For six years, I used Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 over three different Macs. Many of Microsoft’s computer peripheral products are expensive as you probably know. If they are expensive, they are also durable. And that’s how my IntelliMouse Explorer lasted for six years. Last week, I finally decided to buy a new Mouse. The thing is that I sometimes play computer games. Last month, I played a free online game called Legion of Legends. And IntelliMouse Explorer’s USB cable really annoyed me. And I needed to buy a couple of things online including a 16GB SDHC card and an IEEE1394a-to-IEEE1394b cable. So it was a good opportunity to buy a new computer Mouse.

My initial requirements were

1. It must have at least 3 buttons, preferably 5 buttons.
2. It must be a wireless Mouse.

It took me only 10 minutes or less to decide which computer Mouse to buy. And it was Logitech Wireless Mouse M505. There were a few decisive factors. No. 1, it was quite cheap. The price was ¥2,778 (US$32). The Japanese yen has appreciated quite a bit over months, but for many Japanese computer users, it must sound like a bargain price. In fact, it looks like you can find one for US$24.95 to 39.95. (See Screenshot 1-2.) No. 2, Logitech is a good brand name for computer peripheral products. No. 3, it was advertised as a computer Mouse with five buttons. Screenshot 3 does show that M505 comes with 5 buttons, according to Logicool, Japanese subsidiary of Logitech.

Screenshot 1 – Source: Amazon.com

Screenshot 2 – Source: MacMall

Screenshot 3 – Source: Logicool

I actually have a (wireless) Magic Mouse since I bought a new Mac last week. Do I still need a new computer Mouse? Oh, you bet I do. Basically, I have no faith in Apple over computer peripheral products. Seven years ago, a USB Mouse that came with eMac died within a week of purchase. Apple’s computer Mice are useless. I have two computer Mice from Apple that I have never used in my drawer.

By the way, Logitech Wireless Mouse M505 uses USB, not Bluetooth to connect a Mac. Personally, I don’t quite like Bluetooth devices. If you have a wireless computer Mouse, you probably want to turn the power off if you don’t use your computer for a while. If the power of a Bluetooth-connected Mouse is turned off, then you will need another Mouse to access System Preferences and enable access to Mouse. On the other hand, if you have a USB-connected Mouse, it’s just the matter of turning the power on and off within the Mouse.   Continue reading →