A:Answer If you use the apple mouse with the macbook laptop, it will sync automatically within the system. If you get a different mouse you need to make sure that you can get the laptop to see it. Which means- you may need to have a bluetooth plug to go into the laptop (which may be tricky, or make sure you find one that is compatible. The pad is quite good to use so if you can get away from using the mouse it's ok. I can't answer what non-apple mouse would work with the laptop as I looked about and realized the logistics of working around the system would be not worth my time.