow enough customization. The Mighty Mouse can't be opened, which means you can't easily and safely clean the scroll ball. Some experts say battery life of the wireless mouse is short, as is the cord of the wired version.

Apple Mighty Mouse review highlights

The Mighty Mouse is available in wired and Bluetooth enabled wireless versions. The Mighty Mouse is controversial in many ways, according to reviewers, and most of the reviews we found are unfavorable. Even Macintosh enthusiasts are less than thrilled with the Apple Mighty Mouse. This is Apple's first multifunction mouse, and reviewers cite obvious advantages over Apple's basic mouse, but in comparative reviews, critics generally express a preference for Logitech or Kensington mice. The few reviews we found that consider Windows usage say many other mice are better overall.

Most of the reviews we found for the Apple Mighty Mouse are strictly from a Macintosh user perspective, but the mouse is also compatible with Windows (although some features are crippled). The Mighty Mouse is available in corded (*est. $50) and Bluetooth wireless (*est. $60) versions. AnandTech.com has the best review. Other reviews lack depth or debate philosophical issues, such as whether two-button mice are an anathema to simple Macintosh use.

Also see full report: Computer Mice and Trackballs

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Anandtech.com
Apple's Mighty Mouse: The Move to Multi-Button
Anand Lal Shimpi
Aug. 4, 2005

Computer hardware website AnandTech.com conducts an exhaustive review of the Apple Mighty Mouse. It is comparative, objective, and illustrated with relevant photos and screen shots. Although AnandTech doesn't rate products, this review weighs the pros and cons of various options.

2. Macworld
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Apple Mighty Mouse: Useful, innovative design, but also begs the price question
Jennifer Berger
Aug. 5, 2005

Macworld tends to love any product with an Apple logo, so this unflattering review has strong credibility. Jennifer Berger is unimpressed with the Apple Mighty Mouse's performance and its ergonomics. Although Berger thinks the Mighty Mouse is a poor value and mentions competing products, she does not recommend an alternative.

3. PC World
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Apple Recognizes the Right-Click, Finally
Rebecca Freed
Sept. 9, 2005

In this follow-up to a PC World single-product review, Rebecca Freed evaluates the Apple Mighty Mouse, which she says is sturdy, works well and looks nice. Still, Freed says the Mighty Mouse lags behind other multibutton mice in functionality and ergonomics.

4. ATPM (About This Particular Macintosh)
Hardware Review: Mighty Mouse
Tom Bridge
Sept. 2005

This review of the Apple Mighty Mouse is well balanced, but not very thorough. It barely touches on ergonomics, and doesn't even mention Windows compatibility.

5. CNet.com
Apple Mighty Mouse Review
Lara Luepke
Aug. 5, 2005

Most of CNet.com's review of the Apple Mighty Mouse discusses installation and appearance. The review does offer some good advice, but some factual errors damage its credibility.

Also see full report: Computer Mice and Trackballs

Apple Mighty Mouse Review