mouse -- usb vs. ps/2 and other Qs

[Guest]

I am looking for an optical mouse and I would just as soon not use one of my
4 USB ports (3 since the printer takes up one), so am looking for one
slotting into a PS/2. Is there any benefit in particular to using the PS/2
or the USB?

Any suggestions for a good, basic optical mouse? Logitech seems to have a
bunch that all have similar features, so I don't have any basis for choosing.
Also, is Sony OK? Wireless is not necessary.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

There is no difference between a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse. They connect to
your computer by different ports, but that has no effect on the way the
mouse works.

All basic optical mice are the same. Go to the store and pick the one that
feels best to your hand.

 

[Bob I]

You might look at a USB hub or a keyboard with USB ports, or a monitor
with USB ports.

 

[Kenny]

Also the PS2 port may not be able to supply enough power to drive an optical
mouse. I have seen this a few times now with optical mice using a USB to
PS2 adapter.

 

[swingman]

I am looking for an optical mouse and I would just as soon not use one of

my
4 USB ports (3 since the printer takes up one), so am looking for one
slotting into a PS/2. Is there any benefit in particular to using the
PS/2
or the USB?

Any suggestions for a good, basic optical mouse? Logitech seems to have a
bunch that all have similar features, so I don't have any basis for
choosing.
Also, is Sony OK? Wireless is not necessary.

Any info would be appreciated.

As others have said the mouse functions pretty much the same regardless of
which type of port you use, however there are other considerations.
Computers are being made now that don't have PS2 ports anymore. Also, I
find that a USB connector is much easier to plug in (once you get the
orientation correct) - with a PS2 connector there's a real danger of bending
the pins if you don't line it up just right, and it can be almost impossible
to straighten them out (I speak from experience). You don't need to worry
about any of this though, if you buy one of the many USB optical mice that
come with a PS2 adapter. I've been using Logitech models over the years and
they work well. Mice can vary a lot in terms of physical size and shape so
look for something that fits your hand well, has the right amount of tension
in the buttons, etc.

 

[Jonny]

In XP, there is no realized difference between the two port versions of
mice.
You may have to enable support of USB for the mouse in the bios setup for
other things outside of XP environment. A PS/2 mouse doesn't have this
circumstance.

A good, simple optical mouse is the way to go. Logitech brand is fine. USB
is best for powering it. Avoid installing incidental software for the
mouse. May cause problems elsewhere. Just use the mouse as XP installs it.

Don't overuse USB ports, they have limited power capabilities. Added hubs
or powered hubs etc. can be problematic as well.