Reprinted from TidBITS#840/31-Jul-06 with permission.
Copyright (C) 2006, TidBITS. All rights reserved.
http://www.tidbits.com/

MailBITS/31-Jul-06
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**Wireless Mighty Mouse Debuts** -- The cartoon Mighty Mouse
  may have had a tail, but Apple has taken the carving knife to
  their Mighty Mouse's tail, replacing its USB cable with wireless
  connectivity via Bluetooth 2.0. Physically, the wireless Mighty
  Mouse is essentially the same as its cabled predecessor (other
  than the lack of a cable, of course), with up to four buttons
  that can be programmed independently: a pair of touch sensors on
  the upper right and left sides of the mouse, a multi-directional
  Scroll Ball that can also be pressed, and sensors that generate
  an action when the user squeezes the sides of the mouse. It runs
  on either one or two AA batteries, automatically switches to a
  low-power mode during periods of inactivity, and includes an off
  switch to eliminate battery drain when not in use. Apple isn't
  making any battery life claims at this point. The wireless Mighty
  Mouse is available immediately for $70; it requires Mac OS X
  10.4.6 or later to customize the button actions. The wired Mighty
  Mouse remains available for $50, and as Apple somewhat oddly
  points out, works with PCs using Windows 2000 or Windows XP. [ACE]

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mighty_Mouse>
<http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/>
<http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/software.html>
<http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/specs.html>


**Apple Recalls Underperforming MacBook Pro Batteries** -- Apple
  has initiated a worldwide recall for some 15-inch MacBook Pro
  batteries that were sold between February 2006 and May 2006,
  due to lack of performance (and not due to safety risks, such
  as a string of recent Dell laptops that have caught fire).
  To identify batteries covered under the program, look on the
  underside of the battery for model number A1175 and a 12-digit
  serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB, or U7SC. [JLC]

<https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/>
<http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/dell/another-dell-laptop-goes-kabloom-190579.php>


**Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 2.5 Enables Mac Sync** -- Many
  of today's high-end cell phones are powered by Microsoft's Windows
  Mobile 5 operating system, which meant that Mac users couldn't
  synchronize their contact information and other data. Now, the
  release of Mark/Space's The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 2.5
  jumps over that hurdle. The new version ties into Apple's Sync
  Services under Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later for addresses, calendar
  items, and to-do lists, and it offers specific support for
  synchronizing data with Microsoft Entourage. It also includes
  plug-ins for iTunes and iPhoto to transfer music and photos to
  the phone, as well as the capability to mount the device on the
  Desktop for direct file transfer. A new toolbar in version 2.5
  offers quick access to commands, including an easy way to install
  Windows Mobile software. The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 2.5
  is a free update for owners of version 2.0 or later, or as a $40
  electronic download (or $50 CD) for new users. Upgrades from older
  versions or some other eligible products cost $20. [JLC]

<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/>
<http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_windowsmobile.php>
<http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_wm_upgrade.php>


**Back End Transition Postponed** -- Other deadlines prevented us
  from completing our testing of our new back end system, but we've
  rescheduled for this coming week. Keep your fingers crossed that
  TidBITS #841 will be generated and delivered using our new system.
  Again, keep your eyes on ExtraBITS if anything seems wonky with
  that issue. [ACE]

<http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=08610>
<http://www.tidbits.com/ExtraBITS/>



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