Optical Mouse - Cat hair proof? (1 Viewer)

[JasenP]

I just cleaned about 8lbs of cat hair out of my mouse "ball". I am looking at getting an optical mouse and I had a couple of questions:
Is it cat hair proof? ie: Will I have to clean it often?
Are there any disadvantages to the optical mouse? I know early models required a special grid design on the mouse pad.
Any specific model recommendations are appreciated. I don't need anything fancy or cordless, but if there are some cool features to be had, I might consider going beyond basic.

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"Strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government!"

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[Graeme Clark]

The surface is completely smooth, except for a little indent where the light is. No place for cat hair to go.
The new ones will work on just about any surface. Your desk, your leg, you face. Pretty impressive when you think about it actually.
There are 3 companies (that I know of) making Optical mice. Microsoft, Logitech, and Dexxa (which is basically Logitech if I'm not mistaken). They are all pretty similar and come in different shapes and sizes.
The only real feature differences is with Logitech who have a Wireless one now and ITouch, which is sort of like a mouse with a rumble pack, which will go off when you go over certain things on the screen and has a little game support. I don't think that's entirely useful though.
Wireless though... is something to consider. I can't go back to using a corded mouse. I've always hated having it on a mouse, and when I finally got rid of it, I knew I'd grumble and complain any other time I had to use one (and ended up buying myself a second one for work).
Unfortunatly the Optical wireless wasn't out at the time.
I'm sure someone will respond saying MS mice are way better than Logitech and vice versa.
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[Rob Gillespie]

They're nice and work very well. I've got an MS Intellimous with Intellieye (two button, plus scroll wheel/button). I couldn't use the Explorer variety (with about two hundred buttons) because I'm left handed.

 

[Corey Hancock]

I've got the 200 button version that Rob reffered to. I'm right handed so I can see how a left handed person would get less use out of it, it is molded for a right hand to fit comfortably. Anyways, it is great for web browsing. It has a back and foward button on the sides, and then your usual left and right buttons and the wheel. You do pay a little more for this version though. But the optical is they way to go no matter which version you get.
Corey

 

[Rob Gillespie]

Bloody hell Corey - long time, no see!

 

[Iain Lambert]

Quite! Theres a name I've not seen in a while!
Anyway, I'm a fellow left-handed Intellimouse-with-Intellieye user, and I thought it was well worth the upgrade from my previous Intellimouse. The current models have a slightly faster camera rate, so you might get better results, but friends with low sensitivity have had problems with Quake 3 doing rapid turns occasionally. Its still a lot better than a mouse with even a few weeks worth of gunge in it though. The new model also has those two side buttons but is symmetrical - this should be great for left-handers.

 

[Corey Hancock]

Rob, Iain, you just never know who's gonna show up!!! I'll have to send you guys an ICQ message this weekend.
Corey

 

[SteveBjr]

Hey Corey i have the Intellimouse Explorer as well and was wondering if you ever had a problem with your mouse cursor going berzerk on the screen. Sometimes i'll be surfing around then all the sudden the mouse cursor just goes crazy flying all over the screen. I've upgraded the drivers (maybe there are newer drivers now) but it didn't help. I am using the USB port.
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Steve,
My DVD Collection

 

[Parker Clack]

I have been using the Logitech wireless/optical for about 2 months now and it works great. No wires. No ball to have to keep clean.
I got mine for $59 at Best Buy and it is worth every penny.
Parker

 

[Carlo_M]

okay you guys have sold me on buying one of these things.
I have recently started to play some online video games that require quick, precise mouse movements. The fact that my rollerball mouse seems to attract dust like a tube TV would often cost me lives (in the game).
I guess $30-$50 isn't too much to spring for one of them.
Off to Best Buy!
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[Parker Clack]

I forgot to mention that I have a VERY hairy dog. Hair is everywhere in my house. The mouse works just fine with dog hair so I can only assume that it would work fine with cat hair too.
Carlos:
The Logitech wireless/optical has some nifty software to set up the various different buttons. A friend uses it for playing some of the newer games and doesn't have a complaint.
If you like the trackball type though. Logitech does have a wireless trackball that works really well. The ball is read optically so I would think that it work well in dust and hairball situations well.
Parker

 

[Corey Hancock]

Steve, I've never had that problem. The only problem I have noticed is if you move the mouse too fast then the cursor goes nuts. But stops when the mouse stops.
Corey

 

[Iain Lambert]

Check your surface. While its possible to use your leg as they suggest, highly uniform or repetitive surfaces can occasionally cause the camera to get totally confused. For maximum bizarrity use a glass tabletop... I use a rather nice (thanks Peter!) 20th Century Fox mousemat, but other than that I find the best surface is the latest copy of Edge magazine.
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