Laser mouse?

[Larry Roberts]

I see computer mice (is that the plural?) being sold as
optical, or laser. Is there a difference? Does laser mean it's
wireless? I have an optical mouse, but my new desk's surface gives it
hell. I had to cut out a cardboard box, and tape it to my desktop to
use the mouse, but this looks ugly, and a mouse pad is not enough room
for when I'm FPS gaming.
If Laser mice use a new tracking technology, then would it
remedy my optical mouses problem on my desktop surface?

 

[Robbie McFerren]

I see computer mice (is that the plural?) being sold as
optical, or laser. Is there a difference? Does laser mean it's
wireless? I have an optical mouse, but my new desk's surface gives it
hell. I had to cut out a cardboard box, and tape it to my desktop to
use the mouse, but this looks ugly, and a mouse pad is not enough room
for when I'm FPS gaming.
If Laser mice use a new tracking technology, then would it
remedy my optical mouses problem on my desktop surface?

The difference between laser and an optical mouse have to do with the
light source. A typical optical mouse uses a red LED where a laser
mouse uses a laser diode and maybe a different imaging system. If you
are going wireless, invest in rechargeable batteries, you budget and the
environment will thank you.

 

[Larry Roberts]

The difference between laser and an optical mouse have to do with the
light source. A typical optical mouse uses a red LED where a laser
mouse uses a laser diode and maybe a different imaging system. If you
are going wireless, invest in rechargeable batteries, you budget and the
environment will thank you.

I don't mind using wired, I'd actually rather it be wired, but
I'm wondering if the laser would track properly on my desktop.

 

[nooneimportant]

I see computer mice (is that the plural?) being sold as
optical, or laser. Is there a difference? Does laser mean it's
wireless? I have an optical mouse, but my new desk's surface gives it
hell. I had to cut out a cardboard box, and tape it to my desktop to
use the mouse, but this looks ugly, and a mouse pad is not enough room
for when I'm FPS gaming.
If Laser mice use a new tracking technology, then would it
remedy my optical mouses problem on my desktop surface?

Here's my "mousepad" Desk surface is glass and has ZERO response on my
optical mouse. I simply use a piece of paper from the in tray on my
printer. Works great... write down little notes on it, phone numbers and
such... when it looks like hell... throw it out and reach over to my printer
for a frresh one. I can usually get aout 2 weeks out of an 8.5 by 11" piece
of recycled dead tree. Cost to me.... couple of bux for 500 mousepads....
(looks like 1000 weeks.... or nearly 20 years of use for $2.00 try to get
that out of even a $4 mousepad!).

Seems the paper has JUST enough variace for the mouse to "see" movement.
And it is quite responsive. Use it for gaming. Hellova lot cheaper then
some of those "$45 gaming optical mouse pads" Only problem i have is the
damn wheel on the mouse (and thats not related to the paper one bit).... not
very sensitive anymore, guess its time for a new mouse. God I love rambling
at 1:36am tired off my ass......

 

[Bioboffin]

I don't mind using wired, I'd actually rather it be wired, but
I'm wondering if the laser would track properly on my desktop.

I use an mx laser Logitech mouse (wireless). It tracks just fine on my "wood
effect laminated cheapo desktop". A mousemat is definitely not required. The
mouse is comfortable in use, and the only real (very minor) problem with it
is that it takes a few hours to recharge once every two weeks or so.

John.

 

[Peter]

I see computer mice (is that the plural?) being sold as
optical, or laser. Is there a difference? Does laser mean it's
wireless? I have an optical mouse, but my new desk's surface gives it
hell. I had to cut out a cardboard box, and tape it to my desktop to
use the mouse, but this looks ugly, and a mouse pad is not enough room
for when I'm FPS gaming.

Just curious. You can change the mouse resolution so that smaller mouse
movements move the pointer further on screen. Does this carry over into
games? If so, couldn't you just do that and then still use the mouse
mat?