It has been talked about all over the internet in many blog posts and articles from popular websites. Apple computers have been using weird mouse acceleration algorithms for a while now. Snow leopard Macs have a mouse acceleration formula that drives windows and linux users crazy. Most people suggest free and pay programs that try and modify apples acceleration scheme to mimic windows. However non of the programs will make you feel like your using a pc on linux machine. This is because non of them are effectively overwriting the apple algorithm.

The solution is to not fight the algorithm but use it against itself. Here is how your going to fix your mouse scrolling to a point where you actually feel in control of your computer. First off, figure out what mouse you have. You need to know if its Microsoft, Logitech, Saitek, etc…. Then download their drivers from their website for your operating system whether its Leopard, Snow Leopard, 32bit, or 64bit. Then install the drivers and reboot.

Now open up to system property windows. Navigate one to the default Apple mouse tracking speed page, and the other one to the mouse’s proprietary setting page (like Microsoft, Logitech, etc..). The trick is to scale back Apples acceleration curve usually to the third from last tick mark. This effectively smooths out the acceleration curve to something your used to in windows. At this point your left with a mouse that moves to slow. Now you will go to the mouse’s proprietary settings page and move up the tracking speed to a point where its fast enough for you. Voila! Now you have a mouse that wont drive you crazy! I am currently using a Logitech mouse and here is a screenshot of my setting (Snow Leopard on a MacBookPro with intel).

So basically the trick is you have to use Apple’s settings to smooth out the acceleration curve to something suitable for windows and linux users. Now go enjoy using a mouse again on a Mac!

From all the different quality sources I have gathered intel from it is almost certain there will be a new iPhone that will come with a new iPhone operating system called iPhone OS 3.0 in June. The new iPhone is reported to have a faster processor boasting speeds of ~600Mhz. This is a good ~200Mhz faster than the latest iteration of the iPhone. The new iphone + iphone OS 3.0 is said to perform background tasks and have up to three applications running at once. Also, there are many who think the new Apple+Adobe version of flash will debut in June on this system. Expect double the ram (256MB) and for the top end model double the storage (32GB). People do not think that “copy and paste” will be included but are optimistic about landscape keyboard. They are previewing the new iPhone OS 3.0 on March 17th.

We here at L337Tech have iPhones and appreciate having a small computer in our pockets. However, we do have to jailbreak our phones to be able to data tether (connect to internet through phone) and record video. So when i caught wind of the new phone + OS i was happy/unhappy. Happy because we finally get multitasking and faster opening closing and running of programs. Unhappy because i know i will have to buy this thing for uber amounts of money and then wait for the jailbreak so i can get back my beloved Cydia programs.

Either way its nice to see continued competition for the Smart Phone market. It will only makes things better in the long run. A war between the Pre, iPhone, G1 and others will lead to lower prices and better hardware. But in all honesty i am really just waiting on all the new android phones coming out mid this year (Android Cupcake available April).

UPDATE: The new iPhone (3rd Generation) will be announced at Apple’s WWDC which takes place June 8-12th. The actual phone will go on sale June 17th. I hate how they always show you their new products then make you wait a month before you can buy it. I guess its never too early to setup a tent in front of your local AT&T store. Also its worth mentioning that iPhone OS 3.0 will be formally introduced at the WWDC and will most likely not be available for download till June 17th.

-L337tech

source for iPhone OS 3.0 preview date = Engadget