new optical mouse pad

[saphalline]

Hey all, just a quick question. What on earth do you use for an optical mousing surface?? Right now I'm using a piece of printed card stock that seems to work pretty well, but I would certainly be willing to buy something better. I have an M$ Intellimouse Optical 1.0A on a USB connection.

Generally, I seem to "lose" tracking about once per day (more often when playing shooters), meaning that my mouse loses its place and will go off in a random direction. Not so bad for normal Windows apps, or even some non-blistering 3D games, but I hate it when I'm playing MOH and I line up a perfect sniping shot and then my tracking goes haywire and I'm suddenly looking up! :mad:

This isn't the biggest issue with me, and I hope things will improve when I upgrade to the Intellimouse Optical 3.0 version (with higher optical tracking rate) but I'd still like to be able to use this mouse on another machine without these problems.

[welshboy]

I have exactly the same mouse and I havent bothered with a mat - I am using it on my desk surface and I dont get any tracking drop out at all. I did use the USB connection for a while but it wouldnt work when I started in safe mode - mouse driver doesnt load - but it does work if I use the PS2 connector. I know, I know I can swap between the two....It's easier this way and I havent noticed any difference between the two anyway!

[Budfred]

I believe they sell mouse pads optimised for optical mouses. I use a trackball, so it doesn't have this problem, but probably also doesn't move as fast as a mouse would.

Budfred

[gwallen4]

You should be able to use an optical mouse on any surface, except maybe glass or a mirror. My desktop works fine (black countertop) without any pad. If your mouse is getting lost, it could be a software problem. Try reinstalling the mouse. Sometimes mice die. If software reinstallation doesn't work, get a new one.

Out of all the problems I've seen, mouse problems are by far the easiest (and cheapest) to cure.

[jabarnutcase]

I also have an optical mouse...Tried many different surfaces.
My favorite?
A plain ol' mouse pad! ;)

[Mark Miller]

Have to agree with Jabber, have the same mouse and the pad is really the best. I found it to even be better by buying a very cheap new pad that has no worn spots.Mark

[gwallen4]

Yeah. Everyone that changes from a regular mouse to an optical mouse, still likes the pad best. The soft texture feels familiar and reassuring.

However, if you use it on a plain surface for a week, you'll begin to appreciate the expanded area that this affords you.

[rond36]

I have an optical mouse on each of my systems and never use a pad with either of them. I use the bare desk top.

[Vic 970]

I'm still using my old standard mouse mat. seems to work on anything, but just 'feels' normal using a mat.

[saphalline]

Ok, sounds good to me! :D Regular mouse pad it is...

[goober2003]

The best and most accurate pads ever especially for gaming are ratpadz here: www.ratpadz.com

After getting one of those it's really hard using a normal mouse pad.