Difficulty with optical mouse

deepakvrao

Senior member
Feb 17, 2003
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I changed my optical mouse recently to a Logitech BJ58 [cheapie one] and am having a lot of difficulty using it on my polished table surface. This was not the case with my earlier one [cheapie too]. I have never used a pad. Should I? What other options are there?
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
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When the surface is too dark, transparent, or too shiny (not enough texture), then optical mice have trouble tracking their movement. Double-sensor mice like the MX510 do better here, but the actual cure is to use a suitable surface.
 

deepakvrao

Senior member
Feb 17, 2003
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The only downside of a pad is that it restricts the place I can use the mouse. I often use on my keyboard shelf and sometimes on the main table. Do most people use a pad for optical mice? I never have with my previous one. I guess I could buy 2 pads :)
 

deepakvrao

Senior member
Feb 17, 2003
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Thanks all for suggestions. Here is what I did.

Fancy mice were too expensive in India and mostly unavailable. I bought a PS2 and it works fine on shiny reflective desktop. My USB laptop mouse [same Logitech make but USB] does not work at all on the same surface and I need to use a pad. Go figure!!
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
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i had similar problems with a mousepad that had a red line of art going across it. Whenever it would go across the line, it would get all confused. It was a wireless MS mouse. So i went out and bought a solid mouse pad and an mx-510 and never had a problem since. Best mouse I ever got, and the mouse pad ain't too bad either.
 

BespinReactorShaft

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2004
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Originally posted by: deepakvrao
The only downside of a pad is that it restricts the place I can use the mouse. I often use on my keyboard shelf and sometimes on the main table. Do most people use a pad for optical mice? I never have with my previous one. I guess I could buy 2 pads :)


I use a sheet of white A4 paper. Works like a charm, seriously. :)