Microsoft Intellimice and Bluetooth Issues?

An anonymous reader asks: "I just bought a Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer for Bluetooth for my Mac OS X 2.2 box. Like typical Mac fashion, it was entirely plug and play, no software required. However, I go to pair the mouse with the adapter in Bluetooth prefs and it asks me for a pairing password! Others on XP SP1 using integrated/third party adapters other than the one provided by Microsoft also report the same pairing password (on a side note, the MS adapter doesn't even pair with most Palms or Cellphones, what kind of standards following is that?). I called MS tech support and they gave me a weak 'It doesn't work on the Mac.' reply. So, has anyone managed to get this mouse to work on OS X, Linux, or XP (SP1 with a third party adapter)? Perhaps a cracked security password?"

Comments

Re:Geez, a MS mouse works only on windows.

[SmallFurryCreature]

I am not sure but I think the password required for pairing is a security function. With unprotected bluetooth every device in radio range can and will receive the input/output. This makes the open Wireless Lan look like a very small matter indeed. Yes bluetooth has a small range but is often used in places where people are close together, restaurants - public transport, and radio waves have the odd habit off traveling far further then advertised when you do NOT want it.

So MS has done a security measure that is part of the bluetooth spec. Why it should be incompatible with Apples implementation I have no idea. Maybe apple has done its side wrong or has not yet implemented this.

Even if MS has done it on purpose, wich I doubt, is that really illegal or that bad? If I produce an addon for a PS2 then you can't really complain if it doesn't work with an X-box even if the connectors look the same.