Mouse Talk

[chris h]

Well, what’s the best thing I’ve bought in the computer department in the past year?
Monitor as big as a fridge ? No. Processor so powerful I run the central heating from the waste heat ? No. Printer so good the smell of photo chemicals no longer wafts through the dungeons ? No. It’s the £20 I spent on an optical mouse. This mouse (Microsoft but now one of many) has a light sensor in its base instead of the accursed ball. No longer am I forever de-gunging the interior rollers or cursing as the mouse skids over the mat. The beast just works on any reasonably smooth surface even a trouser leg if the desk is covered in paper. I heartily recommend it. I was at a friends house today and going back to the conventional model was like dragging a cannonball across a ploughed field, beg , borrow or steal one I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[DJ Dubovsky]

Is it cordless as well? One of my pet peeves on the standard mouse is that the cord gets caught on things sometimes. Thanks for the input as I am one of those due to get a new one soon. This one was a quick fix cheapie but doesn't respond well with Windows 2000 so we need to upgrade. Hated the trackball and the touch pads.
DJ

[chris h]

DJ,

This one has a cord but I can live with it. I'm not sure if there's a cordless optical mouse on the market yet, probably is but haven't spotted them over this side yet. Like yourself I've tried various devices most of which now provide sterling service at friends houses ! These devices with multiple buttons just confuse me.

[DJ Dubovsky]

Hi Chris
Yes there is optical cordless mice but they are a little more pricey of course. I know there is one that is offered by Wacom for their tablets but that runs around $80. I was wondering what brand you had. I don't mind the extra buttons and wheels if they do what they are supposed to. I do have trouble with the cord because our mouse is set on a pull out tray next to my graphics tablet so often it gets caught up on the edges when I go to move the mouse.
DJ

[Ed_L]

That sounds like a pretty good thing. I haven't heard of it before. How does an optical mouse work? Anyone know?

Ed

[DJ Dubovsky]

Here's what I found at Logitech. It uses an optical positioning sensor. The sensor tracks its relative location by "taking a picture" of the surface the mouse is operating on. Each captured image is then sequentially analyzed by a powerful digital signal processor, which detects the speed and direction of even the slightest movement and translates it into smooth cursor movements on the computer screen. Makes me sound pretty smart hey?
Here's a site for comparing general prices and features. I can't recommend them because I've never bought from them but the comparative info is handy for making decisions.
DJ

[Doug Nelson]

I've been using an optical mouse for close to a year now. I recommend everyone immediately go and buy one I'm using the lower-end Microsoft version, and for mice I generally like MS over others, but any will do. Logitech has also had an optical trackball out for a couple of years (which I came very close to purchasing).

I used to use a cordless mouse, but got disgusted with it and put it in a box somewhere (couldn't tell you where it is now). It was a Logitech, and used RF technology (radio-frequency, as opposed to IR, or infra-red. Each cordless mouse has a receiver unit. RF receivers can be anywhere, IR must be in clear line-of-site to the mouse.

The unit I had used a very expensive battery that died about monthly on me, rendering it useless. $10 per month wasn't worth it to me. I've no idea what batteries the current crop use, or how long they last.

[chris h]

The optical mouse I've got is the Microsoft Intellimouse. Essentially the 2 button and wheel type. I've no experience of the cordless mice but have been tempted in the past, Doug's post reminded me that of course the cordless mouse is a constant transmitter of data back to the recieving device on the case, no wonder they eat batteries. I suppose makers could design one to take a rechargeable Nicad/NiMh battery but as usual they'll stick to exotic in house types !

[Ed_L]

Thanks for all the information guys. And yes Debbie -- it makes you look smart. I just might ask Santa for one of those things.

Ed

[chris h]

Ed,

Be masterful, just walk straight out of the house and buy one !!!

[Ed_L]

Chris,

I might do just that, but my wife won't allow me to touch money!

Ed