by , 8:40 AM EDT, August 2nd, 2005

Apple Computer announced Tuesday a new generation of computer mice that lets users scroll in any direction and program up to four separate programmable buttons.

Called 'Mighty Mouse," Apple said the new US$49 device allows for "natural, fluid movements" letting users scroll vertically, horizontally as well as diagonally.

"We've simply built a better mouse," said David Moody, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing, in a prepared statement. "Mighty Mouse adds functionality while retaining the elegant, easy-to-use Apple design."

Apple is calling the new mouse "the first multi-button mouse that retains the simplicity of a single-button mouse, and can be used as a single- or multi-button mouse depending on the user's preference." Mighty Mouse has a single seamless enclosure with programmable touch sensors that act as primary or secondary buttons. By clicking on the upper right or left side of the mouse, users can access features like contextual menus. Mighty Mouse's two other buttons are activated by pressing its Scroll Ball and squeezing its sides, and can be programmed to open and access any and all applications.

The company said mighty mouse is available "immediately" from retailers and online. Mighty Mouse requires Mac OS X, Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Mac OS X version 10.4.2 "Tiger" is required to customize buttons for one-click access to Spotlight, Dashboard and Expose or to launch applications. Mighty Mouse is compatible with either USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 ports, the company said.