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Just ordered an iMac -- keyboard & mouse question

B

Beccad

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 5, 2011
26
0
Ohio
I've been lurking around this forum for a few weeks, gathering information to decide what Mac I wanted to order. I appreciate all the information that is available here!

I took the plunge this afternoon and thought I should register as I'm sure I'll have questions in the coming weeks.

I played around with an iMac at an Apple Store a few months back and kicked around buying one. I really enjoy my iPhone and my iPad, but I kept thinking about the iBook G4 that has been gathering dust because I never really took the time to learn the Mac OS. Then my Windows laptop quit and I had to send it off for repair. I dug out the iBook and that put me over the edge. For whatever reason, I had no problems figuring out the OS this time around. I've been trying to figure out how to justify an iMac ever since.

Today I ordered a refurbished 21.5" iMac from Apple's refurbished site. I ended up ordering over the phone -- I called Apple to ask a couple of questions, and when I mentioned that Amazon offered Apple Care cheaper, the sales rep gave me a discount on the Apple Care. Plus, I got a free (after rebate) AirPrint-capable printer. So, I think I ended up with a pretty good deal.

After all that, I'll get to my question -- do you use the wireless keyboard & magic mouse? They seemed fine when I was using them at the Apple Store, but that was just for a short time. I'm wondering how I will like them when I'm editing photos or typing a long document (I deal with all the numbers I can handle at work, so I don't do much at home that would require the number keypad).

Anyone interested in a Dell Inspiron desktop:)
Thanks!
 
A pc user most of my life I just got an Imac last month.I love the keyboard and the mouse takes some getting used to you have to love that touch pad feel that allows you to fly through a page.I ended up setting my sensitivity higher in mouse preference to move faster on screen.
 
I love magic mouse so far, after nearly a year of use. Hasn't been uncomfortable to me at all.
 
Not having a numeric keypad and full-sized cursor keys irritated me, so I gave the keyboard away to my father. And the Magic Mouse, frankly, did my head in. I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

I would add, however, that in addition to using OS X I also use Windows, and I play games occasionally; so the absence of a right mouse button and proper cursor keys were major problems for me - won't be for everybody.
 
Thanks for the input. I guess I'm just going to have to spend some time with the mouse to decide if I like it. I would definitely like to have a trackpad -- but I'll probably wait and ask for it for Mother's day or my b-day.

It looks like the keyboard will also pair up with my iPad, which will be great for trips.

I got shipping confirmation -- my new toy won't arrive until next Wednesday:(
 
Just a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a new 21.5" iMac at my local Apple Store. In-store iMacs are pre-packaged with the wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse. I knew from experience with my previous iMac and wired keyboard that I would prefer the wired one, so I got one that day.

I decided to give the Magic Mouse a try. It has its advantages and disadvantages over the Mighty Mouse it replaced.
Advantages:
  • Cordless; frees up a USB spot on my wired keyboard
  • Multitouch surface allows easy single finger scrolling, with no trackball to get gummed up (the one major annoyance I had with the Mighty Mouse on my previous iMac)
Disadvantage:
  • Uses a battery, but drainage is rather low; I'm still reading 100% on my mouse battery meter.

The main advantages for the wired keyboard:
  • Splits one USB port into two; their current is strong enough to charge an iPod (I wouldn't try an iPad, though).
  • Dedicated Home/End/Page Up/Down button area.
  • Bigger arrow keys, which I find better for games.
One disadvantage:
  • USB cord is somewhat short, and the extension cable that comes with it may not be enough length for using at a desk with a pull-out keyboard drawer.

Anyway, that's my opinion, which like all opinions is like a bumhole: everyone has one, and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks. :D
 
Yeah, good point re the USB sockets.

There are only four on the back of an iMac. If two of them are lost to keyboard and mouse, this can narrow your connectivity options somewhat - depending on what you use your computer for, this will either be a problem or it won't.
 
Doc750 said:
magic mouse is so-so ... get a track pad to go with it
Click to expand...

I don't personally recommend the Magic Mouse since it's not ergonomic and is too close to the ground. The lack of physical buttons also irritates me. I like having multiple buttons, especially a dedicated left click button.

I wouldn't recommend a track pad since you are going to be doing photo editing and can get exhausting after extended use.

I love the keyboard though, it's my favorite keyboard of all time. They slim keyboard makes switching from a Macbook to the keyboard effortless.

I would recommend a Razer mouse for your iMac if you are not satisfied with the Magic Mouse, something like the Razer Mamba which is a fantastic mouse that can be used wired or wirelessly. It comes with a stand that lights up which is a nice added detail. It has multiple buttons and has great performance since it is after all made for gaming.
 
I had a 2009 refurb iMac with the wireless keyboard and magic mouse. I sold the iMac and now use a MBP and an External Monitor (see signature). Anyway, to use the monitor with the MBP in clamshell mode I order a wireless keyboard but did not buy a Magic Mouse. Instead I picked up the Magic Trackpad. It has more gestures than the mouse which gives me more options and control and that was my main reason.

BTW - my Magic Mouse eat batteries so I invested in rechargeables. Removing the door to replace the batteries showed noticable signs of wear after only 8 months. But give it a try, you might love it but know that a Trackpad is something to consider. Bought mine new on Ebay for $60 shipped
 
I appreciate all the advice. I will give the keyboard and mouse that ship with the iMac a try; if they aren't working for me, I'll try some other options.
 
For magic mouse our magic trackpad please use bettertouchtool to give you more gesture controls. Makes it even better.
 
I enjoy the magic mouse but can't say the same for the wireless keyboard:(
It's a little to small and not to comfortable for typing long documents and even worst if you plan to play any games on the imac.
Just get the wired Mac keyboard it's great.
Just stay away from the wired apple mouse it's a nightmare. If you need a decent gaming mouse go for the DeathAdder I use it on my Mac pro.
 
Coming from full the windows world, I took me a while to get used to the Apple BT KB as the key spacing is a little closer and the feel of the keys are different.

I got hooked on the Magic Mouse for the way I can scroll windows with it -- mainly for web browsing. It is unbearably slow without MagicPrefs. For me, it is completely unusable without that utility and the speed enhancements that it offers. it does take some time and practice to get proficient with clicking and gestures. Because I was sort of hooked on the way I could scroll windows with it, I persisted even when it was frustrating. For what I use a mouse for most of the time, I like the trackpad on my MBP even better and will probably go to an external trackpad eventually.

When I need precision, I have a Logitech Performance MX mouse that meets the need, but I keep going back to the MM for day-to-day work and seem to switch back to the Logitech mouse less and less often.
 
I use the wired keyboard because i like having the numeric pad on the side. I dont really use the USB sockets on the sides as i find larger USB sticks dont fit under the keyboard.

I love the magic mouse. Great for photo editing - in Photoshop it works as a mini trackpad to navigate while zoomed in.
 
I find the Keyboard a joy to use and not clunky like windows based keyboards and also regarding the mouse, like others have said you should really be looking into the Trackpad.

It will blow your mind. :D
 
Beccad said:
After all that, I'll get to my question -- do you use the wireless keyboard & magic mouse? They seemed fine when I was using them at the Apple Store, but that was just for a short time. I'm wondering how I will like them when I'm editing photos or typing a long document (I deal with all the numbers I can handle at work, so I don't do much at home that would require the number keypad).
Click to expand...

Apple keyboards and mice totally suck, and they are the first things that I replace with a Microsoft mouse and keyboard on every new machine that I get.

Apple's input devices have, like everything from Apple, a nice design that is pleasant to look at. However, the ergonomics of their input devices are awful, they do not adhere to industry standard keyboard layouts (which is an even worse problem when you use German keyboard layouts as I do), and their mice are total failures for gaming (you cannot press the right and left mouse button at the same time - and guess what every first person shooter on the planet requires you to do).

Also, I loathe wireless input devices. Either for some strange reason the bluetooth connection drops or at some critical point in the day the batteries are drained. That's why I only use cable keyboards and mice. I can tolerate that when I play with my Xbox 360, but even there I can only tolerate it because I own two controllers and thus always have a fully charged backup device on standby. It still annoys me, though.

Anyway. The short answer to your question is: No, I don't use the Apple keyboard and mouse, I use a Microsoft Natural Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse instead.


Anyone interested in a Dell Inspiron desktop:)
Click to expand...

Not at this time. But Dell certainly provides MUCH better service and warranty than Apple.
 
Winni said:
their mice are total failures for gaming (you cannot press the right and left mouse button at the same time - and guess what every first person shooter on the planet requires you to do).
Click to expand...

Macs are not designed for playing games. But i agree with your point about wireless devices in general.
 
Just came back from apple store to try out the track pad and found it a bust.Really had to slam down my finger on the pad to make it respond.I changed all preferences to highest level but still found the magic mouse more responsive.Maybe it was defective from being used so much in store?
 
mattg3 said:
Just came back from apple store to try out the track pad and found it a bust.Really had to slam down my finger on the pad to make it respond.I changed all preferences to highest level but still found the magic mouse more responsive.Maybe it was defective from being used so much in store?
Click to expand...

um you don't have to make it "click", it works well as touch sensitive. ALso if you want to "click" it, it's better done at the lower edge, rather then the center.
 
When my new iMac turns up next week I intend on selling the Magic Mouse and using an MX Revolution mouse. The Apple mice are awful IMO. They are too small for my shovel-like hands and the multi-touch stuff on them is gimmicky.

- Vodouman
 
mattg3 said:
Just came back from apple store to try out the track pad and found it a bust.Really had to slam down my finger on the pad to make it respond.I changed all preferences to highest level but still found the magic mouse more responsive.Maybe it was defective from being used so much in store?
Click to expand...

As the other chap said. I personally use the "touch to click" mode. Much better and user friendly IMO
 
I don't own one of these, but I've heard a lot of great things:

http://mmfixed.com/

Also, I hate the tiny wireless keyboard, do yourself a favor and go out and pick up a full size PC keyboard. I love my Illuminated Logitech, works great in low lighting and the keys are really nice and click-y.
 
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