Bluetooth Mice

[ClayDavid]

So I am a complete newbie when it comes to wireless/bluetooth mice. I was planning on ordering one with my new MBP, but was wondering about something:

What is to stop my new bluetooth mouse from controlling someone else's laptop, if it were sitting next to mine? It might be a little awkward, suddenly having someone else controlling your computer..

Do you configure the bluetooth mouse to only work on a certain computer, or something along those lines? What is the range on a bluetooth mouse?

 

[iMacFan78]

So I am a complete newbie when it comes to wireless/bluetooth mice. I was planning on ordering one with my new MBP, but was wondering about something:

What is to stop my new bluetooth mouse from controlling someone else's laptop, if it were sitting next to mine? It might be a little awkward, suddenly having someone else controlling your computer..

Do you configure the bluetooth mouse to only work on a certain computer, or something along those lines?

I believe your mouse operates on a channel unique to your Mac. I'm really not sure though.

What is the range on a bluetooth mouse?

Thirty feet.

 

[WildCowboy]

I should let someone who actually uses a BT mouse answer this one, but I'll provide some basics.

Range is generally about 30 feet. You also have to "pair" the device with the computer, so someone else's mouse won't all of a sudden start controlling your computer. You also initiate contact through your computer. By turning on the mouse, you allow your computer to see it and pair with it. It doesn't work the other way around. (There are ways hackers can get in using BT, but passive devices like mice can't suddenly decide to pair with your Mac on their own.)

 

[GoCubsGo]

What is to stop my new bluetooth mouse from controlling someone else's laptop, if it were sitting next to mine? It might be a little awkward, suddenly having someone else controlling your computer..

The device must be paired. You can tell it not to ask for a passkey during the pairing process, but generally it is the default.

 

[twentyone]

You program the computer to work with the mouse. I guess that if you had your mouse on and was using it, someone else could pair with the mouse and read it's output, but what use that would be, I don't know. The mouse has a BluetoothID, just like a Mac Address that is unique to that mouse. The computer will recognize it when it is turned on and know to use it.

I've got a Logitech V270 and love it.

 

[xfiftyfour]

another question regarding bluetooth mice: how hard is it on the battery? I currently have a wireless logitech, but that connects via a usb adapter, not bluetooth. just curious how much of a battery drain a bluetooth mouse might be compared to what i currently have..