Apple Debuts Wireless Mighty Mouse

A day after word of the product leaked to the press, Apple on Tuesday said it was launching a Bluetooth wireless version of its Mighty Mouse product, the two-button mouse made by the company. The new mouse comes with an upgraded laser tracking device that the company claims is some 20 times more sensitive than regular optical mice.

"We cut the cord on our popular Mighty Mouse to give consumers even more flexibility when using a Mac," Apple Mac marketing manager David Moody said.

While the device is intended to be a two-button mouse, it can be customized to operate as a one-button mouse based on the user's preference. Although it appears to operate as Apple's standard mouse by appearance, clicking on the sides of the mouse will cause it to act like it has two buttons. Additionally, the sides and trackball can also be programmed to act as two more buttons to quick launch applications.

The mouse will operate on two 'AA' batteries, and will include an on/off switch to conserve battery power. Apple has also included power management features in the device which will switch the mouse to low-power mode during periods of inactivity if it is left on.

The Mighty Mouse retails for US $69, and is available immediately from Apple's online store and retail locations, as well as the company's authorized resellers. The device requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 to program the extra buttons, although the mouse should work on older Macs for standard use.