Out of the Blue

I have one of those cordless mouse dealies on my work computer, and up until yesterday I was about set to toss it out the window in frustration at how it skipped around—you don't realize quite what a productivity killer not being able to accurately target things on screen with your mouse is until you spend 10 seconds trying to close a window. I tried endless experiments with repositioning the RF receiver and the mouse to enable a better signal, but to no avail. Since this is not the cool optical kind of mouse, I then cleaned and recleaned the already clean rollers, but this likewise did not help. One thing I eventually noticed though, between sessions of contemplating how far out the window the plastic rodent would fly if I gave in to that impulse, was that moving the rollers while cleaning them produced a steady tracking action with no skipping. This finally lead me to realize that it was the mouse ball, of all things, that needed a cleaning, and sure enough some rubbing alcohol seems to have removed whatever invisible residue of hand salsa that had coated it, restoring its formerly reliable operation. So the moral of the story is... nah, too easy, but anyway, I never did imagine this could have been the cause of my problems, though as optical mice become more the norm, I don't guess that this mouse care tip will have much of a lifespan.

Story of the Day: Who's watching you? A surveillance society. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Weird Science: Bissell Powersteamer Floor Cleaner. "Stand for center channel speaker only." Thanks Mongrel.
Wild Science: Japanese system helps paralyzed move. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Scientists Brew Real Joint Juice. Thanks [MP] Wolverine [MP].
Gadget guru builds high-tech haven. Thanks again Mike Martinez. A use for yesterday's remote.
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24 Replies. 2 pages. Viewing page 1.
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24.
 
Re: Blue?
Sep 4, 2002, 06:49
24.
Re: Blue? Sep 4, 2002, 06:49
Sep 4, 2002, 06:49
 
Microsoft spawn!

Actually, I only have problems with Microsoft's mice. Simply, I can't stand them; I have had problems with the responsiveness of the laser (it hates how I pick up/move the mouse) and they just feel too big for my taste (just over 6' tall, large hands and all).

A big part of it is how I have all my computer stuff set out. As it stands, the base of my palm is set on a rest and then I use my fingers to move the mouse around. Needless to say, this is all quite refined and I have sensitivity set to the maximum...

Having actually purchased (and given away) two separate Intelli-evil mouses,
Ray


--------------------------------------------------
Chugga, chugga, w00t w00t!!!!!!!111
This comment was edited on Sep 4, 06:51.
Everything is awesome!!!
http://www.kindafunny.com/
I love you, mom.
Avatar 2647
23.
 
Re: Speaking of Salsa....
Sep 4, 2002, 01:49
indiv
 
23.
Re: Speaking of Salsa.... Sep 4, 2002, 01:49
Sep 4, 2002, 01:49
 indiv
 
We didn't get the update you promised!

Uhhh scroll down to yesterday's news. They didn't cook them.

22.
 
Speaking of Salsa....
Sep 4, 2002, 00:33
22.
Speaking of Salsa.... Sep 4, 2002, 00:33
Sep 4, 2002, 00:33
 
How did the cheese dogs turn out? We didn't get the update you promised!

21.
 
Re: Blue?
Sep 3, 2002, 23:15
21.
Re: Blue? Sep 3, 2002, 23:15
Sep 3, 2002, 23:15
 
Yeah. I've got the Intellimouse Explorer too, and I agree. Its nice to have a big mouse. I've never had any problems with it either.

But I didn't think there was a big change between a mouse-ball and optical mouse. The pads on the mouse still get dirty just as much as the ball did before. I still have to clean it once and awhile.

20.
 
Re: Blue?
Sep 3, 2002, 19:30
20.
Re: Blue? Sep 3, 2002, 19:30
Sep 3, 2002, 19:30
 
The optical intellimouse explorer has been a great friend this last couple yrs and the designs are comfy, especially if you have big hands [you know what they say about guys with big hands ;)]. It is great for work and the extra buttons on left side are the best for browser back and fwd and binding for games.
Logitech is a wanna be. People who bash microsoft stuff always confuse me. We would buy other stuff it worked as well, but it mostly doesn't so STFUP!
awww yaaaa

19.
 
Re: Mouse balls!
Sep 3, 2002, 19:03
19.
Re: Mouse balls! Sep 3, 2002, 19:03
Sep 3, 2002, 19:03
 
I've been using a logitech mouseman optical and it's the former generation from the current one. I have a dual optical, but I just hate the design of the current models. The placement of the 2nd mouse button makes it harder for me to press it since I'm use to using my index finger on the 1st button, my middle finger on the middle scroll/button and then my ring finger on the 2nd button. Until they fix the design, I'm sticking with this one.

Also, I use it for OFP and it works great. I use the latest mouse drivers with it, and I had to change the middle button usage in the mouse settings to "Middle Button" for it to work properly. The only bad thing is that for some reason when I use the scroll wheel in opflash it will occasionally flip me out to the desktop. This seems to happen the most when I'm flying a plane or something where a moment like that = death.

I don't like the feel of the MS mice.

18.
 
Mouse balls!
Sep 3, 2002, 15:32
18.
Mouse balls! Sep 3, 2002, 15:32
Sep 3, 2002, 15:32
 
I prefer optical mostly because I can use it on the couch
when I'm gaming/movie...ing on the bigscreen in the living
room. ^_^

The major downside of opticals, tho, is that you can't
use them on the majority of shiny surfaces.

-Hyatus
"da da da"

17.
 
Get a castrated mouse
Sep 3, 2002, 14:58
Jim
17.
Get a castrated mouse Sep 3, 2002, 14:58
Sep 3, 2002, 14:58
Jim
 
I did away with mouse balls about 3 years ago and I never think much about my mouse anymore- well, except when the wire snags on something. But I'm not going to get a wireless rodent because I don't want to deal with the hassle of having batteries to replace every so often. Hopefully in the near future we'll have wireless, optical mice that operate on the energy created from the endless friction of shoving the things around all the time.

Jim
16.
 
Ooooookay...
Sep 3, 2002, 12:11
16.
Ooooookay... Sep 3, 2002, 12:11
Sep 3, 2002, 12:11
 
"whatever invisible residue of hand salsa had coated it"

Not sure what Blue is doing with his mouse, but it sure sounds funny.

15.
 
Joint Juice?
Sep 3, 2002, 12:00
15.
Joint Juice? Sep 3, 2002, 12:00
Sep 3, 2002, 12:00
 
Damnit, Scientists Brew Real Joint Juice? Don't bother, it's something about tissue and cartilege and blah blah blah. I thought it was some kind of marijuana beverage.

~Jedi

14.
 
Re: Blue?
Sep 3, 2002, 11:51
14.
Re: Blue? Sep 3, 2002, 11:51
Sep 3, 2002, 11:51
 
Tru tru,

my dual optical Logi r0xx0rz. *hugs mouse*

13.
 
Blue's Mouse Resources
Sep 3, 2002, 10:59
13.
Blue's Mouse Resources Sep 3, 2002, 10:59
Sep 3, 2002, 10:59
 
http://www.bluesnews.com/mouse.shtml

Maybe update that, no?

12.
 
Optical Mice
Sep 3, 2002, 09:54
12.
Optical Mice Sep 3, 2002, 09:54
Sep 3, 2002, 09:54
 
An optical mouse is like good sex. Once you've had it, you can never go back.

Bob James
HALF-PRICE SOFTWARE

PC & Console Games at up to Half-Off List Price!
http://www.stores.ebay.com/halfpricesoftware

-------------------------------------------
5% Discount off Direct Sales for Blue's
News Readers. Just Mention You Saw This Sig!
-------------------------------------------
Bob James
HALF-PRICE SOFTWARE

PC Games at up to Half-Off List Price
http://www.stores.ebay.com/halfpricesoftware/
11.
 
Meese
Sep 3, 2002, 09:52
11.
Meese Sep 3, 2002, 09:52
Sep 3, 2002, 09:52
 
Ball mice have NOT outlived their usefullness. Boomslang is proof of that - it's the mouse I'm currently using and it feels better than any mouse I've ever used, optical or ball. I managed to get my hands on a couple of these things before Razer went out of business a second time....

People all assume optical is somehow more advanced and better, but that just isn't true. Boomslang is STILL the highest prcision mouse available to date. I'll be using these things until I wear them out and can't get any more, or until optical resolution is increased to a comparable level. I think I'll go clean my ball now or something

10.
 
Blue a Microsoft Memo on Ball Handling..
Sep 3, 2002, 09:50
10.
Blue a Microsoft Memo on Ball Handling.. Sep 3, 2002, 09:50
Sep 3, 2002, 09:50
 
Subject: Mouse Balls

MOUSE BALLS

I don't know how they wrote this with a straight face... This
apparently was a real memo sent out by a computer company to
its employees in all seriousness. It went to all field engineers about
a computer peripheral problem. The author of this memo was quite
genuine. The engineers rolled on the floor! Especially note the last
couple of sentences.

Re: Replacement of Mouse Balls.

If a mouse fails to operate or should it perform
erratically, it may need a ball replacement. Mouse balls are now available
as FRU (Field Replacement Units).

Because of the delicate nature of this procedure,
replacement of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly
trained personnel.

Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls
by examining the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger
and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ
depending upon the manufacturer of the mouse.

Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop off method. Domestic balls
are replaced by using the twist off method.

Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However,
excessive handling can result in sudden discharge.

Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be
used immediately.

It is recommended that each person have a pair of
spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any
customer missing his balls should contact the local personnel in charge of
removing and replacing these necessary items.

Please keep in mind that a customer without properly
working balls is an unhappy customer.

9.
 
The Two Towers
Sep 3, 2002, 09:34
9.
The Two Towers Sep 3, 2002, 09:34
Sep 3, 2002, 09:34
 
It has supposedly been let loose on the net. I won't watch it, I want to see it on the big screen. However, I am curious... Has anyone seen it? Is it the real McCoy?


-TPFKAS2S
-TPFKAS2S
Avatar 10139
8.
 
More tech tips
Sep 3, 2002, 09:27
8.
More tech tips Sep 3, 2002, 09:27
Sep 3, 2002, 09:27
 
Also, you can cut a notch in a 5 1/4" floppy (on to opposite side of the existing notch) and then flip it over and put data on the other side!

Please do NOT target my IP Address for any DDOS attacks!
I am not a man! I am a free number!
7.
 
Re: They're at it again
Sep 3, 2002, 09:11
7.
Re: They're at it again Sep 3, 2002, 09:11
Sep 3, 2002, 09:11
 
#6 really? I'm sorry that you have problems with your optical mouse, it might simply be the version. But I have one of the logitech red's. When I installed it via USB, I got horrible frames and skipping in games and DVD movies. I ended up switching it over to PS/2, and the problems went away. Anyway, the point I was going to make is depending on the mouse revision it will allow you to install it as, a logitech mouse, an MS mouse, or a MS compatible optical mouse. I simply installed mine as an MS mouse, no problems. I've bought 4 of them for diffrent computers and all the same things. I'm useing the cheapest model from bestbuy of all things. Bought them on sale for $11.99 last year around newyears.
--
"For every human problem,
there is a neat, simple solution;
and it is always wrong."
--H.L. Mencken
6.
 
They're at it again
Sep 3, 2002, 08:44
6.
They're at it again Sep 3, 2002, 08:44
Sep 3, 2002, 08:44
 
I bought a Logitech cordless optical (not the dual optical one, the older blue one), and I love it. The problems stem from the fact that it isn't MS - the third button may as well not exist, as the mouse refuses to work efficiently unless it's in a USB port. The drivers stop the mouse wheel from working in OFP and it works in some b0rked manner in q3. Great mouse though.

5.
 
Re: So the moral of the story is...
Sep 3, 2002, 08:07
5.
Re: So the moral of the story is... Sep 3, 2002, 08:07
Sep 3, 2002, 08:07
 
Class, this is what we refer to as the Schnapple low-brow approach.

Not saying anything else, having way too many puns %),
Ray

--------------------------------------------------
Chugga, chugga, w00t w00t!!!!!!!111
Everything is awesome!!!
http://www.kindafunny.com/
I love you, mom.
Avatar 2647
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