Jerky Mouse

[Rick]

Hi,

I recently began using the MS Standard Optical Wireless Mouse. Although I'm
pleased with the non-corded freedom it gives me, I have begun to notice that
it seems to "jump around" (the pointer, of course) randomly. Not large
movements, just small jerky "hops" that are really starting to annoy me. I
never noticed this behavior with the MS Intellimouse that I used for years,
and I'm not sure that the tradeoff, if I have to sacrifice precision
movement (meaning the pointer will go and stop exactly where I point it with
no excess movement) is worth it.

I've tried all the applicable drivers and the behavior seems consistent. I'm
wondering if it's the wireless functionality, or perhaps I just bought a
"cheap" mouse.

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance,
Rick

 

[Malke]

Hi,

I recently began using the MS Standard Optical Wireless Mouse. Although
I'm pleased with the non-corded freedom it gives me, I have begun to
notice that it seems to "jump around" (the pointer, of course) randomly.
Not large movements, just small jerky "hops" that are really starting to
annoy me. I never noticed this behavior with the MS Intellimouse that I
used for years, and I'm not sure that the tradeoff, if I have to sacrifice
precision movement (meaning the pointer will go and stop exactly where I
point it with no excess movement) is worth it.

I've tried all the applicable drivers and the behavior seems consistent.
I'm wondering if it's the wireless functionality, or perhaps I just bought
a "cheap" mouse.

1. If it is wireless, try new batteries.

2. If it is optical, check the mousing surface. Optical mice don't like
glassy or shiny surfaces. Even though optical mice supposedly don't need
mousepads, sometimes a dark solid color mousepad works better than your
desk.

Malke

 

[Rick]

Hi Malke,

Thanks. I changed the batteries recently so I know they're good. Your
mousepad point is interesting. I have been using the "standard Dell issue,"
which, as you may know, is a smooth, semi-glossy, what appears to be a
rubber-vinyl type substance. It's black with a large grey Dell logo in the
middle. I never thought to just not use a pad at all (old habits die hard).
So I just removed it and I'm using my desk surface, which is natural wood.
So far, I haven't noticed the problem, but it's early <g>. Thoughts?

Thanks again,
Rick

 

[Malke]

Hi Malke,

Thanks. I changed the batteries recently so I know they're good. Your
mousepad point is interesting. I have been using the "standard Dell
issue," which, as you may know, is a smooth, semi-glossy, what appears to
be a rubber-vinyl type substance. It's black with a large grey Dell logo
in the middle. I never thought to just not use a pad at all (old habits
die hard). So I just removed it and I'm using my desk surface, which is
natural wood. So far, I haven't noticed the problem, but it's early <g>.
Thoughts?

I already gave you my thoughts. Natural wood is probably better than the
Dell mousepad. See how it goes.

Malke