Wireless Optical Mouse

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Would like to know if anyone has used or heard of the Marketchamp rechargeable wireless optical mouse? I wore out my IntelliMouse

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For what it’s worth, Bruce, I use a wireless Logitech keyboard and mouse (for about a year and a half) and I love ’em both. They use standard batteries, which seem to last about six months or so. Unless you’ve got some objection, you ought to look at the current Logitech product line.

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Hi Al
If you get six months out of your mouse batteries, that’s pretty good going – as I know you use your computer a fair bit. Keyboard life : about the same as mine.
Is the Logitech kit, as well as wireless, also an optical (i.e. trackball- and ball -less)? Both ideas are good ones, but the combination is unbeatable. I have a feeling that a lot of my mouse’s juice trickles away, not in transmitting the signal to the IR receiver, but in providing the intense underlight needed to make sense of the substrate. With a set of rechargeables always to hand there’s no down-time to speak of.
Cheers

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Al, have you ever had flaky problems with your Logitech mouse? I’ve forever been dissatisfied with their drivers, although the products are good. Can’t say that I use a wireless keyboard . Prior to my Intellimouse addicition I had a wireless Logitech unit, and it was wonderful until the base unit started to go south. Once that happened it wasn’t worth it to order a replacement, when I could get a whole new set. I don’t think that experience was representative of Logitech’s entire line though.

I’ve been using various iterations of the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer for quite some time (over a year and a half) and I don’t think I will ever change to an alternate brand – there simply is no compelling reason for me to look elsewhere. I own two with a tail and one without, which travels with my laptop most times. Battery life is very good with that unit, if I don’t get to six months then I feel as though I’ve been taken on the last set of batteries (I use alkaline, not rechargeables).

I have noted a problem that seems to exist with ALL wireless critters that are connected via USB – jumping pointers. At times the pointer becomes hyper-sensitive and uncontrollable. This goes away when you a) pick up the critter and set it down again or use the PS/2 adapter. Some time ago I opened up a poll in this very forum to see how this affected others….and today I still can’t tell you exactly why. I can’t test it on a Win9x system, so I can only say that this occurs under 2000 and XP.

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I should have made it more clear in my post that my Logitech mouse is NOT optical. It’s just a standard Logitech enhanced keyboard with internet controls and a regular ball-type mouse. But I haven’t a bit of trouble out of either one. If you guys are sold on optical, then it’s a moot point.

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Hi Bruce
Make sure that the recharegeable batteries in the mouse you’re thinking of are removable and exchangeable with standard types (or there is a proprietory battery back-up pack). If you’ve been using the MS USB Wireless Intellimouse Explorer you’ll already be using this method, and will have a set of batteries charged up and ready to go at all times. BTW I still think this is the superior kit – though how you managed to wear out something with no moving parts beats me….
If the batteries are fixed, you have a potential problem with the cradle method. A long session which runs down the batteries, will leave you having to wait for the mouse to recharge before you can use your computer. Unless, that is, you’ve also opted for a wireless keyboard (well worth it) with a built in nipple/track pad, so you have a stand-by. As long as you know how to set up multiple mice (I’ve had three up and working just for the hell of it : no practical value) you need never be without mouse control.

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MerC ~

The IntelliMouse I am using is just the standard type. I haven’t used a cordless before and I guess it never crossed my mind the manner in which they were powered. They typically use batteries, huh? The one you consider the superior kit – are you referring to the Wireless Intellimouse or the MarketChamp?

I do have a touchpad on this Notebook, but that was a good caveat on the battery set-up. I haven’t heard of this brand and was hoping someone else had. I would rather stick with a namebrand item I can rely on. Is the one you mentioned optical as well?

Al ~

Logitech makes so many that the differences seem indistinguishable among the wireless opticals. How do I know one is better that the other?

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Hi Bruce
Mark’s message and URL says it all. If you want the best get the MS Wireless USB Intellimouse Explorer. It is an IR device, and optical (no dirty balls) to boot. It is rather hard on batteries (being optical, a strong light has to be shone on the surface on which it runs) but rechargeables take care of that. I think the long battery lives mentioned previously are for wireless devices that are NOT optical. If you go for the flexibility offered by wireless, it seems a pity to restrict oneself to the need for a mouse mat and a clean surface by going for a mechanical balled type.
I don’t know the brand your asking about, but I do know the cradle idea has the potential downfall I mentioned earlier. Have a look around for other wireless opticals – there are several obtainable over here, but don’t go for a mouse which is one but not the other.
I have not had a problem with jumping pointers, but on occasion the pointer will freeze, and the mouse has to be clicked once to get it moving again.

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Bruce….check out the wireless Intellimouse optical. Incredible piece of equipment, if you want my .

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouse/wie_info.asp%5B/url%5D

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That page had some great info. I had been considering one of the thumb jobs or the trigger style you can hold in your lap, but maybe I should stay somewhat conventional. That M$ page had some great info. That seems like a really nice product, although I must admit I was taken aback by the $75 ticket. What type of batteries does this unit power on? I didn’t see any mention of such.

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I don’t have mine handy but I believe it’s AA. Batteries, of course. You can find them much cheaper somewhere else, and remember also that the wireless Explorer is Microsoft’s top mouse, you will also see two wireless mice – not optical jobs, though. Seems remiss to me. Why not check out the mouse selection guide?

Al, I don’t think it’s a moot point- I don’t like Logitech mice because of the software. The hardware – great. But their drivers have forever been buggy, and I was curious as to your experiences with it.

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I did check out the selection guided with scrutiny. Just didn’t see any particulars on the DC of this hardware. I definitely want the wireless/optical unit. I would swear I saw a cordless/optical unit that you hold quasi-pistol like in your lap. Anyone recall seeing this in an IT ad some-a-wheres??

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Just in case you DO decide to lean in the direction of Logitech rather than MS, I thought of something I should tell you. I forgot in my earlier reply to Mark that the ONLY thing I don’t like about the Logitech KB-Mouse pair I bought IS on the keyboard. Not a show stopper, but for what it’s worth – you know the control keys between the keyboard and the number pad? (Page up, Page Down, etc.) On my Logitech they’re arranged in three rows of two buttons each, rather than TWO rows of three. That took some getting used to. No big deal, but I just wanted to mention it.

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Hi Bruce
I would not advise using alkaline batteries with an optical device, unless you are very, very rich. As mentioned earlier, opticals are heavy on juice so invest in a minimum of 6 RECHARGEABLES – and a trickle charger, of course. It’ll save you money in the long run.
Rgds

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Al ~

The unit I personally use on a regular basis is the Fujitsu Lifebook, so I am only seeking a mouse rather than the keyboard/mouse combo.

MerC ~

I am stinking rich from my investments in battery stock. Just kiddin’! That sounds like a good tip, thanx! They really eat up the alkalines, is that it? What type of mileage would one expect from one set of rechargies? And are the non-wireless opticals powered by the USB?

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Hey Bruce, I was looking for something else this morning, using Shopper.Com and decided to take a quick peek at that MS optical you and Mark were talking about. I saw it listed in the low to mid $50s. Seems like that about 25-bucks less than MS’s list, isn’t it. Looks like you and Mark share your good feelings about the Intellimouse…..

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Bruce, I think you’re actually referring to the kind of pointer that is used for presentations. Not unlike, say, this one?

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Mark ~ Although that is a nifty item, that would be impractical at the keyboard. The ad I saw recently was in an IT related online piece that demonstrated a chap at his ‘puter holding this item that looked like a cross between a mouse and the handle/trigger portion of one of those fireplace starters. I have combed throught my voluminous ‘favorites’ and googled but did not locate it. This was just recent that I spied this and I skimmed it and saved it (I thought) for later perusal.

Al ~

If I decide to go w/ the M$ IM, Shopper.com is a good tip – thanx!

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Edited by WyllyWylly to add URL code. See the Quick Guide.[/i][/size]

I have recently purchased an A4 Tech Wireless optical mouse – batteries are rechargable via supplied USB cable

The manufacturers web site is http://www.a4tech.com/a4techenglish/rfsop-35.htm%5B/url%5D
Price in Aussie $$55
Might be what you are looking for ?

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So you’ve got a wireless mouse with a USB cable

Maybe you should have got a cableless mouse

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Hmmm. I know my Palm loves it’s cradle. Perhaps some company out there provides a cradle (should it be a ‘nest’?) for a wireless mouse? Beats buying new batteries….

Now, back to your discussion, already in progress…

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Check out the link in post 163033

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Perhaps some company out there provides a cradle (should it be a ‘nest’?) for a wireless mouse? Beats buying new batteries….

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Of corse there is, and yes it does. If you’ve followed the thread, you will recall that I suggested using alkaline batteries is not an economic option. But it doesn’t beat keeping rechargeable batteries on hand. About once every 10 days or so my mouse software flags low batteries. I simply slip in another pair and put the drained ones on charge. The cradle idea assumes that you never use your mouse long enough at one sitting to run down the batteries – which may well be the case. If you do run the batteries down you would then have to leave it in the cradle until it had enough juice to continue, and trickle charging is not a speedy process.
I’m not sure this is a real problem, but it’s worth bearing in mind. I have not the remotest idea what the USB cable connected to a wireless mouse would be used for. Does one wait until the mouse batteries get low then plug it in, or do you use the mouse with the charger cable attached – which rather defeats the object of shelling out for the gear in the first place.
My preference is still firmly, dare I say it, in the MS camp. Removeable rechargeables provide the maximum flexibility. No cradle, no cable. Ymmv.

Rgds

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nwenban ~

What intrigues me about this unit is the feature of being able to plug in via a USB when batteries low and it recharges while working. This is a unique way of avoiding mouse down time and not messing w/ multiple sets of batteries. Thanks for the lead!

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I’m confused. You’ve got a cordless [sic] mouse – right? It’s sitting in a cradle – right? There is a USB cable plugged into the cradle – right? Where else is the USB cable plugged into? The computer? WHY? No data can be shared. Why not have the cradle connected to the mains just like every other peripheral we own. Seems a waste of a port.

On my home Mac I have my iPod (mp3 player) connected via firewire cable. But this shares both power, to recharge the iPod, and data – the MP3 files. I can also plug the firewire cable into the mains (with a transformer-thingy that came with it) if I just need more juice.

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Perhaps this my clear up the confusion….

The cordless & wireless MarketChamp mouse in the link at the beginning of this thread sits in a cradle and the cradle in turn is connected to the mains – no USB or other cords/wires.

The A4 Tech Wireless optical mouse in nwenban’s post is a wireless optical mouse that charges via the USB connected to the computer so that it charges, if low, but still can be used as a wired optical mouse temporarily.

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If you can find a place on your desk top that is 6-8 inches away from any electrical equipment you have a much bigger desk than I do. Although on MerC’s advise I have the receiver next to the monitor and it doesn’t seem to be causing any problems.

Keep your spare batteries in the freezer for longer life. Or is this another urban legend?

I wonder if the Mouse uses batteries more than the Trackball. I use my Logitech Trackball 12 hrs a day have had it two months and no problem. Guess I better go get a backup battery before I really do need it.

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Keep your spare batteries in the freezer for longer life. Or is this another urban legend?

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[/indent]No, it’s not an urban legend. It slows the chemical reaction in the cells. I’d not put them in a freezer because you could potentially destroy the cell, but refrigerating them is good. Just wait until someone opens the fridge door and sees your batteries in there – the expression on their face alone would make it worthwhile.

It’s worth noting that a trackball is essentially a mouse that’s been turned upside down, so I can’t see where one or the other would consume batteries at a higher rate.

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Hi,
1. Keeping batteries cool only applies to chemical types, such as alkaline. Although LiH and such rechargeables are chemical in a sense, cooling them won’t help.

2. A trackball is NOT an optical device. If cordless, it uses its batteries to send a signal to the RF/IR receiver. This is not heavy usage and such batteries (as in your TV remote) could easily be alkaline (not the ordinary type) without being hard on the pocket.

3. An OPTICAL device otoh uses power to send its signal (not much, as above) but also needs to shine a permanent bright light on to the surface it’s working on. THIS is what uses the juice – and quite quickly.

4. As explained above, a cradle recharger could run you into a problem.

5. I would not dream of drawing power from my computer’s PSU via a USB port to recharge batteries. I can’t stop you doing it if you want.

Rgds

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I don’t want this thread to veer off topic and degenerate into petty squabbling, but I also feel that clarification is called for to refute some unsubstantiated claims.

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LiH and such rechargeables are chemical in a sense

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They’re chemical in a sense? This seems pretty decisive to me: http://www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/nodec99.htm%5B/url%5D The basic concept of any battery is a chemical reaction, that’s how they derive their power. That is, unless they have developed a small nuclear device to provide power. Rechargeable batteries simply reverse the chemical reaction that produces electricity to restore that energy.

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Keeping batteries cool only applies to chemical types, such as alkaline

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Huh. I checked around out of curiosity and nearly every site that I looked at confirmed the sensibility of storing NiMH and all other batteries, rechargeable or not, in a cool dry place. Here’s an example: http://www.copquest.com/battery_care.htm%5B/url%5D A little Googling supports this as well. I’m not sure why you believe that cooling them won’t help.

There are optical trackballs available from both Microsoft and Logitech, and I am sure that other manufacturers have them as well. If the one I have sitting on my bench isn’t optical then I will have to demand a refund.

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OK TX MerC about the freezer part. I will move the batteries to the same shelf in the refrigerator as my candles and fingernail polish.. (Incidentally WyllyWylly anybody who knows me well enough to look in my refrigerator won’t be the least bit surprised.)

MerC I have to agree with WyllyWylly my Logitech trackball says [indent]

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uses advanced optical marble technology

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[/indent] I hope that means there aren’t any of those little roller thingies inside to get dirty.

Your comment about the [indent]

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permanent bright light on to the surface

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[/indent] was what I was thinking of when I asked about the mouse using more battery power. Maybe the trackball light only comes on when you move the ball? Anyway that is too technical for me. As long as I don’t have to take it apart to clean contacts that was what I was after when I purchased mine. That and being able to move it to the other side of the keyboard when ever.

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Since the trackball has a ball in it, it has to have some mechanics to support it and allow it to move. In my mind, that sort of defeats the purpose of the optical mouse, since the idea behind those was…..to remove the ball and the potential for mechanical failure.

On the flip side of the coin, though, the ball in a mouse travels over the crumbs and dirt on a desktop or mouse pad. A trackball is stationary and stands much less chance of collecting crud by its design. Optics improve its accuracy, and that’s a good thing.

The light is always on, and its intensity is increased when there is motion. You can see that with an optical mouse – if you move it, it will light up your desktop momentarily. I wouldn’t be as concerned about power loss; I think it’s overstated. The manufacturers are building in new technology and extending battery life with each successive generation, meaning that power consumption is shrinking. Heck, twenty years ago, who would have ever thought that a laser would be in a mouse? In another ten to twenty, who knows what’ we’ll be using!

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Mark ~

FWIW – I came across this Fellowes

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Bruce, I think you’re actually referring to the kind of pointer that is used for presentations. Not unlike, say, this one?

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[/indent]Mark, have you tried this particular presenter’s mouse (has anyone)? I’ve been shopping around and didn’t find it in my travels, and that’s a decent price.

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You know, I think I have – but it was the company’s and I don’t recall the brand. If it wasn’t that particular model, it was identical in shape and design. I had no problems with it, and it was used by several presenters over the course of a few days’ time. The worst problem I saw was the inability to use PowerPoint effectively. I suppose that’s why I’m part of the technical division instead of in upper management.

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I didn’t mention the model ’cause I figured after all this time, it’s probably outdated (I guess it’s closer to two years). Anyway, I have to ‘fess up and admit that in January 2002, when I installed XP Pro, I have never bothered to install any Logitech drivers ’cause XP is dealing with the mouse just fine and I hardly ever used all the internet buttons on the keyboard anyway. Prior to installing XP though, this machine had WinME on it and the Logitech drivers didn’t act up at all, strange as that may seem (WinME!). The internet control buttons and audio controls on the KB worked fine. On the mouse too – it has a thumb button on the left side that I had to turn off, since I’m left handed and my pinky kept hitting the thing. It has a hair-trigger.

I wanted the curved (natural) keyboard and didn’t care about all the controls. Win XP Device Manager thinks the mouse is “PS/2 Compatible” and it assumed the wheel is present. I never touched the default settings. In the final analysis, I guess you’re right about their sometimes flaky drivers. While I was still at KET I had some trouble with a few Logitech three-button’ers and a couple of thumb-ball trackballs. We got a few where the driver disketttes weren’t even readable. I think they were in the Version 8.x range but I’m not sure. I might just go take a look at their site and see where the drivers are.

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Bruce:

Don’t know if you’ve decided which mouse to buy, but you may want to check out if it’s an IR or RF type. IR requires line-of-sight whereas RF does not. This may be a consideration depending on your set-up.

With regards to “flakey” Logitech drivers, I can only say that I’ve used Logitech mice for years without any problems. I’d like to know what I’ve been “missing” all this time. My latest one is optical (great mouse) but corded (bummer).

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