The Wireless Mouse Quandary
By alaskanray
@alaskanray (4636)
United States
May 20, 2011 11:58pm CST
I cannot begin to tell you how many mice I have bought for my computer in the past year.
First I got a regular wired mouse. The wires couldn't take the amount of movement I did with my laptop so it quit working. Fine I wanted to go wireless, anyway.
Next, I got a wireless mouse that used a single AA battery. Trouble was keeping myself in batteries. Plus the transmitter got bumped too many times and finally quit working. It would have been nice if I could have just replaced the transmitter but they don't work like that so...
Another wireless mouse...this one used two AAA batteries and had an auto shutoff to save battery juice. Nice. But the functions on it were sluggish and gave my hand a cramp. Plus I was still having to keep it in batteries. Time for a rechargeable...
I got my new rechargeable mouse and fell immediately in love. The transmitter was smaller than those previous so less chance of getting bumped. I was tooling along happy as a clam at red tide when the darn thing just up and quit! It wasn't out of juice, it just stopped working. I found that I had to drain it completely before charging it. But it stopped working long before that happened so I was without a mouse until the darn thing drained.
Now I have my eye on another wireless. The transmitter is even smaller than any previous and it has a much more sophisticated charger than this one. Unfortunately, it is also very spendy. I considered possibly getting one or two more of the mouse I currently use so that I can have a spare while the one is draining. Once it's completely drained, it only takes 15 minutes to half an hour to charge. Of course, I really don't have the funds to purchase any mouse at the moment.
Any suggestions? Have you found a mouse that works well for you? Remember, I have a laptop and operate it from bed so I need something pretty sturdy and easy to use.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
21 May 11
I have been using wireless mice since they cam out and have tried all kinds of brands. The one that I found the best was Logitech. The mouse I use now I have had for 4 years and it is the best I have used. It takes 2 AA batteries and has a power save mode, I only have to change the batteries every 4 months or so. So I would go for a Logitech optical wireless mouse. I am sure their new range is even better than the one I have. My one has 7 buttons including the scroll wheel and it is so comfortable to use. I think if you are going to invest in a new mouse the key thing is make sure it it is comfortable to use, try it out in the store before you buy that's what I did and Logitech came out the winner.
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@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
21 May 11
To be honest the rechargeable ones do not last long on a full charge. My mouse lasts 4 months on just 2 batteries. I don't think I could handle having to recharge a mouse for a period when I want to use it. It is a pity you can not try before you buy, maybe check out amazon and read the reviews of some of them and go from there.
As for the buttons it depends on the mouse where they are placed, some can be a hindrance, but most of them can be programmed to do what you want them to do.
The magnifying glass sounds like a software program that comes with the mouse, don't install the software. I never install the software that comes with any mouse because as you said it has unnecessary things like the magnifying glass, and I know mine did have one lol. Without the software your mouse should work just fine in windows.
1 person likes this
@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
21 May 11
Where is the back button on your mouse? Mine is on the side where the thumb can access it. It is never really a problem. If your mouse did come with software maybe you can programme the back button for something else or nothing at all, that might be worth doing but personally I don't use it as it is gimmicky. I know what you mean though it can be a pain being back paged all the time
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
21 May 11
Thanks for the tip. I'll look into it. I never use the back button but keep bumping it, which is frustrating. The magnifying glass is easy to turn off when it pops up but the back button is even more irritating. At least the magnifier doesn't change the page I'm on. lol
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
22 May 11
Mine's a dell that uses no pad. Has a laser light in the bottom. It's done fine ever since I got this Dell computer (about 2, 2 & a half years ago...I'll bet Elic remembers...
Maggiepie
"Words are the small change of thought." ~ Jules Renard, writer 1864-1910
Maggiepie
"Words are the small change of thought." ~ Jules Renard, writer 1864-1910@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
24 May 11
Elic says she knows only that it's a Dell with a laser, but it does have a wire. Still, I move my mouse wire a lot, too, & it's never given me a single problem. Try asking Dell. Elic thinks it's about 2 years or so old, too, & it came running Vista--whatever that means. I'm sure they could find it for you. Hope that helps at least a little (I'm sooo NOT a techie! 
).
Maggiepie
"The difference between the almost-right word & the right word is really a large matter; it's the difference between the lightning-bug & the lightning." ~ Mark Twain
).
Maggiepie
"The difference between the almost-right word & the right word is really a large matter; it's the difference between the lightning-bug & the lightning." ~ Mark Twain1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
25 May 11
LOL...I hear ya! Unfortunately, I got burned by Dell and have decided not to do business with them again...and I really need wireless. I hate cords! Thanks, anyway, Kiddo. 
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
22 May 11
Can you give me a link to a description/photo of it? I'd like to take a look.
2 people like this
@vinod4net (628)
• India
21 May 11
Well I feel the Logitech Wired mouse is the best and goes a long way but the best part is it gives good feature and is best at scrolling, for what a mouse is for. The wireless sounds good but they are sluggish in operation also they are still an emerging technology, so i feel go for the trusted one.
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
21 May 11
Wired mice do not work for my situation. I end up having to flip the cord out of my way until the wires inside break and split until they don't work at all. The last wired mouse I had only lasted a few weeks before it didn't work at all anymore.
As for sluggish operation, I have never found this to be a problem. If anything, my wireless mouse works better than the wired one. The only problem I have is this recharging problem...oh, and these stupid extra buttons (which you can find on a wired mouse, as well) that keep getting bumped and messing up my screens. You know the ones I'm talking about? One button takes you back to the previous window from the one you are on, the other one brings up an on-screen magnifying glass. Dang nuisance and I never use them. Whoever thought that one up deserves a good thrashing. 
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
25 May 11
well, I have never wanted wireless because of the whole battery/recharging issues
I have gone to Goodwill and gotten replacement mice and keyboards (but remember I live in a large city)
I can get mice pretty cheap at Goodwill and just chunk them when they die, but actually, so long as I keep them dry they do pretty good.
I'm currently using the mouse that came with my acer computer, but I will NEVER use the tiny keyboard - I found an ergonomic one at Goodwill, has a few "kinks" but mostly I have no problems with it. In fact, the think I like the least about it is that I can't type with it under the desk because it is too high in the middle.
However, having said that - I can sit back far enough from the screen I don't need my glasses to see it...
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
25 May 11
I hear you. Whatever works for you is what you should do.
I'm glad you can sit back from the screen far enough to see. LOL
1 person likes this
@fairytail (32)
• Philippines
21 May 11
hi alaskanray!
i also had difficulty in choosing nice and comfy mouse.. mine now is still not working well, but i manage to keep it for now,as i am saving money for a perfect one, i do hope i'll find it soon.. but i guess i want to try logitech, as what others suggest here.. please keep me updated if you do found the perfect mice..c",)
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@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
21 May 11
I have my eye on one that seems pretty good. The price is pretty high, though...around $65...so it'll be a while before I can afford to buy it. Here's hoping I find the money soon. It would be nice to have.
This is the one I have now:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-BlueTrack-Technology-Recharging-5AA-00001/dp/B001F7AP1Q/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_1_0
This is the one I am wanting to get:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Rechargeable-Optical-Scroll-Silver/dp/B000JZ4H4Q/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305983049&sr=1-11
As you can see, there is a huge price difference. Wish me luck! 
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
21 May 11
I'm also looking at this one, which is even more expensive:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Performance-Mouse-Mac/dp/B002HWRJBM/ref=sr_1_15?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305983049&sr=1-15
This one has better reviews than the other so maybe I'll go with this one, instead. Whichever one I buy, I just hope it's the last one I'll ever have to buy!
1 person likes this
@NaweGR (4)
• United States
22 May 11
Have several computers and tablets at home, and so have been fortunate (or not so much so) to have been able to try a lot of different keyboards and mice. Have tried several of the Logitech items, a couple of no-name brands, the Apple offerings, and so on.
For my Windows machines I have settled on the Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 keyboard and mouse. First off because the combo can usually be found for under $60 on Amazon. Second, while they do use batteries, they let you know when the battery is getting low so you can replace BEFORE you get stuck. Also, I find that I generally get 5-6 months on the batteries, so not too expensive that way either.
For my tablets (one iPad, two Viewsonics, and a Motorola Xoom) I found that the one bluetooth keyboard they all work with is the one I got with my Motorola Xoom.
Hope this helps!
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
22 May 11
Actually, the recharging of batteries doesn't use all that much electricity and my mouse is lasting better than any other I've had...I just have to let it drain completely before recharging.
As for accuracy, it is excellent on that score. I don't know...it may be the blue track that makes a difference but for some reason this mouse is awesome when it is working.
In fact, I am so happy with it (other than the stated problem) that I may just get a couple extra (which would also be less expensive than the mice listed above) so that I can have a spare to use while it is draining.
Bottom line is that I REALLY don't like to buy batteries. When I used one that took batteries, I was changing them every week. I am on my computer 12 hours a day. How long are you on yours? I can't imagine a mouse getting as much usage as mine does and still having the batteries last as long as you say yours does.
Have a great day.
Bottom line is that I REALLY don't like to buy batteries. When I used one that took batteries, I was changing them every week. I am on my computer 12 hours a day. How long are you on yours? I can't imagine a mouse getting as much usage as mine does and still having the batteries last as long as you say yours does.
Have a great day.@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
22 May 11
Thanks for the input. Did you check out the links I gave above? I'd really like some feedback on the mice I referenced there. I'm thinking I will probably go for the last one, simply because it has a higher customer rating than the other.
1 person likes this
@NaweGR (4)
• United States
22 May 11
Yes, I did check out those links. However, based on my personal experience I think you would find the cheaper combination I mentioned to actually be a better setup long term. I understand the desire to not have to buy batteries, but given the average length that those items will go on a charge, I think you are spending more on the electricity for the constant recharges than you would for the batteries. Not to mention, as you've already seen, how likely the rechargables are to wear out in a year or so.
The MS combo also has the advantage of more accurate mouse positioning since the MS drivers are optimized for Windows (go figure) :-)
Of course YOU are the one who has to ultimately decide what will work best for your situation. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@webearn99 (1742)
• India
21 May 11
Technology is supposed to make life simple, comfortable and efficient. Somewhere down the line, it has gone haywire and has made life expensive, complicated and a drag.
There was this philosopher who once gave a piece of advice to a young lady with complications in life. "Keep it simple sis." Makes sense doesn’t it?
Go back to wired optical mouse with an extension chord, it will get the job done.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
21 May 11
I am in bed on my computer. A wired mouse does not work for me. The last one I had lasted only a few weeks before the wires broke as I had to keep flipping the cord out of my way.
I love my wireless mouse. I just wish it didn't shut down until it drained completely before I can recharge it.
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