Optial Mouse Battery Life ?

February 8th, 2003

I am pretty sure my M$ mouse is broken.

I got the Wireless Optical mouse, not sure of the name. It came with the Office (black) Keyboard by M$.

The mouse is awesome. Great size and everything.

The only problem is that the batteries are only good for 3 weeks at most. I have tried many brands and the longest they are good for is 3, maybe 4 weeks.

This can't be normal. I am spending a fortune on batteries

How long should they last ? I use my PC for about 4 to 5 hours a day on weekends, and maybe 3 hours a day durring week days.

Plus, when I first got the mouse all the batteries I used leaked acid all over the place.

P.S.

I am looking for a new wireless mouse, so does anyone know of any good ones ? I saw the MX700 by Logitech. Pardon my spelling. That one looked cool. I also saw a Blue one by M$ that was looking pretty nifty.

**Sazar** · February 8th, 2003

thats common

you can extend the life a little bit by going ahead and reducing number of samples taken per second.. the lower the number the less the battery is used

btw... the mx700 is rechargeable

the base allows a recharge and I think overnight allows you to use the thing for a week or so..

the mouse is accurate and looks and feels very nice

**Zedric** · February 8th, 2003

The MX700 is great! Simply the best mouse I've had.

You can increase bettery time by using the mouse on a bright, reflective surface instead of a dark.

February 8th, 2003

Go figure I am using a black non relfective surface

oDin · February 9th, 2003

i got the logitech cordless optical combo for xmas. its sweet i love it. its awesome for gamming. the batteries in the keyboard are the ones that it cam with still. the ones in the mouse lasted exactly 1 month and 3 days. and i use my computer alot more that u do. if you want to reduce the amount of cash you spend on batteries invest in the hi quaility rechargeables. i got mine from an commercial electronics supply store. i always keep a set charged.

melon · February 9th, 2003

Hmm...now I know why I didn't want a wireless keyboard or mouse, although I definitely love optical mice.

Melon

February 9th, 2003

Well I am going for the MX700. Good times.

Not as big as I would like it to be, but I have used it and it's a very nice mouse

**Zedric** · February 9th, 2003

Plus you don't have to change the batteries. BIG plus.

Maybe they should make keyboards with docking stations too? They usually stay in the same place anyhow. And if you want to detach it you can...

**xsivforce** · February 9th, 2003

I have the Logitech Cordless Duo as oDin has. I am trying to remember exactly when I got it. It has been around 2 months. I haven't replaced any batteries yet.

**Sazar** · February 9th, 2003

my keyboard is running on GOOD level of batteries even after many months of usage... the mouse first time went after a month and a half and now is still going strong

I turned the sample rate down and the life is prolonged

**NetRyder** · February 9th, 2003

Sazar, what is the sample rate of your mouse set to?

oDin · February 9th, 2003

how do you turn down the sample rate??

**NetRyder** · February 9th, 2003

Double click your mouse in Device Manager and go to the Advanced tab ... mine was set to 200 (which is the max)

I was wondering how low I can push it without compromising performance considerably. I have a Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse.

**Maveric169** · February 12th, 2003

I have the ms optical mouse also, and yea the batteries don't last. I just went and bought 4 rechargable rayovac batteries.

scriptasylum · February 12th, 2003

Originally posted by Maveric169
I have the ms optical mouse also, and yea the batteries don't last. I just went and bought 4 rechargable rayovac batteries.

That is the way to go. I went out to my local RadioShack and picked up 8 Ni-MH AA's and a charger for ~$35.00 US. I just keep rotating them so there's always a fresh set handy. BTW: I have 8 because I also use a cordless keyboard.

My Logitech (not the MX700) optical cordless mouse lasts about 2-3 weeks and I use my PC quite a bit. The mouse surface is a dark gray with lighter flecks. The keyboard lasts a LOT longer: about 2-3 months.

scriptasylum · February 12th, 2003

Kinda off-topic (sorta), but has anyone tried replacing the red LED with a blue one in their optical mouse? I would try it but not sure if the sensor will work good enough (if at all) with the blue LED.

**Mubbers** · February 12th, 2003

My wireless optical mouse blue is great!

Seriously although the batteries that came with it only lasted about 2 weeks the second lot are going strong after nearly 5. Also the sample rate is set to 200.

I have a light oak effect desk... I would also say that my useage matches or exceeds that of Luna64.

The batteries I'm using are Duracell.

Mubbers

scriptasylum · February 12th, 2003

Actually, I was talking about replacing the actual red LED component with a blue one.

**Mubbers** · February 12th, 2003

Originally posted by scriptasylum
Actually, I was talking about replacing the actual red LED component with a blue one.

Nah I wasn't referring to your post!! Musta a been coincidence as Idon't think your post was up when I started writing mine...

But in any respect if you can afford to mess up your mouse give it a go - should be interesting, Does a blue LED use less power? Will the sensor see the blue light?

Mubbers

scriptasylum · February 12th, 2003

Originally posted by Mubbers
Nah I wasn't referring to your post!! Musta a been coincidence as Idon't think your post was up when I started writing mine...

But in any respect if you can afford to mess up your mouse give it a go - should be interesting, Does a blue LED use less power? Will the sensor see the blue light?

Mubbers

Oops, must have been a coincidence.

Actally the blue LEDs are a bit different. They require about the same current, but the biggest difference is the Vf (forward voltage) rating. A normal LED Vf is about 2v, while a blue LED's Vf rating is about 4v. Since the mouse uses 2 AA batteries (3volts), it is not enough to drive a normal blue LED. The mouse may use some type of voltage doubling circuit but I doubt it. So, I would say that a blue LED would not work.

I guess I answered my own question. :huh:

February 8th, 2003	Top \| #1
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a	Optial Mouse Battery Life ? I am pretty sure my M$ mouse is broken. I got the Wireless Optical mouse, not sure of the name. It came with the Office (black) Keyboard by M$. The mouse is awesome. Great size and everything. The only problem is that the batteries are only good for 3 weeks at most. I have tried many brands and the longest they are good for is 3, maybe 4 weeks. This can't be normal. I am spending a fortune on batteries How long should they last ? I use my PC for about 4 to 5 hours a day on weekends, and maybe 3 hours a day durring week days. Plus, when I first got the mouse all the batteries I used leaked acid all over the place. P.S. I am looking for a new wireless mouse, so does anyone know of any good ones ? I saw the MX700 by Logitech. Pardon my spelling. That one looked cool. I also saw a Blue one by M$ that was looking pretty nifty.
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a

February 8th, 2003	Top \| #2
Sazar F@H - Is it in you? Joined: April 2002 Location: Between Austin and Tampa Posts: 14,941 Reputation: 4110 Power: 287	thats common you can extend the life a little bit by going ahead and reducing number of samples taken per second.. the lower the number the less the battery is used btw... the mx700 is rechargeable the base allows a recharge and I think overnight allows you to use the thing for a week or so.. the mouse is accurate and looks and feels very nice
	Media Server: Intel Q9450 \| 8GB Corsair XMS2 \| 4870 1GB \| 1.5 TB Storage \| Logitech G-15/G-9 \| Windows 7 Ultimate x64 HTPC: AMD 4400+ \| 2GB Corsair \| 2 TB Storage \| 8800 GTS (G92) \| Logitech Edge \| Hauppauge 1600 \| Windows 7 Ultimate x86 Notebook Dell E6400 \| Core2Duo 8400 \| 4GB \| Encrypted 160GB with FFS \| WXGA+ LED \| Quadro NVS 160 \| Windows 7 Enterprise x64 Folding @ Home \| XBL / PSN / Steam : SAZARIUS \| Zune Social : SAZAR99

February 8th, 2003	Top \| #3
Zedric NTFS Guru Joined: January 2002 Location: Sweden Posts: 4,012 Reputation: 890 Power: 148	The MX700 is great! Simply the best mouse I've had. You can increase bettery time by using the mouse on a bright, reflective surface instead of a dark.
	Did I help you? Please use the reputation system. Click the icon on the left! Proud host of the OSNN.net folding sigs. Want one? Check the folding thread! http://zedric.no-ip.com/

February 8th, 2003	Top \| #4
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a	Go figure I am using a black non relfective surface
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #6
melon MS-DOS 2.0 Joined: February 2002 Location: Ásgarðr Posts: 981 Reputation: 420 Power: 112	Hmm...now I know why I didn't want a wireless keyboard or mouse, although I definitely love optical mice. Melon
	http://www.xeidon.com / .org / .net

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February 9th, 2003	Top \| #5
oDin xp m0nk3y Joined: February 2004 Location: vancouver, bc Posts: 369 Reputation: 0 Power: 78	i got the logitech cordless optical combo for xmas. its sweet i love it. its awesome for gamming. the batteries in the keyboard are the ones that it cam with still. the ones in the mouse lasted exactly 1 month and 3 days. and i use my computer alot more that u do. if you want to reduce the amount of cash you spend on batteries invest in the hi quaility rechargeables. i got mine from an commercial electronics supply store. i always keep a set charged.

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #7
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a	Well I am going for the MX700. Good times. Not as big as I would like it to be, but I have used it and it's a very nice mouse
Luna64 Unregistered Posts: n/a

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #8
Zedric NTFS Guru Joined: January 2002 Location: Sweden Posts: 4,012 Reputation: 890 Power: 148	Plus you don't have to change the batteries. BIG plus. Maybe they should make keyboards with docking stations too? They usually stay in the same place anyhow. And if you want to detach it you can...
	Did I help you? Please use the reputation system. Click the icon on the left! Proud host of the OSNN.net folding sigs. Want one? Check the folding thread! http://zedric.no-ip.com/

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #9
xsivforce Prodigal Son Joined: February 2002 Location: Texas, USA Posts: 8,570 Reputation: 1410 Power: 198	I have the Logitech Cordless Duo as oDin has. I am trying to remember exactly when I got it. It has been around 2 months. I haven't replaced any batteries yet.
	I miss you allllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #10
Sazar F@H - Is it in you? Joined: April 2002 Location: Between Austin and Tampa Posts: 14,941 Reputation: 4110 Power: 287	my keyboard is running on GOOD level of batteries even after many months of usage... the mouse first time went after a month and a half and now is still going strong I turned the sample rate down and the life is prolonged
	Media Server: Intel Q9450 \| 8GB Corsair XMS2 \| 4870 1GB \| 1.5 TB Storage \| Logitech G-15/G-9 \| Windows 7 Ultimate x64 HTPC: AMD 4400+ \| 2GB Corsair \| 2 TB Storage \| 8800 GTS (G92) \| Logitech Edge \| Hauppauge 1600 \| Windows 7 Ultimate x86 Notebook Dell E6400 \| Core2Duo 8400 \| 4GB \| Encrypted 160GB with FFS \| WXGA+ LED \| Quadro NVS 160 \| Windows 7 Enterprise x64 Folding @ Home \| XBL / PSN / Steam : SAZARIUS \| Zune Social : SAZAR99

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #11
NetRyder Tech Junkie Joined: April 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 13,575 Reputation: 4260 Power: 274	Sazar, what is the sample rate of your mouse set to?
	http://kunal.kundaje.net

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #12
oDin xp m0nk3y Joined: February 2004 Location: vancouver, bc Posts: 369 Reputation: 0 Power: 78	how do you turn down the sample rate??

February 9th, 2003	Top \| #13
NetRyder Tech Junkie Joined: April 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 13,575 Reputation: 4260 Power: 274	Double click your mouse in Device Manager and go to the Advanced tab ... mine was set to 200 (which is the max) I was wondering how low I can push it without compromising performance considerably. I have a Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse.
	http://kunal.kundaje.net

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #14
Maveric169 The Voices Talk to Me Joined: December 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,151 Reputation: 130 Power: 101	I have the ms optical mouse also, and yea the batteries don't last. I just went and bought 4 rechargable rayovac batteries.

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #15
scriptasylum OSNN Senior Addict Joined: December 2001 Location: Des Moines,IA Posts: 833 Reputation: 0 Power: 109	Originally posted by Maveric169 I have the ms optical mouse also, and yea the batteries don't last. I just went and bought 4 rechargable rayovac batteries. That is the way to go. I went out to my local RadioShack and picked up 8 Ni-MH AA's and a charger for ~$35.00 US. I just keep rotating them so there's always a fresh set handy. BTW: I have 8 because I also use a cordless keyboard. My Logitech (not the MX700) optical cordless mouse lasts about 2-3 weeks and I use my PC quite a bit. The mouse surface is a dark gray with lighter flecks. The keyboard lasts a LOT longer: about 2-3 months.
	Gigabyte GA-8KVNXP A64 3200 1MB Cache "CG" stepping SLK-948U & SilenX 92mm fan 1GB Centon PC3500 DDR (CAS 2.5) ATI Radeon 9800Pro 128MB (410/360) w/ VGA Silencer Rev2 2 x 36GB WD SATA Raptor in RAID0 IDE 200GB Seagate Stealth Lite-On DVD Burner Lian-Li PC-82 case with 80mm SilenX fans all around 550w Fully Sleeved Antec True Power PS 3DMark2001 (20955) 3DMark2003 (6389)

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February 12th, 2003	Top \| #16
scriptasylum OSNN Senior Addict Joined: December 2001 Location: Des Moines,IA Posts: 833 Reputation: 0 Power: 109	Kinda off-topic (sorta), but has anyone tried replacing the red LED with a blue one in their optical mouse? I would try it but not sure if the sensor will work good enough (if at all) with the blue LED.
	Gigabyte GA-8KVNXP A64 3200 1MB Cache "CG" stepping SLK-948U & SilenX 92mm fan 1GB Centon PC3500 DDR (CAS 2.5) ATI Radeon 9800Pro 128MB (410/360) w/ VGA Silencer Rev2 2 x 36GB WD SATA Raptor in RAID0 IDE 200GB Seagate Stealth Lite-On DVD Burner Lian-Li PC-82 case with 80mm SilenX fans all around 550w Fully Sleeved Antec True Power PS 3DMark2001 (20955) 3DMark2003 (6389)

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #17
Mubbers Shoot! Joined: December 2001 Posts: 1,077 Reputation: 60 Power: 111	My wireless optical mouse blue is great! Seriously although the batteries that came with it only lasted about 2 weeks the second lot are going strong after nearly 5. Also the sample rate is set to 200. I have a light oak effect desk... I would also say that my useage matches or exceeds that of Luna64. The batteries I'm using are Duracell. Mubbers

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #18
scriptasylum OSNN Senior Addict Joined: December 2001 Location: Des Moines,IA Posts: 833 Reputation: 0 Power: 109	Actually, I was talking about replacing the actual red LED component with a blue one.
	Gigabyte GA-8KVNXP A64 3200 1MB Cache "CG" stepping SLK-948U & SilenX 92mm fan 1GB Centon PC3500 DDR (CAS 2.5) ATI Radeon 9800Pro 128MB (410/360) w/ VGA Silencer Rev2 2 x 36GB WD SATA Raptor in RAID0 IDE 200GB Seagate Stealth Lite-On DVD Burner Lian-Li PC-82 case with 80mm SilenX fans all around 550w Fully Sleeved Antec True Power PS 3DMark2001 (20955) 3DMark2003 (6389)

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #19
Mubbers Shoot! Joined: December 2001 Posts: 1,077 Reputation: 60 Power: 111	Originally posted by scriptasylum Actually, I was talking about replacing the actual red LED component with a blue one. Nah I wasn't referring to your post!! Musta a been coincidence as Idon't think your post was up when I started writing mine... But in any respect if you can afford to mess up your mouse give it a go - should be interesting, Does a blue LED use less power? Will the sensor see the blue light? Mubbers

February 12th, 2003	Top \| #20
scriptasylum OSNN Senior Addict Joined: December 2001 Location: Des Moines,IA Posts: 833 Reputation: 0 Power: 109	Originally posted by Mubbers Nah I wasn't referring to your post!! Musta a been coincidence as Idon't think your post was up when I started writing mine... But in any respect if you can afford to mess up your mouse give it a go - should be interesting, Does a blue LED use less power? Will the sensor see the blue light? Mubbers Oops, must have been a coincidence. Actally the blue LEDs are a bit different. They require about the same current, but the biggest difference is the Vf (forward voltage) rating. A normal LED Vf is about 2v, while a blue LED's Vf rating is about 4v. Since the mouse uses 2 AA batteries (3volts), it is not enough to drive a normal blue LED. The mouse may use some type of voltage doubling circuit but I doubt it. So, I would say that a blue LED would not work. I guess I answered my own question. :huh:
	Gigabyte GA-8KVNXP A64 3200 1MB Cache "CG" stepping SLK-948U & SilenX 92mm fan 1GB Centon PC3500 DDR (CAS 2.5) ATI Radeon 9800Pro 128MB (410/360) w/ VGA Silencer Rev2 2 x 36GB WD SATA Raptor in RAID0 IDE 200GB Seagate Stealth Lite-On DVD Burner Lian-Li PC-82 case with 80mm SilenX fans all around 550w Fully Sleeved Antec True Power PS 3DMark2001 (20955) 3DMark2003 (6389)