Do 'Mac' computers only allow 'Mac' brand plug ins?

Question

I have never seen keyboards or mouse units specified for exclusive use with the Mac computer, but a friend says they can't get any mouse to work. If this is true and you need a brand to brand plug in are there any programs to allow other brands to be compatible with the Mac?

Answer 1

No, this is not the case. In some instances you may need to grab a driver from the device maker if you want additional functionality. But in general Macs support any USB mouse/keyboard using generic drivers.

For mice this means at the very least you'll get right/left click and scroll wheel support. If you want additional functionality then just go to the manufacturer's website and download Mac drivers.

You can find 3rd party Mac-compatible devices at Apple's own online Store: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nclm=MiceKeyboards

Or search Mac retailers like:
http://www.MacMall.com/
http://www.ClubMac.com/
http://www.MacConnection.com/

As you can see there is a wide selection of 3rd party devices.

Answer 2

You can use pretty much any USB mouse or keyboard with a Mac. In most cases, you do not need to do anything other than plug it in. I have never had to install drivers for a third-party keyboard or mouse to make it work, even though they usually come with a disk and instructions to use it. If you get a mouse with more than two buttons and a scrollwheel, drivers might be necessary to make the extra buttons functional.

The same is true for many other devices as well. USB printers, digital cameras, and so forth tend to work with Macs even if they don't advertise compatibility. If you aren't sure about a particular device, check Apple's website. They have lists of what's compatible with their programs (e.g. a list of PDAs that work with iSync, a list of cameras that work with iPhoto, etc.)

The one exception to this is USB webcams, which are not supported on Macs without third-party software.

By the way, devices like keyboards and mice are usually called peripherals. "Plug-in" is used to refer to software add-ons, such as Flash player for your web browser. Also, Mac is not a brand. Apple is a brand, and Mac is a product line.

Hope that helps, and good luck finding the mouse you want!

Answer 3

i could in basic terms get yet another mac in case you desire to pass your artwork in the time of to it. in the journey that your pc has develop into sluggish then you could earnings from i) putting in extra RAM (this could advise which you pc spends much less time utilising the complicated force to make up for a loss of RAM); ii) getting a greater exterior complicated force (very low priced now, and could pass in the time of to a sparkling mac once you somewhat need to interchange your G4). If the fee has dropped off unexpectedly then it particularly is a fault of a few type - which might pick expert diagnosis. If the situation is sluggish then it particularly is probable in simple terms that the device is complete - then see i) or ii) above. stable success.