Saving the day? Not likely.

When Apple debuted its first multi-button-button mouse, the Mighty Mouse, we were disappointed. Almost a year later, the Bluetooth Mighty Mouse has arrived, and while we're all for the wireless goodness, the problem is that it's still a Mighty Mouse.

The wireless Mighty Mouse suffers from the same deficiencies as the wired version. It looks like a one-button mouse, but under its top front lie touch sensors that can tell if you're right- or left-clicking. We can live with that, but we still don't like the rest of the design - the squeeze buttons on the sides of the mouse are too small for large hands and don't give you enough tactile feedback; the tiny, clickable Scroll Ball has a notchy feel to it; and the overall look and feel seem to favor fashion over function.

The software still limits your button-customization options to launching an app or activating Exposé, Dashboard, or Spotlight. You can't program the buttons to execute common keystrokes or perform a double-click. And you must have Mac OS 10.4.6 or later to use it.

On the plus side, the wireless Mighty Mouse uses laser tracking; it's more precise than the wired version, which uses optical tracking. You can use the wireless Mighty Mouse with either one or two AA batteries; you'll get longer life with a pair of batteries, but some people like a lighter mouse. And if you hold the Control key and use the Scroll Ball, you can zoom in and out.

The bottom line. When you get right down to it, the wireless Mighty Mouse is still a Mighty Mouse. The laser tracking, lack of a cable, and battery flexibility can't make up for its imprudent design.

COMPANY: Apple
CONTACT: 408-996-1010, www.apple.com
PRICE: $69
REQUIREMENTS: Mac OS 10.4.6 or later, Bluetooth, one AA battery
Wireless goodness. Looks good. Shutter protects the laser lens when you turn off the mouse. New zoom function.
It's still a Mighty Mouse.