louis@asterix.drev.dnd.ca (Louis Demers) (04/12/90)
Hi, In trying to find why my A+Mouse ADB (optical) was not working properly with apple's system 6.0.5, I disscussed with mouse systems their introduction of new optical mice. I asked if they add any models with three buttons. The answer was no and they replied that they didn't see any market for it. They acknowledged that it probably wouldn't be too difficult to do. I tried to impress on them that there probably would be quite a few people who would be interested, principally a/ux users running x window with the introduction of macx, this number is likely to grow. In addition, the product could be made even more appealing to people using macos and regular application if the additionnal two buttons could be configured to send messages that would correspond to menu commands or even events in general. Here is how I would envisioned the product. 1) If you plugged it as a replacement of the normal mouse, the three buttons would all have the same functions. Therefore not creating any confusion. 2) A cdev/init combination could be used to allow interpretation of the news mouse down events and would allow the user to choose into wich events these would be translated, a bit like function keys. For example, in a word processing program, on button would be the normal button, another could be the equivalent of the menu command "cut" and the other button could be the "paste" command. in the finder, one button could be translated as a mouse down in the zoom box or in the close box of the top window. What do you think, am I right in believing there would be people interested in such a product ? I suggest that you let Mouse Systems know that this would interest you.. They seemed willing to study this if they thought enough people would be interested. I certainly would be one of the first in line for such a product... If this generates enough interest, I will post their phone number or will relay your interest to them. -- | Louis Demers | DREV, Defence Research Establishment,Valcartier | | louis@asterix.drev.dnd.ca | POBox 8800, Courcelette,Quebec, CANADA, G0A 1R0 | | (131.132.48.2) | Office: (418) 844-4424 fax (418) 844-4511 | +---------------------------+-------------------------------------------------+