wired mouse recommendation

[jchuzi]

I have been happily using the wired Apple Mouse despite the tendency of the scroll wheel to become clogged and non-functional. I have usually been able to clean it with a lint-free cloth and alcohol, but after several years, this has stopped working. AFIK, Apple no longer makes this item and I don't want the Magic Mouse because I neither want to change batteries nor have to keep it plugged into a charger (and risk having it non-functional if the batteries run down and need to be recharged).

I have looked at Macally and iHome mice at Amazon that seem to fill the bill. Does anyone have experience with them (or others) that might be suitable for me? I don't use right-click and have both buttons set for left-click. I do like the scroll wheel functionality, however.

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

[krissel]

Haven't used any recent versions of wired mice but my old Macally that I liked eventually had the rubber turn funny and sticky. Believe it or not, probably the best wired mice I've ever used (and still do) is the Microsoft 5 button optical.  Many years ago I ordered a 3-pack of them on sale and still have two working, both with MacMinis. I looked online and found them at an exorbitant price for the originals but the "newer" version half that price, though some reviewers complained they "weren't made like they used to".  Is anything?  One problem though is the software is too old to be useful with today's OS so all the buttons aren't that usable.

[jchuzi]

Are there any compatibility problems between the Microsoft mouse and your Mac? I thought that MS mice only worked with Windows.

[Xairbusdriver]

Haven't used one in years, when my last copy of the one you (are/were) using finally died. You are correct, Apple hasn't made them for close to a decade, at least the wired model. I suspect you can still find them with a search on the web.

I know you don't want to hear it, but I only use the Magic Trackpad 2, no buttons or wires, multi-pressure sensitive, multi-finger gestures. And no cat hair problems!! It does have a battery but once a week, I plug it into a lightening cable over night. Do the same with the wireless keyboard about once a month. They will alert you if the charge is getting low. No software compatibility problems, of course.

I did keep my Magic Mouse on the desk for several months after I was given the earlier Trackpad. "Wireless" is much neater and the communications between the devices and the Mac are fine for letting me know when they need  charging! The worst part is Apple's extravagant prices! Amazon has them cheaper although they may be last years version.
EDIT: Since Amazon is now an "Authorized Dealer" they may not be able to sell anything but new stuff...

As far as MS mice, I remember many Mac folk always claiming the old models were the best ones ever made.

[jwboyd]

My Logitech M100 from Walmart has served me well for years. No compatibility problems with any OS or software.

[kimmer]

apple wired mouse here:
https://www.ebay.com/b/Apple-Wired-Computer-Mice/23160/bn_320744

[jchuzi]

apple wired mouse here:
https://www.ebay.com/b/Apple-Wired-Computer-Mice/23160/bn_320744

Thanks! I just made an offer for a factory-sealed box containing the mouse (never been used). My offer was accepted and I made payment.

[kimmer]

Thanks! I just made an offer for a factory-sealed box containing the mouse (never been used). My offer was accepted and I made payment.

Cool! Happy to have helped.

[Paddy]

Glad you found something - but I'm with Kris on the MS wired mice. I still have one - not that I use it most of the time, but it's by far the best wired mouse I ever owned. Nice smooth scrolling, light-weight and accurate. Now? I'm afraid I really like my Magic Mouse and wouldn't trade it for a wired mouse. Yeah - I do have to change batteries, and yes, these things work far better with alkaline batteries than they do with rechargeables. Costco Kirkland batteries are good. And cheap.

And also like my Logitech (think it's an M510) wireless mouse which I occasionally use with my MBP.

[krissel]

The only problem with the mice that are listed as Windows compatible is that usually means the software that controls the various buttons was written for MS and not Mac. The preferences in OSX will let you assign some actions but not all that you might get from specific software. The IntelliMouse units that I have did originally come with software for Mac but it was not updated to the more recent OSes. The mice still work for basic actions and, as Paddy said, are smooth and very accurate.

I also have Bluetooth mice (Mighty Mouse, MS NoteBook Mouse) but I do prefer the old MS Optical if I have the right physical setup for wire. I've been leaning more toward using mice lately (I use them left handed though I'm righthanded...don't ask). I strained my right thumb doing a lot of trackpad work while drawing up house plans. I'm typing now with a thumb support wrap which helps. I wonder how all those youngsters will manage in a few years after all the texting they do.