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Keep 2021 iMac or wait for 2022?
- Thread starter ebesp
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I have never experienced this problem. My late-2014 iMac has never had 'random connection issues' with any of those devices. Are you using Apple peripherals, or third-party? Not that it should make a difference, but I'm curious.
And what else should Apple be using, if not Bluetooth?
If the problem is due to interference then it could be a matter of what brand of TV you have in the next room or what your walls are made of. Personally, I’ve never had problems with the the Magic Trackpad (maybe others have?) or keyboard - and the O.P. seems to be happy with their Logitech. So maybe it’s just the Magic Mouse that’s the problem. Wouldn’t know about that because I can’t bear to use a Magic Mouse for long enough to find out.
As for what Apple “should” be using - irrelevant - everybody needs to go out and get a mouse that they feel comfortable using. I could waste time ranting about how horrid the Magic Mouse is to use, even without connection problems, but the truth is, that is subjective and some people like it. (The fact that you have to turn it upside-down to charge it is indefensible, though). …but it’s definitely love-or-hate and you *don’t* want a device like that as your “first impression”.
Connection wise, proprietary USB wireless dongles seem more reliable and the Logitech Unifying Receiver system is near-perfect (as long as Logitech keep up the software support - but you only need that when you change configuration)… but what I think Apple need to do is to either (a) include the Magic Trackpad as standard (then they’ve got a premium-feeling, gesture-capable interface across the range) or (b) throw in a cheap, wired mouse as a get-you-going tool (always useful to have in the cupboard for troubleshooting) and let you add your preferred pointing device.
For anybody buying an iMac - I’d strongly suggest taking the Magic Trackpad option and giving it a go - on the understanding that although you might end up needing a “proper” mouse for precision work, the Tragic Mouse might not be the best choice - whereas there isn't much available to compete with the trackpad.
I find the Trackpad (with 3 finger dragging enabled) great for most things, but fall back on a Logitech MX Master for some graphics apps (& games) - but then the MX Master isn’t for everybody, either (forget it if you mouse with your left hand, for instance).
Sure, that is all very interesting, but you completely missed my point. Read it again. My post had nothing to do with pros and cons of the Apple Magic Mouse or any other particular device.
The previous post had stated 'Bluetooth is still garbage no matter what version they release'. My question was to that statement, because I do not have the claimed difficulties with iMac bluetooth connections, and I was wondering what the writer of the post suggested should be used instead of bluetooth.
...but this is all about the pros and cons of the Magic mouse - it's the only device in the mix that doesn't have a fall-back connectivity option.
Personally, I don't have bluetooth interference problems but (just to prove a point) I'm typing this with Bluetooth turned off and my Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad connected via usb-lightning cables. No problem. My hypothetical Magic Mouse, however, would be lying helplessly on its back waving its hypothetical paws in the air: horrible, fragile design based on a "works for me, what could possibly go wrong?" mentality.
To be fair, my Logitech mouse won't work with just a wire (although you can charge it while continuing to work) - but it does support the Logitech unifying receiver - which is the next best thing to wired - as a fallback to bluetooth, and can pair with three different systems, so it is ahead on points. Anyway, having the keyboard and trackpad "tethered" is not a big deal if you're working on a desk - but an untethered mouse is nicer (although a tethered mouse is 100% better than a Magic Mouse playing dead while it re-charges).
There's numerous threads on here and abroad with posts about bluetooth connectivity issues with the iMac of multiple generations. It's just not always consistent. The mouse will just randomly not be connected and the same happens with the keyboard and track pad. It's just an annoying bug that I don't think will ever get fixed because of how spotty bluetooth is in general. I never lose connection with the mouse and MacBook pros. but I have experienced it with the 2017 iMac, the 2019 iMac and the M1 iMac.
I just leave my keyboard and trackpad connected with the usb cable. Unfortunately, due to the still moronic design of the Magic Mouse charger port on the bottom, you can't do the same with it.
I just leave my keyboard and trackpad connected with the usb cable. Unfortunately, due to the still moronic design of the Magic Mouse charger port on the bottom, you can't do the same with it.
Well, let's see if Apple takes the opportunity of introduction a new iMac Pro to also introduce a new wireless mouse, since the current Magic Mouse has been with us for a decade or more (wireless and with the lamented charging connection on the bottom since late 2015?). The 24" iMac didn't change the design, but it wasn't a 'Pro' . . .
I really don't like Apple mouse. My hand and wrist ache too quickly and shape/size of it not right for me. I agree Apple trackpad is best trackpad in world miles miles ahead everyone else. No one come close to Apple trackpad. I use it for nearly everything on my iMac. I have wired mouse if want do something very accurate movement like drawing lines or something (rarely happens but my wired mouse there for backup option).
I was lucky enough my first Mac was MacBook Air so get trackpad experience first before Apple mouse (from uni and work) so I knew need get trackpad for my first iMac many years later instead of mouse.
Same. I ordered my 2017 iMac with the Apple keyboard with numbers and the trackpad, no mouse. The trackpad has been bulletproof and never failed, plus I like the interface. The keyboard has never failed either though it’s typical Jony Ive-era slim with less-than-optimal functionality: no backlighting, totally flat with totally flat keys, no sculpting, only the tiniest bumps on the “f” and “j” home keys, pretty much the worst keyboard I’ve used. I’ve promised myself to get a better keyboard with my next iMac, possibly the 2022 version.
I use the keyboard and trackpad on Bluetooth only, connecting the wires only to charge their built-in batteries. Neither device has ever failed, connected nor wirelessly.