Apple Computer Inc.’s neglect of the humble mouse is over. It now offers a model that’s nimble.

Apple introduced on Tuesday its first computer mouse with multiple buttons, including four sensors and a tiny scroll ball. Although a departure from the company’s traditional mouse, the “Mighty Mouse” looks similar to the single-button model Apple long has produced.

The most obvious difference is the relatively tiny scroll ball at the mouse’s head, which can move cursors diagonally as well as up and down across display screens and can be pressed to “click” functions.

Like Microsoft, Apple for years has built added functionality into its operating systems to accommodate multibutton mice. But you had to buy mice made by other manufacturers, such as Microsoft Corp. or Logitech, to take advantage.