Do corded mice last longer?

I have just gone through my second wireless mouse in four years. The first one, a Microsoft mouse, didn't even last a year. This last one, a Logitech V220, has lasted three, but this is still less than I was counting on. I don't seem to recall corded mice giving me that much of a problem. I only recall replacing a corded mouse when I'd get a new computer, and it would come with its own corded mouse--and I sure don't buy two computers every 4 years. I'm wondering if there is something in the nature of wireless mice that make them conk out?

Its not like I have specific settings for these mice that might cause them to wear out early. I do no gaming. So I'm really not sure why I've lost 2 in 4 years.

 

Wired gets my vote.

 

I use wired mice for desktops, but it's hard to beat the wireless variety on laptops.

My main beef among mice is whether they still use the old ball or a laser. Laser is much better.

 

I haven't seen a mouse ball in ages. Do they still put them into corded mice?

 

I was about to ask the same question. Maybe the dollar store has them.

 

Newegg.com > wired ball mouse

 

Not that I'm trying to bring this thread back on topic or anything , but James, what is the reason why you used wired mice for desktops? Was it that they are more reliable than wireless?

 

psaulm119 wrote:
"I have just gone through my second wireless mouse in four years. The first one, a Microsoft mouse, didn't even last a year. This last one, a Logitech V220, has lasted three... "

That is surprising. How can they be so short-lived? With my vintage computers, I have several mice (corded, ball-mice) that are about 20 years old, and still working well. On this 486 I have Microsoft serial mouse 2.0A from 1994, works well, and I think its surprisingly ergonomic and comfortable to use. On my 386 Olivetti I have an IBM PS/2 mouse, that kind of angular looking mouse, which was introduced back in 1987, with PS/2 line of computers. Certainly a very nostalgic looking, but not so ergonomic...
And when kept clean, I don't think ball mice are uncorfortable to use. I have used quite a lot Autocad with a ball mouse on one of my newer computers. When drawing with Autocad, its obvious that the mouse has to work accurately, otherwise working will be very frustrating.

At work, I have a corded laser mouse. I think I've had that same mouse for about 5 or 6 years, and its working well.
Could it be, that your experience with wireless mice is a combination of bad luck, and the general crappiness of modern consumer electronics...

 

Thomas, the only type of mice you mentioned were corded, which nicely dovetails with the idea that corded mice last longer.

As far as what contributed to my 2 year average for wireless mice, I'm willing to admit that part of that is sheer bad luck, and that the average might be a bit longer for wireless mice. But I'm thinking that part of this is simply a shorter life span for wireless, although of course I don't know for sure (which is why I'm asking in her). So far, nobody in this thread has spoken of wireless mice that last over 10 years. Logitech has been selling wireless since 1991.

 

Back in 2003, a friend built my first computer out of salvaged parts, but I didn't know wireless mice existed then. Since then, I have owned three desktop computers and various corded mice, but I have yet to see any of them die on me yet.

I've repaired various laptops that came with wireless mice, but I have never owned one of my own. My brother has two of them; I'll see how long his lasted.


EDIT: None of my brother's wireless mice have quit on him yet. He's had them for about four years now.

 

I am not sure it is fair to compare wired vs wireless - at least not in terms of longevity. The mouse buttons and scroll wheels, construction design and quality, manufacturing techniques, and all other "mechanical" attributes that contribute to the "robustness" of mice have absolutely nothing to do with being wired or wireless. The tracking laser, switches, scroll wheel etc. are the same components, regardless if used in a wireless or wired mouse.

While there are no more "moving" parts in a wireless mouse compared to wired, there is a RF transceiver and antenna in a wireless mouse, as well as power conversion circuits to power the mouse (2 AA batteries = 3VDC, USB provides 5VDC). And a wireless mouse requires another RF transceiver (the USB dongle) on the computer side.

So a wireless device is composed of many more components than a wired mouse - thus, "in theory ", there is a greater chance for premature failure.

The problems I have with wired include the wire getting tangled up under my desk - sometimes with my feet! The wire pulling on the mouse (moving the cursor) is another problem. That pulling on the wired mouse can inhibit "precise" manipulation - for example, when editing individual pixels in a hi-rez photo, or when doing CAD/CAE work. And of course, there is a limited range in mobility with wired, compared to wireless. My wireless keyboard and mouse, for example, still work 20 feet across the room from the computer.

The problems with wireless include consumption of batteries, and RFI/EMI from other nearby wireless and electronic devices (rare, but happens). Surprisingly (to me anyway) I have not had any problems losing sync connection - even when replacing the batteries - least not in the last 5 years with newer generation wireless devices.

I did have one Duracell battery leak on me in one of my keyboards - not a happy camper there. That's what I get for not using cheaper Rayovacs (I am now trying rechargeable Lithium's - so far so good).

I must also say many a wired mouse has been saved from certain destruction crashing onto hard floors by their "tails ". By the same token, I have seen wired mice with "frayed" tails (pulled wires) that no longer work either.

 

More often than not it's the receiver for the wireless mouse that will go toes up I've two out of two MS receivers got bung the mice still work perfectly but I'm sick of havingg to find new receivers so went back to an cabled mouse a Logitech G300 d a m n nice mouse to use too

 

Receiver? How do you know it was the receiver and not the transmitter side? Understand these wireless devices use "transceivers" (transmitters/receivers integrated into a single device) for 2-way data transfer. 2-way is essential to establish an isolated synchronization link between a specific individual device (or individual multiple devices) and the computer.

If you meant the "dongle ", then I agree. But the dongle is a transceiver and not just a receiver. And they are also USB devices which introduces other concerns.

And for the record, if you have had multiple dongle failures with the same computer, I would look at your voltages on the USB ports and consider replacing PSU, and/or putting the computer on a "good" UPS with AVR (which every computer should be on anyway).

 

I had used a friends receiver to test whether the mouse had actually died or not both mice were fine the receiver on the other hand was not fine neither his Mouse or Keyboard (same model/brand as mine) would work with either receiver even with fresh batteries both mouse/keyboard combos were from MS

 

So I say again, you are talking about a "transceiver ", not a "receiver ". Now that you know, please use the proper terminology to avoid confusion. Or do what most folks do and call it "dongle" or "adapter" as those are correct too. But "receiver" is not.

Does proper terminology matter? Of course it matters - if you want everyone to understand you, if you want to avoid - not create - confusion, if you don't want delays in understanding, and if you want others to believe you might know what you are talking about.

Also, please understand the improper use of the word "receiver" in this context is a common mistake - often exacerbated by so-called experts in blogs and other articles, or ill-informed or uncaring marketing weenies. So I am not trying to pick on you, or single you out.

And did you perform the necessary "sync" (for RF devices) or "pairing" (for BT) with his mouse and keyboard?

This is necessary (and not possible without the adapter transmitting the necessary "handshaking" data), even with (especially with!) the same brand/model keyboard and mouse. Otherwise, you would not be able to use the same model keyboards or mice on multiple computers in the same room.

 

Right or wrong, even Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Toshiba, Logitech, etc. call it a receiver.

 

Yeah, and I blame marketing weenies. Same with "wireless router" - technically, there is no such thing.

 

My smartphone converts 4G to WiFi (hotspot) ... iow, a wireless router.

Know what you mean though. Many people refer to a desktop computer as a CPU.

 

That's true, but at least I have not seen hardware makers call them that.

As for your smartphone, I contend it is just a WAP (wireless access point) and not a "wireless router ". A router is a device to connect or isolate two "networks ". A "wireless router" is just an "integrated" device that in reality, is a router, a WAP and an Ethernet switch that just happen to share a motherboard, power supply and case. Together, but separate, discrete network devices.