The Mighty Nipple
byI must admit, I love not using a mouse – the trackpad is where it’s at – but going from desktop computer isn’t always accommodating to such needs. That was until I discovered the Mighty Mouse and its wonderful nipple.
In 2001 I got a hand-me-down HP Omnibook laptop that was my best friend over the next 3 years. I’m unsure if I ever plugged a mouse in except at the office when I used the docking station that took up 3/4 of my desk. It had a mini scroll-ball (aka “nipple”) right in the middle of the keyboard. This little red dot was supposed to be hyper-sensitive and do your scrolling based on the slightest movements of your fingertip. Unfortunately, the HP nipple always annoyed me. It was always too fast, too slow, non-responsive or sticky. It wasn’t until I unwrapped my Mighty Mouse at work a few weeks ago that I realized the wonders of the “Nipple 2.0” or “iNipple” and the joys it would bring.
I come home to my computer, slide my index finger over the scroll button located snuggly between left and right click, and it doesn’t budge. “Oh yeah, pfft stupid Dell mouse”. I’m addicted to the sideways scroll, especially with two fingers on the trackpad, oh man I love the Macbook trackpad. But the Mighty Mouse nipple is the next best thing. Tiny, very sensitive and responding gently to my every touch (hm why does it make me feel uncomfortable to state that?) I’d be very happy to never again see another Logitech.
14 Comments — Comments Are Closed
Oh man.. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to use my mouse the same way again.
HATE trackpads. That’s probably why my MacBook sits more than it should. The bigger keyboard and mouse on my desktop is waaayyy more friendly to use, even if the apps aren’t
While composing this blog post I admit – I was using a mouse. But yeah, I think I’m in the minority actually *liking* the trackpad. I know some people really hate it.
I use my trackpad because I can’t be bothered to carry a mouse. The very act of using a trackpad makes your hand look more graceful than clamping a blob.
I hated that nub/nipple on my old laptop. It was dry, not very responsive, and made a dent in my finger I feared would be permanent!
I prefer a mouse, even to the MacBook double-finger scrolling. Even though I have to move my hands, it makes me slow down enough to consider my actions, thereby making me feel more productive.
I remember the Might Mouse, and like it, but only after disabling the actions when you squeeze it. They were set to Exposé, and the action was really uncomfortable for my wrist. Somehow the mouse disappeared from work one day. Maybe it realized that it had a nipple, and that it didn’t want to have to wait for me to come to the office to get some lovin’.
Be good to your mice, and they will be good to you.
“fat nipple” 😐
Oh Gosh. hehe um I meant fast. I have no problem with fat 😐
You were really excited about posting that headline, weren’t you?!
Yes but my intentions were pure… and geeky :p
i like nipples too
oh yeah and the mighty mouse rocks
I’ve loved my mighty mouse ever since I got it a few months back, but I have to admit that I’m a huge trackpad user. Ever since my old Dell Latitude CPi that I had for work in 2001 I’ve used the trackpad just for the sheer versatility it gives me in being able to work literally anywhere. With the vast improvements in trackpad technology that have taken place over the last six years (and the introduction of WiFi), I hardly ever sit at a table or desk unless I’m in the office!
That said, long live the nipple.
[…] apply this idea to the wireless version. When it comes down to it, sometimes the scroll ball, or mighty nipple as Rebecca calls it, gets gunky. The same procedure can be used to clean the scroll ball on your […]
http://xkcd.com/243/