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Comment by Aerbil313 | Hacker News Reader

Really? For example as a software dev using Linux as a daily driver (so no gaming), would I not need a mouse at all with a Mac? (considering buying one)

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Why do you need a mouse to write software?

I didn't use a mouse since at least 2006. Before that I was mandated to use one by the company I was working for but I probably didn't. Why should I lose time to move my hand to grab the mouse when it's already close to the touchpad?

I connected a mouse a few times to play some casual game but I'm not playing games anymore on my laptop.

I'm a keyboard extremist myself, not wanting to touch even the trackpad. Still there are some things where I can't overcome the need to use a pointer device (some GUI apps etc.). It'd be nice to not worry about carrying one more thing (mouse) in my bag, if Mac trackpads are as good as they say, which they prob are.

This is going to be extremely off-topic, but I'm just too terribly curious: the company mandated the use of the mouse? Do you mean that figuratively, as in your tasks were a lot harder to do without a mouse or did they actually make you use one for something like RSI concerns?

It was regulations, same ones that mandate the use of a five wheels chair with armrests. I remember we had to connect the laptop to a monitor and a mouse. I don't remember if we had a docking station and a keyboard too.

I'm a software dev using a Macbook, and day-to-day I use a mouse, but this week I'm housesitting and only brought the laptop, and I haven't noticed any decrease in productivity by using just the touchpad.

There's actually a few benefits, like touchpad gestures for app and workspace switching being much faster than the equivalent keyboard shortcuts.

No need for a mouse at all.

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