Optical mice

The Minstrel

I have an old optical mouse that seems to jump around the screen of its own accord. Can this be fixed or is it for the bin?

Verres

It's unlikely to be anything other than old age. You can try:
i)Using a different mouse mat; if your current one is old / dirty the cursor might be a bit sluggish, although I don't think it would ever "jump around the screen" because of this, but it's worth checking as it's a free option
ii) Try installing the latest mouse drivers - you'll get them from the website of the mouse manufacturer (usually).

Last resort is just get a new mouse - a basic mouse nowadays is so cheap their practically free. Seriously. You'll pick up a microsoft optical rollerball mouse for about 15 euros.

PogMoThoin

Using it on a shiny surface? Try it on a book or something not glossy, its a regular complaint with optical mice. Get a mousemat

coylemj

I have a Logitech optical (it's also wireless) mouse and though it seems strange, the best mousemat is actually a blank sheet of A4 paper!

bonzodog2

I have a cheapo optical USB mouse; it works fine at home on a woodgrain-effect formica-topped table, but is unusable on a real-wood table at my daughters house.


But I have another identical laptop that has serious issues with mouse pointers (randomly go seeking the bottom-left or top-right corner of screen) that made me replace laptop.
I suspect it may be a hardware issue with trackpad, although it affects plugged-in mice too

Tallon

€2.05


http://www.memoryc.com/products/manufacturers/NEON/Mice.html