Over the past few weeks, it seems that a large share of my clients were still using older, mechanical mice (the one’s with the ball underneath). I say older because almost all new mice are optical mice…either infrared or laser. These mice replaced the ball rolling against rollers in the mouse housing (that could quickly become dirty and cause erratic behavior of your pointer) with a light source that tracked your movements more accurately than the mechanical mouse ever could.
In addition to tracking better, never getting dirty, and having the ability to work on any surface (except glass), optical mice also allowed smaller chassis and helped propel a new plethora of cordless mice.
If you are in the market for a new mouse (and if you are using an old mechanical ball mouse, you ARE in the market), don’t worry too much about brand. First decide on corded versus cordless, then concentrate on which mouse feels best in your hand. Most office super stores and consumer electronics stores display their mice so you can hold them and move them around a little to get a feel for what works best for you.
If you opt for a cordless mouse and your use a desktop computer whose USB ports are more than a couple of feet away from where your mouse will be used, buy yourself a USB extension cable so you can position the mouse receiver on top of your desk. Having close proximity to your receiver makes a huge difference in the performance of the mouse and the battery life.
For laptop users, strongly consider paying a few dollars more for one of the micro antennas that never have to be removed from your laptop. The corded or longer USB receivers can be a pain for many laptop users. Trust me, the micro receiver is highly worth the extra few bucks.
When you bring your new computer rodent home, immediately throw away any CD or disk that came shipped in the packaging. You don’t need the extra software junking up your system…it’s just a mouse for Pete’s sake! Just shut your computer off, unplug your old mouse, plug-in your new mouse or cordless receiver, and turn the computer back on. For older computer, it may take a few moments for your cursor to start zipping around again, but it will and newer computer users will probably not have to wait at all.
Are you using a cordless mouse? Or do you have a favorite mouse brand, style or tip? If so, tell me about it by leaving a comment below!
I didn’t realize that the older ball-type rodent variety was still out in the wild. I’ve been using an optical mouse for so long now.
I remember having to use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol to clean out the insides of the mouse every month or so to keep the mouse running smoothly… what a pain!!
Now I use Logitech or Microsoft optical mice with the middle scroll wheel. I choose these models because they seem to work out of the box for Windows and Linux. Even the scroll wheel works with Linux, which is a big plus for me.
Ha, ha…yep, they are out there in greater numbers than you might realize…right along side Pentium IIIs and dial-up Internet!!
My favorite cordless is by Gyration. You don’t even need a desktop; just wave it around in mid-air.
I can vouch for the cordless mouse with the micro antenna. We use it on my wife’s laptop and it works great. No buttons to push to sync it with the mouse and no large USB adapter to break off when we move the laptop around.
What are the pros and cons of laser vs. infrared variants?
Hello John. Lasers are supposedly a little quicker and more accurate, but for the average user it won’t make much difference. I buy mice based on price and like the micro antenna’s…especially for my laptops.
Been using a Logitecch cordless TrackMan for a long time. No problem. Don’t like mice. A track ball is a lot less erratic and easier to control The wheel is nice and so are the fwd and back buttons. That’s all.
I really like recommending track balls for folks…especially if they have trouble clicking and selecting with a regular mouse because of a physical ailment.
Too bad you quit helping us Dummies by direct Email. Lots of us volunteer Sat, during your radio show, and the Windows help from India only messed up my PC more. I’d lost some media player sound files & cant finish a download and install from the net on my XP Sys. I’m happy for your success but miss the old home town friendlyness and help.
Thanks Rex…if I could pay my bills by answering email for free, I would gladly keep doing it. Unfortunately, my “success” on the web is nil, and I need to spend my time making money via my onsite help, or you could submit a question and pay a buck or more to get your question answered.
Hip hip for the cordless mouse using it is a grand plan. The touch pad is not a great idea, only in a pinch (like in the car)
I use a blue-tooth mouse, if your computer is compatible it is great, no receiver just turn it on and go.
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