What Computer Mouse Do You Use?
We all know that change can be hard. It can be exciting or boring. It can be for better or sometimes for worse. But in general – for me – change can be hard.
I’m one of those people who has to take a few minutes – sometimes longer – sometimes MUCH longer – to get used to change. I’m sure we could analyze my personality and come up with all sorts of interesting thoughts about that characteristic, but that’s not my focus today.
Today I just need a solution to my problem. At this point, even though that will mean “change,” I welcome it.
When I work, I like things to be “just so.” I like my pencils and pens to be in the same place so I can always grab them when I need them. I like my paper pad to be close by so I can jot down a passing thought. I like my reference books within arms reach. And I like using the same computer mouse I have used for years.
My mouse is a Microsoft Notebook Optical 3000. Because it was designed for a notebook, it is smaller than most computer mouses (“mice” just doesn’t seem right in this sentence, even though it is the proper plural for “mouse”), and it is a wired mouse, so very lightweight. I can be on the computer up to 10 hours a day, so having a light mouse is critical for my wrist. This mouse was released in 2006. I bought two, one for my desktop and one for my laptop, and I’ve used them exclusively since that time.
My mouse is so well used that the little nubs on the bottom of it have worn completely off. The little rubber gasket on the scroll wheel deteriorated and had to be removed. But this little mouse just keeps going. I would love to buy a new one, but they aren’t available anymore. Actually, if they were, I would buy a dozen. Or more.
So I went on the hunt for a new mouse. It has to be wired (less weight because of no batteries). It has to be small, because that’s what I’m used to. And it has to have a scroll wheel.
I’ve tried at least 10 different mouses, and I still haven’t found one I like. I’ve purchased, tried out, and returned multiple mouses. I’ve kept some, thinking I could get used to them. But after a few weeks, with each one, I go back to my little Microsoft mouse.
I know one of these days my little mouse is going to just stop working. I can almost hear it sighing and whispering,” Enough is enough; I’m done.”
While I dread that day, I probably should keep trying to prepare for it.
So today I’m asking for help. Do you have a favorite mouse, one that might fit all of my requirements? One that you just can’t live without? I promise I’ll try it….. if I haven’t already.
Comments (21)
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MX Anywhere from Logitech, LOVE this mouse! Works on any surface including the arm of my chair. Is wireless and can connect to 3 different devices if you really want it to.
I favor the red one because it fits just perfectly in my hand and even though I’m using the wireless one, so batteries, I am still on my laptop all day long and I never get a tired wrist. The biggest selling feature for me was the comfortability of how it fits my hand just right.
For about 3 years I have the Logitech MX Anywhere and am happy with it. It fits well in my hand.
I’ve used a Logitech Trackball for years. It started when I didn’t have space to move a mouse. Apparently, many people don’t like a trackball. I love them. Depending on where the trackball is (my current one is on the side for my thumb to use), you can do everything by rolling the wheel and not the whole mouse. It has a scroll wheel and forward and back psge buttons, which I use all the time. I also like the contour for my hand.
I use a wireless mouse which came with my iMac desktop. I love the wireless. There is no button that I have to “roll”. It’s sleek and shiny and incredibly responsive. Just love your digi packs, newsletters, tutorials, and personal notes. Thank you for making my digital scrapbooking life colorful, fun and easy!
Have you looked on Ebay? I bet you could find your mouse there. ( I use a tablet and pen-I could never go back to a mouse. The pen is so much more comfortable and natural feeling and I get much better results with it than when I use a mouse.)
Karen. You cracked me up with your description of the everything in its place and the mouse hunt. I have no suggestions as I use a vertical mouse that is not light weight. However, I wanted to say again that you are my twin. XxxxXx
Logitech M570. Big and wireless, but it has a trackball and I don’t need to move the mouse around – it stays in the same place on my desk. Saves wear and tear on both the wrist and shoulder. In spite of its size, I usually take it along with me when I’m on the road. It’s hard to go back to others.
I feel your pain! As a graphic designer that had to explain to the IT Department why a wired mouse was essential to my work, I know how important that little piece of equipment is! I suggest looking at kid or child sized mouses on Amazon, as they have a lower profile and over all size. A bonus is they are usually cheaper, so you can try out a number of them. Good luck! And Thank You for your wonderful and amazing blog and art!
Have you tried this one: https://www.amazon.com/Inateck-37103051620-Optical-Breathing-Computer/dp/B01M7ZWHWI/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_lp_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XJNQGHH24V484JR4B7EK ?
Or search Amazon for a compact wired mouse.
This looks very similiar and is the same size as the one I have. Thanks, Sharron! Do you use this?