Apple Magic Mouse users complain about its short battery life as one of their biggest complaints. It's not uncommon for the mouse to need new batteries after just four weeks, which means you're using a lot of AA batteries. In response to user complaints, Apple has introduced Magic Mouse 2 as standard equipment on new iMacs. This includes the Apple iMac 27-inch with a 5K Retina display. Rechargeable batteries and an idiot-proof pairing process are among the upgrades. Though it's $10 more expensive, it's certainly an improvement over the previous version at $79 (if you buy it separately).
Design and Features
With the same white, polycarbonate, arched profile as the Apple Magic Mouse, the Magic Mouse 2 ($67.98 at Amazon) looks just like the Apple Magic Mouse. Compared to the old model, it's 0.85 inches taller and less than a quarter-ounce heavier at 3.52 ounces. Like the previous Magic Mouse, it glides on a pair of low-friction strips. You can adjust sensitivity and tracking in the Mouse system preferences on your Mac with the optical sensor on the bottom. You can adjust sensitivity and tracking in the Mouse system preferences on your Mac with the optical sensor on the bottom.
With a double-tap of two fingers, users can bring up Mission Control by swiping left and right between browser pages, and up and down between full-screen apps. The touch-sensitive mouse surface allows you to scroll and right-click, and you can turn these features on and off as needed. Using Force Touch, the new Apple Magic TrackPad 2 ($0.00 at Amazon) allows for even more gestures.
Since the lightning port is on the bottom of the Magic Mouse 2, you have to turn the mouse over to recharge it, rendering it temporarily unusable. Alternately, some rechargeable mice, such as the Logitech MX Master ($99.99 at Logitech), feature front-mounted micro-USB ports that allow you to use the mouse while recharging. Both the Apple Magic Keyboard ($67.99 at Walmart) and the Apple Magic TrackPad 2 can be used while they are recharging, further compounding the problem.
Similarly, the Magic Mouse 2 has the same ergonomics as the previous Apple mice. Just like the previous version, it takes some getting used to. While the mouse tracks your movements without undue effort, it is half to a third as tall as most standard mice. Due to its short length, you must either arch your palm to move the mouse, or leave your hand almost flat on the work surface. Instead of depressing the mechanical switch built into the mouse, you can set the mouse buttons for tap sensitivity. As a result, it feels more like a trackpad, but with more precision cursor control. It's better than a trackpad if you need to work with and edit a lot of text. However, I prefer the feel of a traditional mouse in my hand.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery.
- Multitouch surface.
- Good for both left- and right-handed use.
- Automatically pairs with Macs via Bluetooth.
- Ships with Lightning-to-USB cable.
Cons:
- Requires OS X El Capitan or later.
- Cannot use the mouse while it is charging.
- Shallow design doesn't fill the curve of your hand.
Conclusion
Featuring a distinctive minimalist design, Apple Magic Mouse 2 is an evolutionary update. Using the Lightning-to-USB cable to pair the mouse instead of fiddling with Bluetooth settings is a neat feature that addresses the issue of burning through disposable batteries. Apple could have placed the Lightning port of the mouse in a better location. Nevertheless, not everyone will find the mouse as comfortable as a traditional scroll-wheel mouse, so if you have tried the previous model and didn't like it, you might be interested in other Mac-friendly mice, such as Logitech's MX Master, and Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse.
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