Does a mouse wear out?

[James Eggert]

I use a couple Logitech MX laser mice, exchanging units when the batteries need charging in the rest/charger. Sometimes I have to click 2-3 times when clicking on links as nothing happens?

I suppose it could be a timing issue, but I was wondering....do better mice wear out from clicking? These are not cheapy throw-aways. This is not a tracking thing, but a clik issue. I ordered two new rechargeable batteries about 6 months ago because they finally wouldn't hold a charge very long.

[dmwyatt]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Anything mechanical wears out.

I was a pretty hardcore video gamer when I was younger and I went through at least one high-end mouse per year.

[VTNorm]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

I found the rechargeable batteries were giving me fits in mice and other 'sensitive' gear. Toss them out and go with the usual (disposable, ugh) batts and you'll be ok.

Trust me. -Norm

ps: I'll pay for the disposable batts if it doesn't work out.

[James Eggert]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Norm
Thanks for the offer! The recharge between mice is 2-4 weeks, now that the batteries are replaced.
My only gripe is sometimes clik....no action.
So, if I need a couple new mice, I'm sure there are good ones out there.

[VTNorm]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Jim - my Logitech mouse goes 3-4 months between battery changes and that's without turning it off - ever. The rechargeables caused all sorts of weird problems, the disposables - not a hitch.

-Norm

[Happy Home]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Like Norm says.

I have new bu mouse and keyboard ready. Get them when they're on steep discount. Like a logitech or microsoft wireless set $20.
http://dealnews.com/Logitech-Cordles...h-/448524.html

Same site got 20 Duracell AA batts $7, 20 AAA $7 no tax, no shipping.

[BeachBoy]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

I gave up on the wireless keyboards and mice. They usually work, but when they don't, it is damned annoying, and of course at the most inconvenient time. Unless you really need the wireless capability for some reason, stick with wired keyboards and mice.

Your mileage may vary...

[jstoddard]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Jim - Anything mechanical is just like you and me... it definitely wears out ;-) In the case of a mouse, the switches and contacts under those buttons are very cheaply made. It's a wonder they last as long as they do. If you have a ball and roller mouse - forget it.. they're all mechanical.

BTW - I believe (after having dozens of wireless things crap the bed) - that what happens over time is that the radio itself self-destructs. In the case of a WiFi device, if it can't find the access point it sits there blasting away at full power.. which causes heat... which shortens its life. Not sure why Bluetooth and other RF radios die prematurely - but they do. Ditto for infrared devices.

If they made this stuff so it would last forever, they've be out of business in a year or two - nobody would ever replace anything.

JLS

[James Eggert]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

Norm
You're right, the timing is more like a couple months or so. The laser mx series takes a special battery which I had to order from an ebay source. The replacements work fine. I was down to a week or so of use until recharging before replacing the batteries.

So, unless I see a pattern of excessive clik misses, I'll wait it out until one dies, and then start looking around. This style mouse has the number of extra buttons I like without overwhelming you!

I also use the Logitech wireless keyboard, and it is just noew needing new aa batteries after 3-4 years of use. Can't complain about that!
Thanks

[Timbersmith]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

I've got a new Logi Performance MX. I use rechargeable batteries in it all the time with no problems at all.

[Andy Van Kampen]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

I have a microsoft intellimouse which is wireless - I have had it for about 7 years. It takes 2 standard AA batteries. Still works fine - just have to change the batteries about once every 4 months and I get a notice about 1 week before they die. It gets a lot of use...

[Happy Home]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

http://dealnews.com/Logitech-Perform...ng/450919.html

[Aaron Rosenthal]

Re: Does a mouse wear out?

I have a Logitech V470 wireless mouse in which I have used rechargeables since it was new. Never had a problem. On my Mac, I have a wireless Microsoft Notebook 5000, also using rechargeable AAAs. Again, never a problem.
I DO turn them off when they are not being used.