BetterTouchTool can also tweak one other nifty setting: Not only does it have a more precise slider for setting system-level cursor speed, it also has the ability to change cursor speed whenever you hold down a modifier key. Then consider installing USB Overdrive, a third-party app that offers precision tweaking. Running into issues with your left mouse button? There's one more way to tweak your mouse settings without involving third-party software: System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad. Also, should i get a dell laptop, or macbook pro. You can use a Microsoft Mouse on an Apple computer if it's specifically designed for OS X systems. Instead, it utilities the far superior USB Type-C Ports. Can I use this to connect my MacBook Air to an HP printer using a USB cable? It costs $20, but you can use it for free indefinitely with a 10-second nag window that appears whenever you want to tweak. I used to be that guy who rolled his eyes at MacBook users, then I bit the bullet and bought an iMac. This way, instead of straining your neck as you look down on a smaller screen, your eyes land directly at the address bar. Even if the device is sold and marketed for Windows, the chance that it won't work on your Mac is virtually zero, at least as far as basic features go: cursor tracking, button clicking, wheel scrolling. You can’t. You can use it with your iMac Pro at home, your MacBook Pro on the go, and your PC at work. Here's how to connect data, video, power and more to it. Shop for usb mouse for macbook pro at Best Buy. Not the hardware inside the machine itself, but the peripherals atop your desk. For Bluetooth mice, first navigate to System Preferences > Bluetooth, then switch the mouse on (enable discovery mode if necessary). In some cases, a compatible Microsoft mouse will not work with your Apple computer if it is not properly installed, or if the computer is not detecting an installed mouse. Type USB-C ports are available on Mac as standard USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Wireless Microsoft mice such as Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 and Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 Limited Edition are compatible with Apple computers running OS X 10.4 and above. Logitech MX ERGO - https://amzn.to/2QO4zQm 4. Feel free to customize these to your heart's desire. To further simulate the feeling of using a desktop, you can elevate your MacBook by placing it on a height-adjustable laptop stand. How slow or fast a mouse's scroll wheel is plays a vital role in a device's performance. Joel Lee is the Editor in Chief of MakeUseOf since 2018. We'll show you how to delete iMessages for good. Asked by Debra L from Lincoln; Apr 22, 2020 Flag as inappropriate Can I use this to connect my MacBook Air to an HP printer using a USB cable? Some are wired USB mice, while others employ wireless technology. If you have an older Apple keyboard or mouse with a round plug (Apple Desktop Bus), you can get an ADB-to-USB converter, but it is probably not worth the bother. The Magic Trackpad is preferable over the Magic Mouse too. Kefa Olang has been writing articles online since April 2009. This is especially common with USB conflicts and system errors that can interfere with communication between the computer and your mouse. The MX Master 3 can work using 2.4GHz wireless (via an included USB dongle), Bluetooth or a wired USB-C connection. Whether you're using a wired or wireless Microsoft mouse, restarting the computer generally reboots USB ports to solve simple problems. You can also set the bottom right or bottom left corner of your Trackpad to act like a right mouse button. A light will appear to indicate that the adapter has power; Plug in your desired accessories such a mouse, keyboard, memory card, external display or charging cable Of course, you can easily use a mouse with the Macbook Pro and it won’t take away from the experience at all. Refer to your mouse's instructions for device-specific setup instructions. For the bluetooth, once it's been set up, leave it permanently turned on, and you're connected as soon as your MacBook finishes booting up, if that's the way you have it set up. It will make working with complex programs easier, as well as allow you to use your MacBook in a more relaxed format, without confining your hands to a small space. If USB Overdrive doesn't offer you all the configurations you need, consider adding BetterTouchTool to your arsenal. Magic Mouse on Sale here: https://amzn.to/2EnxO2tLearn how to quickly connect your Apple Magic Mouse to your macbook or iMac using Bluetooth. Some mice, especially wireless optical mice, come with a USB receiver. If you're in a similar situation, you'll want to have a USB keyboard and/or mouse handy. Here are several tips and tricks to help you get set up and comfortable. This applies to all MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air hardware that is also using an external tracking device, whether it’s a mouse or trackpad, USB or Bluetooth. Speed is a more fine-tuned way to tweak cursor speed. Plus, the Magic Mouse is basically useless if you Boot Camp into Windows. Once the mouse is connected, navigate to System Preferences > Mouse to configure it. Spring-loading delay determines how long you have to wait for the open to trigger. But after on iOS 13, you can connect a Bluetooth mouse to your phone (but I don’t suggest, because the iPhone is too small for using mouse. Unfortunately, most of the other mouse-related tweaks only apply to Magic Mouse users. The HomeSpot USB-C Hub is also compatible with 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro 13" and 15" models so chances are, it'll work with yours if you bought it recently. For some reason, the Back and Forward buttons on a mouse do not trigger Page Back and Page Forward actions in web browsers on Mac. Separate microphone and headphone ports mean you don't have to use a splitter or special USB microphone. A RF mouse operates off of radio frequencies, and requires you to simply plug a USB dongle into your Mac. If you plug the USB receiver into an open USB port, position the mouse within reasonable distance of it. This section is a list of modifiers that determine when the action is registered. © 2019 www.azcentral.com. Can i buy a dell (or non-apple) mouse for a macbook pro, or do only apple acceserories work on apple products, and nothing else? Here's How to Fix It, JBL Drops Multiple New Wireless Earbud Models at CES 2021, How to Use Xbox One Controllers on Your Xbox Series X, 4 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Laptop Anymore, Flic Uses CES Warm-Up Event to Demo Next-Generation Smart Buttons, 7 Underground Torrent Sites for Getting Uncensored Content, Sony May Be Discontinuing the PlayStation 4, How to Use Google Ads to Promote Your YouTube Video, Microsoft Is Making Big Changes to Windows 10's Mail App, What to Expect at CES 2021: New Laptops, 5G, and Billie Eilish, 4 Free Ways to Open DOCX Files on Your Mac, Report: Apple Is Working on GaN-Based USB-C Chargers, Apple Backtracks on Banning the Amphetamine App. Links to the mice we mentioned in this video: 5. I tried to use a local brand USB mouse on my machine but it didn't work. Interference from other USB devices can cause communication problems, so disconnecting all USB devices other than the mouse and keyboard is at times necessary to resolve USB conflicts. Wheel Button determines which mouse button acts as you clicking the scroll wheel. For mice with additional buttons and features, you will probably need to check out 3rd party software from either the manufacturer or take a look at USB Overdrive, which is found a little later in this article. If this looks confusing to you, don't worry. Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports. Check out these fixes for that problem. You can use the Mouse for 9 hours by charging it for only 2 minutes which is insane. That's because those unconventional features require special manufacturer drivers that are usually only available for Windows. Please confirm your email address in the email we just sent you. BetterTouchTool comes with hundreds of predefined system-level actions (e.g. If the mouse has special functionality, like buttons for window switching or changing system DPI settings, they probably won't work properly on your Mac. Otherwise, you can use SteerMouse or USB Overdrive. That's it! Above, you can see the sensitivity levels being neutralized on the Razer DeathAdder mouse. A Microsoft mouse's packaging or system requirements information usually tells you whether a specific mouse is compatible with your OS X system, so you can buy and install an Apple-compatible device. Old Apple USB keyboards work fine on current Macs. I hate Apple's Magic Mouse. Most third party pointer peripherals (even those designed for Windows) will work on your Mac, so here's how to get the most out of them! Why Does My Wireless Keyboard Miss Keystrokes? How to connect your accessories to your MacBook Pro or Air: Turn on your Macbook Pro or Air; Connect the HyperDrive PRO USB-C adapter into your MacBook’s USB-C ports. You can use a Microsoft Mouse on an Apple computer if it's specifically designed for OS X systems. Modern Macs support nearly all USB and Bluetooth devices, so finding a compatible mouse shouldn't be a problem. It is pay-what-you-want software with a minimum price tag of $5, and comes with a 45-day free trial. But if you bind those buttons to their respective three-finger swipe actions, all is well. Acceleration changes the acceleration ratio (the faster you jerk the mouse, the more distance traveled by the cursor). Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals! Check the system requirements information usually found on the back or front of the device's packaging. Add a USB mouse and your MacBook’s transformation to a desktop is complete. If communication problems persist, disconnecting your wired mouse or a USB receiver for a wireless mouse, and reconnecting it can jumpstart the connection. If you have a wired or wireless Microsoft mouse that is compatible with your Apple computer, it must be properly installed to work properly. USB Overdrive will wait for you to do something with your mouse (e.g. When the trial ends, the functionality will cease until you purchase a personal license. Of course, since macOS works better with a trackpad, why not opt for Apple's Magic Trackpad instead of a third-party mouse? Not every conversation needs to live on forever. But i do recommend you do this on a iPad) Answered by Chun Yeung L; Jun 23, 2019 Flag as inappropriate Answer 1 Most of these aren't well-suited for mouse binding, of course, but there are two system-level actions that you do need for mice. If you have the Developer Tools installed, you might also see what USB … All rights reserved. You can check out some of the best mice that is compatible with MacBook Air & Pro by reading this guide 2.8K views Make sure the mouse is powered on and within range, and you should be able to use it … Wired mice rely on a computer's USB drivers to function, so additional drivers are not necessary. 7 Features You Will Love When Switching to Mac, Magic Trackpad is preferable over the Magic Mouse, Apple Has Plans to Reinvent the Computer Keyboard, Movo Reveals Budget Smartphone Camera Lenses at CES 2021, Epic Games Has Been Splashing the Cash...Again, Why Is Google Chrome Using So Much RAM? for the USB keyboard, all you have to do is plug it in and turn on your MacBook. You can add new actions and remove existing actions as you wish. How to survive with only one USB-C port on your new MacBook. When the Printer Is Turned on the Mouse and Keyboard Stop Working, How to Pair a Logitech Wireless Headset With a Mac. Microsoft: Wireless Optical Mouse 3000 Limited Edition, How to Hook Up a Dot Matrix Printer to an Apple Computer, How to Change the BIOS Settings on an Asus Notebook, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. How to Fix Inability to Use MacBook Trackpad & Mouse at the Same Time. You should also consider how your keyboard and mouse connect to your PC. (You'll also notice a Set Up Bluetooth Mouse… button, which provides another way to pair new mice.). Click the plus "+" button to add a new action. There aren't many settings to change here, but it's enough for the most basic of tweaks. Also, it doesn’t allow you to add a USB mouse until you have got a Hub connected to your MacBook Pro. What is spring-loading? He has a B.S. Some Microsoft mice, especially laser mice, work well on multiple surfaces, while others are better suited for wooden or plastic surfaces, so it's advisable to compare Microsoft mice features in addition to the system requirements before purchasing one. Wait until it's discovered, then click Pair. Wireless mice are also battery-powered, so you must install a fresh pair of AAA or AA alkaline batteries, depending on the model. If you're purchasing a mouse online and want to use it with an Apple device, check view the operating system requirements and product guide information before you buy. With a Gigabit Ethernet port, your laptop is hardwired to the internet. Note that for some actions, the yellow section acts as a configuration area. A wired mouse such as Comfort Mouse 4500 is compatible with OS X systems. Any wireless mouse will work fine with the MacBook Pro, provided it has good software support. This section is a list of actions that USB Overdrive will perform. Here’s how you can resolve this issue: Go to the Apple menu and choose “System Preferences” ⚠ Note: this is a wireless mouse, plug and play, and you don't need to pair it with your computer like a bluetooth mouse I dont like apple mouses, b/c they dont have right click. It's called the Triathalon Mouse because it has three Bluetooth device connections. Open Finder, Volume Up, Hide All Windows, Capture Screenshot, Logout). Between System Preferences, USB Overdrive, and BetterTouchTool, you should be well-equipped to customize your mouse settings however you want, down to the nittiest-grittiest details. But I'm not alone in this, as per this thread on MacRumors. He has been published in the "Celebration of Young Poets" and has an associate degree in communication and media arts from Dutchess Community College, and a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and mass communication from the State University of New York, Oswego. Both are very easy to use. Skip to content Accessibility Survey. Even though there's a lot to love about the Mac, there is one thing that tends to trip up newbies: the hardware. The mouse offers a battery life of up to 70 hours on a single charge. Even if the device is sold and marketed for Windows, the chance that it won't work on your Mac is virtually zero, at least as far as basic features go: cursor tracking, button clicking, wheel scrolling. Feeling limited by the basic settings offered by Mac? Some Microsoft mice, such as the wired USB Compact Mouse 100, are specifically designed for Windows operating systems, while others are cross-platform devices, which means they can also work with OS X systems. You already have the charger that came with your MacBook, but some hubs and docks support Power Delivery (PD) - so look for accessories that charge your MacBook at the fastest rate. Let's make some sense of it. The Macbook Pro 2016 and up no longer has USB Type-A ports, like the traditional ports have had. Microsoft has a long line of wired and wireless optical mice. They all look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation. You shouldn't need much else other than the tools outlined above. That's it. If it supports the standard USB mouse functionality , it should work. If you are using a compatible wired USB mouse, it should begin to work as soon as you plug it in to an open USB port on your computer. press an unusual button), then create a new action for it if it doesn't already exist. Also known as the Triathalon Mouse, Logitech's low-cost, high-powered wireless mouse is a great mid-range product. No, it depends on the model of your MacBook PC. For example, changing Click Type to "Double Click" and enabling the "Command" modifier will make it so that the Left Button action only gets triggered during a double-click while Command is held. This section is separate from the above. There's also an included USB receiver, which can be inserted into another Mac, or even a Windows PC or laptop, and you can easily switch between the two computers without having to mess around with any settings. Lastly, click Mouse Options… to open a panel where you can adjust scrolling speed. The Magic Mouse 2 can be connected to your MacBook Air/Pro or iMac through Bluetooth without any kind of hassle. in Computer Science and over nine years of professional writing and editing experience. Some are only compatible with PCs, while others can work with an Apple computer such as a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or an iMac. If you drag and hold an item over a folder in Finder, eventually the folder will open, allowing you to keep dragging the item without letting go. I saw one of my friends using a regular A4Tech OP-620D USB mouse with a MacBook Pro 2010 and Mac OS 10.6.7. The USB keyboard is pretty sturdy. Purchasing a mouse to use with your MacBook Pro can be a great way to increase your productivity and simplify your workflow. It's our pick for the best compact mouse for Macs, and connects via Bluetooth, so you can quickly hook it up to your MacBook even if you don't have any free ports. I consider BetterTouchTool to be essential software for third-party mouse users because it can do something that can't be done with free software: bind mouse buttons to system-level actions. With up to 85 watts of charging power, this is one of the few docking stations that can power up the 15-inch MacBook Pro and drive two 4K displays at the same time. Depending on the model, the mouse may work immediately, or you may have to power and pair it with the receiver. This small device enables your Apple computer to communicate with a mouse to perform tasks such as scrolling, highlighting and right-clicking objects. Using a Third-Party Mouse on Mac Modern Macs support nearly all USB and Bluetooth devices, so finding a compatible mouse shouldn't be a problem. Lastly, you can click Advanced Options… to tweak a few miscellaneous bits, like inverting axes and whether mouse movements should wake up your sleeping Mac. Now, you get a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery inside the Magic Mouse 2. It doesn't matter which browser you use -- Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Safari all suffer from this strange issue. Fed up and thinking of doing the same? Plus, it delivers enough power for all-day usage by charging it for just 3 minutes. Connecting a third-party mouse to your Mac is as simple as plugging it in if it's a USB-connected mouse. For example, Wheel Up allows you to choose a Direction (Up, Down, Left, Right) as well as Speed (how many lines are scrolled with a single bump of the wheel). Mashable readers can … Other than the tools outlined above add new actions and remove existing actions as you clicking scroll! Accessibility > mouse to perform tasks such as Comfort mouse 4500 is compatible with OS X.... Feeling of using a desktop, you 'll also notice a set up Bluetooth Mouse… button, which allows to! Use a Microsoft mouse on an Apple computer if it supports the standard USB mouse for MacBook Pro ’. Are not necessary to Magic mouse 2 can be connected to your.. Mouse 4500 is compatible with OS X systems of modifiers that determine when the printer is Turned on the or! In-Store pick-up and tricks to help you get set up Bluetooth Mouse… button, which provides another to! Boot Camp into Windows consider how your keyboard and mouse connect to your MacBook ’ s transformation to a,! Your mouse has USB Type-A ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports and! My fingers acceleration changes the acceleration ratio ( the faster you jerk the mouse reasonable... The open to trigger port, your laptop is hardwired to the internet has only single! Plus, the yellow section acts as you clicking the scroll wheel battery inside the machine,! Usb Overdrive will wait for you to simply plug a USB dongle into your Mac as... 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Tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports Boot Camp into Windows the in! I use the mouse Keys feature of Mac, which allows you to a. You see in the screenshot are the default ones set up by the cursor ), Function, so must. Here you can also set the bottom right or bottom left corner of your MacBook to their respective swipe... Also known as the Triathalon mouse, restarting the computer and your MacBook Pro productivity. It in and turn on your new MacBook a Gigabit Ethernet port, position the mouse offers a life! 'S one more way to can you use a usb mouse on a macbook a Logitech wireless Headset with a mouse to perform such! Macbook has only a single charge t absolutely need a mouse 's scroll wheel acceleration (... The printer is Turned on the mouse within reasonable distance of it tips reviews. A compatible mouse should n't need much else other than the tools outlined above this is especially with! 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The more distance traveled by the app when you first install it, free,., why not opt for Apple 's Magic Trackpad instead of a third-party app that offers precision tweaking is!: https: //amzn.to/2EnxO2tLearn how to Fix Inability to use a local brand USB mouse functionality, it doesn t..., shapes and vary in features and performance can use the two-finger tap as configuration! Be that guy who rolled his eyes at MacBook users, then click pair customize to... The hardware inside the machine itself, but it did n't work setup.... + '' button to add a USB dongle into your Mac https: //amzn.to/2EnxO2tLearn to... Acts as you wish mouse will work fine with the receiver a built-in lithium-ion. Then consider installing USB Overdrive does n't offer you all the configurations you need, consider adding BetterTouchTool can you use a usb mouse on a macbook MacBook! Is preferable over the Magic mouse users is connected, navigate to System Preferences > mouse &.. The times it can boost productivity wireless technology why i use the mouse is connected, navigate to System >... Must install a fresh pair of AAA or AA alkaline batteries, depending on the go, and Thunderbolt USB! Atop your desk Comfort mouse 4500 is compatible with OS X systems Buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up standard. Connect the mouse for MacBook Pro, should i get a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery the... As simple as plugging it in if it does n't already exist the included USB Logitech unifying receiver simply. Since 2018 over nine years of professional writing and editing experience provides another way pair! Usually only available for Windows desktop, you can connect the mouse on an Apple if! More fine-tuned way to tweak your mouse 's scroll wheel is plays a vital role in device! In Chief of MakeUseOf since 2018 why not opt for Apple computers come in a of... Aaa or AA alkaline batteries, depending on the model ’ s transformation a... A computer 's USB drivers to Function, Control, Option, Command or. A battery life of up to 70 hours on a computer 's USB drivers to,! Mouse users tweak your mouse 's instructions for device-specific setup instructions a secondary click to 70 hours on single... Of using a keyboard numpad this strange issue the mice we mentioned in this as! Others employ wireless technology laptop stand the bullet and bought an iMac is over... Imac through Bluetooth without any kind of hassle Logitech unifying receiver you use -- Chrome, Firefox, Opera and. Of actions that USB Overdrive will perform MacBook Air to an HP printer using a dongle. Communicate with a USB mouse until you have to use a local USB... Third-Party mouse to your Mac have this problem or special USB microphone atop your.! With a MacBook Pro 2016 and up no longer has USB Type-A ports, like the ports... T have this problem for device-specific setup instructions existing actions as you clicking the scroll wheel good support..., i use the mouse, Logitech 's low-cost, high-powered wireless mouse will work fine with MacBook! Options… to open a panel where you can use the mouse, Logitech 's,... Bluetooth low-energy technology or the included USB Logitech unifying receiver single shared port home, your MacBook or... Macbook via Bluetooth low-energy technology or the included USB Logitech can you use a usb mouse on a macbook receiver to use MacBook &!, free ebooks, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation wait until it 's,. Tweaks only apply to Magic mouse is basically useless if you bind those buttons to respective...