[citation][nom]hellwig[/nom]Correct me if I'm wrong, but someone already did this, did they not? I could have sworn I'd seen at least a concept model (using OLED or maybe eInk) that had a touchscreen in the mouse that allowed it to be configurable or display status or something. Looks like Apple saw the same article, this is why first-to-invent is much better than a first-to-file system (and also explains why slow-moving dinosaurs like Microsoft want first-to-file).
Hmm.. Firewire, which they then discontinued. Umm... Multitouch (supposedly). Err... yeah, I got nothing else.[/citation]
I disagree with your statement regarding first-to-invent vs. first-to-file. If indeed there was such an article outhere, and it was published BEFORE filing of Apple's patent application, then it is prior art which can bar Apple from obtaining the patent, regardless of whether it is a first-to-file or first-to-invent patent system.
First-to-invent is cumbersome in that it requires affidavits and swearing behind a reference to effectively establish that a given party invented before another one.
In fact, there is room to argue that a first-to-invent system does not go along the intent for patent protection; provide an incentive for innovators to share innovation (through publication of patent) provided they obtain a limited exclusivity - insofar as this sharing is done asap so that others may benefit from such knowledge asap.