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A wide variety of new and used accessories are available for Apple Macintosh computers, including digital cameras, trackballs, scanners, and other devices. However, not every Apple-brand accessory can be used with all Macintosh computers, many non-Apple accessories are compatible with them, and adapters are required for connecting some types of accessories.
BUYING MACINTOSH ACCESSORIES
ADB: Older Macintosh and other Apple computer systems have ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) ports, which look similar to PS/2 ports. ADB accessories are usually less expensive than USB or wireless models. According to wikipedia.org, pre-1998 Macintosh systems and the Apple IIgs have ADB ports. They can be connected to newer Macintosh computer systems, but require a fairly expensive (about $20-45) ADB-to-USB adapter. Some mice, digital cameras, and other devices come with both ADB and USB cables. Kensington ADB trackballs can be purchased on eBay.com.
USB: Newer Macintosh systems, including the iMac series, have USB ports for connecting accessories. Wikipedia.org indicates that all Macintosh computer systems made in 1999 and since then use USB for non-cordless keyboards and mice. USB has the advantage of being able to transfer data faster, making it preferable to ADB for digital cameras and scanners. Apple mice may have one, two, or more buttons; more buttons makes using the computer more convenient, but most functions can be accomplished with a single button. Non-Apple USB keyboards can be used; they don't have all of the same keys, but there are equivalent keys (LINK) which can be used instead.
Wireless accessories are available as well, but tend to require newer computers and operating systems, in addition to costing more. When buying accessories for your Apple Macintosh which require drivers (digital cameras, scanners, etc), make sure there are drivers available for its version of Mac OS before purchasing them. Some types of Macintosh-compatible accessories can be purchased at OfficeMax, Staples, Office Depot, and Radio Shack.
Apple ADB One-Button Mouse
USING MACINTOSH ACCESSORIES
When connecting an ADB keyboard and mouse to some Apple Macintosh computer models, you may be surprised to find that there is no 2nd ADB port for the mouse, especially if you are more familiar with IBM/PC-compatible computer systems. This is because there is a port on the bottom or side of the keyboard for connecting the mouse to.
It is actually possible to connect two ADB keyboards to a Macintosh computer at the same time, by plugging the 2nd keyboard into the first keyboard's mouse port (then the mouse can connect to the 2nd keyboard if desired).
ADB accessories should not be plugged in to or unplugged from the computer while it is powered on. USB devices, on the other hand, can safely be connected and disconnected regardless of whether or not the computer is currently on.