The Wireless, Optical, Laser Mouse

It's not especially attractive looking but it does fit into my hand nicely as I work. I like not having a cord to deal with on top of my work space. I even like that it was an HP company product because the rest of my computer is the same, even though I didn't buy it all at one time, or place.

However, the wireless mouse does have a couple of issues.

1. It runs on batteries. This means it will run out of battery power without much notice.

2. It does not like mousepads with any kind of design on them. In fact, mousepads seem to drive it completely crazy!

Sure it gets gunky looking after awhile but that's common for all computer mice so I'm not counting that against this mouse in particular. I just use some hand sanitizer on it and that degunks it and cleans up nice.

As for the real issues... I have found solutions!

Your Wireless Mouse Will Eat Batteries

The wireless mouse will go through standard batteries in about 3 months, from my experience. True, I did not always remember to turn the switch off at the bottom of the mouse. If you do, that will help your battery live longer. However, we aren't so perfect.

My solution is rechargeable batteries.

Look for the Right Size and Type of Batteries

Make sure you check the batteries which your computer mouse has come with. Most likely they will be double A (AA) batteries and type of battery will be NIMH (nickel-metal hydride). You don't want to get the wrong type of battery. I've never tested this but it seems one of those things I can leave untested and just trust the advice of others.

If you already have the recharger you can just buy the batteries. I bought the whole set because the set I used to have I had given away when I thought I no longer needed rechargeable batteries with my camera. (It has a different rechargeable battery).

Have you Ever Seen your Mouse Go Wild?

Or, Why I Use my Mousepad Upside Down

One of the very first things I learned about having a wireless, optical, laser based mouse was how wild it tends to get. There I am working, focused... suddenly the cursor shoots across the screen and seems to be having a mad dance all on it's own. It is untameable, feral and wild. Of course, this was not what I wanted in a meek and mild computer mouse.

This was the first wireless mouse I had bought. I was not at all prepared for the difference between the mouse with a cord (like a leash) and the mouse allowed to be wild and fancy-free. No one told me I'd been to buy a new mousepad when I bought the new mouse.

Of course, this was not my first choice in how to deal with the problem. I had just replaced the smiley face mousepad I've been using for over ten years. I took my time, shopped and picked my way through an endless variety of mousepads, before I choose the deluxe Irish coffee in a jade cup and saucer with a shamrock in latte art on top. I picked it for my Grandmother, who was Irish. I picked it because the jade cup and saucer are favourites of my Mother. I also picked it because I enjoy latte art and coffee. So, this was the chosen mousepad. Replace it? For a mere computer mouse? The very idea was ludicrous.

So I skim the edges of my mousepad where the design doesn't reach. It's a compromise. Now and then the laser must hit a bit of latte steam at the top of the design. The cursor will still have a moment of crazy outbursts now and then, but most of the time it works out. I use my mousepad upside down and the computer mouse tries to control it's fixation on pattern and design.

The Computer Mouse Cozy - found in an Etsy shop.

Take that Mouse and Mod It!

If you really want to do more with your computer mouse consider... PC modification and customization. Take your computer mouse apart, add ears and a tail made with a string of LED lights. Then pull off the old computer tower (the case covering your computer) chop it up and add gizmos and gadgets to it. Don't leave out the keyboard and the monitor...

This is far beyond what most people want to do. But, the results are amazing, breath-taking!

It's also a good way to repurpose old computer hardware.