Dirty little mouse

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Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
This has nothing to do with sailboats and everything to do with trying to use this forum. My mouse moved around on the pad like a cripple. I could drag the little fellow around by his tail and the curser would only follow in fits and starts. So I started picking at the little guy's underside and discovered that there is a little buttom on the bottom that I can turn and the ball falls out revealing two little rollers that were fouled with lint. I cleaned the lint off and the mouse is alive and well again.
 

Bilbo

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Aug 29, 2005
1,265
Catalina 22 Ohio
True

The optical mouses don't have that ball anymore. No more lint buildup.
 

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
For your edification

How to clean your mouse This memo is from an unnamed computer company. It went to all field engineers about a computer peripheral problem. The author of this memo was quite serious. The engineers rolled on the floor. "Mouse balls are now available as FRU (Field Replacement Unit). Therefore, if a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may need a ball replacement. Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, properly trained personnel should only attempt replacement of mouse balls. Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacturer of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop-off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist-off method. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However, excessive handling can result in sudden discharge. Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used immediately. It is recommended that each replacer have a pair of spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any customer missing his balls should suspect local personnel of removing these necessary items."
 

Manny

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Oct 5, 2006
983
Hunter 82? 37 Cutter Wherever the wind takes me
Go optical

Hi Ross, Once the mouse starts having problems, it will probably continue to do so with more frequency. Why I have never been able to figure out. Do yourself a favor and pick up an optical mouse, they are pretty inexpensive and are maintenance free. Even better try an optical trackball. Once you get used to it, it is much nicer. They save desk space, are more precise, and are definitely easier on your hand/forearm. Great post Timo42! Manny
 
Jun 3, 2004
309
Prindle 18, beach catamaran Chicago (North Edgebrook), IL
Better with ball

I really hate the action on the optical mouse I have at work, and much prefer the gentle glide of a mouse with a ball. Every once in a while, you need to clean the lint off those rollers, and it will make everything fine.
 

RAD

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Jun 3, 2004
2,330
Catalina 30 Bay Shore, N.Y.
Wireless optical trackball

Is what I've been using for years and love it! And Ross the first thought when I saw the title of your post was holy crap Ross has a mouse living on his boat and was glad to hear it was the other kind.
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Always loved a good double entendra.

;D
 
Dec 2, 1997
9,011
- - LIttle Rock
Another vote for wireless optical

D'bear, your problems with your optical mouse at work is most likely a function of that particular mouse or brand...you might want to try one somewhere else before rejecting the idea altogether. 'Cuz you seem to be the only person who doesn't like it. I replaced both the mouse and the keyboard for my desktop with Logitech wireless and also use a wireless mouse with my laptop (and disabled the touchpad 'cuz the heel of my hand kept hitting it while typing). Both are laser...smooth as glass and don't need a mouse pad. Both are also wheel mice (once you get used to that, you won't be able to do without it). Also have a wireless number keypad for my laptop. I wouldn't use a ball mouse again if someone gave me one...in fact, have a couple of brand new ones and a couple more that are only "gently used" on the shelf that anyone who wants one can have for the cost of priority mail postage.
 
Jun 12, 2004
1,181
Allied Mistress 39 Ketch Kemah,Tx.
Ross

Quit playing with your balls and get back to sailing, LOL. How you been? I havent been on here much lately. Tony B
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Tony B , Nancy and I tried to go sailing last

Thursday. It was a beautiful day, 75-80 degrees, clear blue skies, no wind. We motored out beyond the railroad bridge and hoisted sails and the boat drifted to a stop. There was a nice little ripple on the water, no dead fish, very few power boat wakes. Occasionally there would be a gust of wind to 3 or 4 and raise our hopes of better things to come. After a couple of hours bobbing around in the doldrums we hoisted a swedish jib and circled Garrett Island, still no wind so we put it back in the slip and took a nap and went home about 4 o'clock. The weather has cooled to the low 70's and the winds are promicing to be 5-10 this week and I start a kitchen remodeling tomorrow. So it goes. ;-) Fair winds Ross
 
Jun 12, 2004
1,181
Allied Mistress 39 Ketch Kemah,Tx.
Everytime I go in.....

Everytime I go in for my week off, it rains like the dickens. When I'm trapped out here, its always sunny and windy. I guess I need to shift my weeks. Tony B
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Tony B, Ya just got lousy karma.

What can I say?
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
How much does an optic mouse cost to become a

myoptic mouse. I cleaned mine for free, in about five minutes. Do the math for the hourly wage rate.
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
You can get a optic mouse for $20

how offen to you clean you mouse. How long does it take. How much do you make an hour. Ok, math done. Buy the optic mouse....
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Jim, One time in five years, 5 Minutes 1/12 of an

hour times twenty equals 240 per hour much better than my 75 per hour rate.
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
There will be more, then it will not work at all!

I would never go back to a rollar ball mouse. It like having dial up internet service. A waste of time!
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Jim, So how much is your time worth?

And how carefully do you use it? Are you a person who rushes home to watch TV? Or do you jump on a worth while project as soon as you hit the front door?
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,650
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Pet Peeve

Almost anytime I sat down at a computer I would end up pulling out my pocket knife and cleaning off the little rollers. Almost no one knew it could be done. That went right along with the tangled phone cord. For the love of Mike all you have to do is unplug it and it will straighten it self out, damnit why do people let them get into a big knot? Can't they see it? The third made my wife think I had gone over the edge. At one time I travel often and always brought a wrench a couple of straight pins and some vinegar to clean out the shower heads wherever I was staying I could put up with almost anything except a dribble shower. I'll concur optical wireless is the way to go.
 
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