Apple Releases Multi-Button Mouse

Apple has finally come to save the day following years of requests from users to offer a multi-button mouse for the Macintosh. The Mighty Mouse, which looks very much like its one button counterpart, offers four buttons along with a ball that allows the user to scroll in just about any direction.

The Mighty Mouse can be programmed to act as either a single or multi-button mouse since the unit is encased in a seamless enclosure. Touch sensors will tell the unit whether the user is left or right-clicking, and the side buttons are programmable to launch features or applications.

Windows users who are fans of Apple style will also be happy to know that the Mighty Mouse is compatible with both Windows 2000 and XP systems.

"With Mighty Mouse, we've simply built a better mouse," said David Moody, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. "With its innovative Scroll Ball and unique integration of multiple buttons, Mighty Mouse adds functionality while retaining the elegant, easy-to-use Apple design."

Rumors that Apple was developing a two-button mouse first surfaced in mid-March on Apple enthusiast sites. At the time, it was reported to be wireless, however the mouse introduced by Apple Tuesday is not.

The Mighty Mouse is available immediately from Apple's online store and through its retail locations at a price of $49 USD.