Mice and Pointing Devices

[chrisgssc]

I have been a fan of the "Logitech MouseMan Dual Optical Wired Mouse (USB/PS2)" For years. When I heard they were discontinuing it I promptly went out and bought two more. Now many years later they have all craped out and no longer work. I have tried many different mice over the past 6 months or so and cannot find it's equal. All the mice I have tried don't feel the same and most importantly don't have the same style grip.

My question is two part I guess. Is there anyway to get one of my old mice repaired?

If not, can someone make a good suggestion on a new mouse that has a similar feel and/or function.

Mice I have attempted to replace with:

I tried the ever so popular G5. My problem was I could not get a good grip on it. I tend to use a claw grip with a little bit of a sideways grip, tilting the mouse to the right. Not only would my hand constantly slip off the G5, I would hit the mouse two by accident alot. The mouse 2 on my old mouse didn't run all the way to the end so i could grip the mouse behind the button and not hit it.

I also tried the MX400 which I really liked the precision but had similar grip issues. It was also way too small and light.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[rlowens]

The most common problem on optical mice is the microswitch wearing out. Here's some options if you want to repair it (voids any remaining warranty):
1. You may be able to bend the metal spring back into a shape that will work. See these instructions.

2. Any standard Omron D2F series or compatible microswitch can be used if you want to do some soldering. Digikey.com and Newark.com sell them, or you can salvage a less-worn microswitch from another dead mouse. See this thread for more info.

3. After you get it fixed, don't press hard on the buttons (it wears them out faster).

[chrisgssc]

You wouldn't happen to know any services that might tackle the repair for me? I'm not very good at those kind of things.

Also thought I should add. It's not the buttons that are failing on it. It's the opticals themselves. The lights go out and the mouse stops working all together. Usually takes a few secs for them to pop back on.

Message Edited by chrisgssc on 09-16-2009 10:23 AM

[rlowens]

In that case, it is probably a break in the cord. Someone with some soldering skills could replace the cord with one from a cheap mouse or a USB extension cable.

It could also be a break on the PCB itself, which probably can't be fixed.

I don't know of any services that would do this.

[chrisgssc]

Ok thanks, maybe someone can suggest a new mouse that is similar.

[LiteCol]

Same question (in part) here, but for different reasons.  My MX 500 still lives, into its fifth computer, but, alas, my change to Vista 64 bit leaves it worthless.  There is no driver for it, and it is not supported by either Microsoft (whose Vista drivers are supposed to handle "any mouse,") or Logitech, who has nothing to say about it, even to the extent of a courtesy reply.  By phone, Logitech pretends to have answers, but none work.  I finally got a Centurytel tech to check with Logitech, who finally told him that set forth above.

So.  I can downgrade(?) to 32 bit, get a new mouse -- What's the same as an MX 500, right? -- or hope that Windows 7 has MX 500 support by either Logitech or Microsoft.  One or the other of them (notes not available right now) said that Windows 7 would have the solution, but I have been run around the outhouse so many times on this issue that I'll believe it when I see it.  Windows 7 is to be available the 22nd of this month, so that answer, whether positive or negative, is near.

Either way, I am/will be looking for a decent replacement for my MX 500, so I look forward to your responses.  And should anyone know of any stone I have left unturned or of some way to kick me out of my remaining ignorance on this issue, please kick ahead.  I will surely appreciate any advice anyone may have.

Good luck on your quest.  I just wish I had some help or a good answer for you, but Richard seems to have great expertise.  Maybe someone can pigtail off his help.  Along that line, you could check with some local independent computer repair shops.  You may luck into one who has just the knowledge and abilities you need.

[4Left]

I too have had a MX 500 for many years.  It would be great if Logitech could write a SetPoint program for Win 7 and this wonderful mouse.  The mouse will work in Win 7 but only as a standard mouse.  No software out there so far can help you modify the mouse, set buttons or modify the dpi settings.  My fear is they will not purely for fiscal gains, make us buy a new mouse and all.

I did buy a MK700 combo, the MX620 is a good mouse for general stuff but you cannot adjust the dpi settings for gaming.  You can adjust the pointer speed, but the dpi setting is different...isn't it?

[JinXter85]

I have this BRILLIANT IDEA FOR THE TRACK-MAN WHEEL MOUSE...
well here goes. I am CONSTANTLY LOSING THE BALL which is very aggravating  plus if you let your hand off of the mouse it moves about 2 or 3 maybe 4 Millimeters, which is not good for several reasons, so here is where my idea comes miraculously handy ("or so I believe")... there are particularly strong magnets which are SO AMAZINGLY STRONG versus their scale it's mind blowing, (They're Called "Earth Magnets") but you don't want it too strong or it will defeat the purpose, please put a magnet inside of the ball and copper wiring around the hole where the ball fits into the mouse & another magnet or several magnets in the holster as well... The copper wiring serves as a Re Charger for the batteries (---Copper Wiring will ONLY be installed in the wireless versions of this product---) while the magnets are used to keep the ball from moving unexpectedly... & wala, you have A completely NEW product... I was also thinking that maybe with the NEW model you will only need about 3 small arms to hold the ball in place making it much less likely to collect dust & other irritating stuff from collecting INSIDE of the Logitech Mouse it's self which causes slower movement & hopping of the curser arrow on the PC, 3 arms with magnets inside of them. but because of the opposing fields, you may need to have a mechanism inside of the ball which allows the magnet/s to freely circulate or for lack of a better word spin in EVERY direction, maybe something basic like a gyroscope...   I guarantee that Myself & every trackman user in the world will be wanting one of these babies... get back to me & let me know what you think, Please...
well lads, what do you think ? you can call me if you think that you like it & i can work on  some rough sketches which work out all of the kinks to show you exactly what i have in mind, & no i didnt forget about the ball scanner thingy, maybe instead of a "scanner" mechanism to track the movements you can use bluetooth, that would be cool, but probably illogical... i dont know just yet, we will have to put our heads together on this one... thanks for your time. im just an average person that LOVES my PC & my mouse MUST be PERFECT at all times otherwisew im more than likely PO'ed because i got killed in an online FPS or Losing at a game of pool.
My cell is (personal content edited) & all im asking for is $1 per sale, is that too much to ask for ? believe me, you guys hooke me up with products & I guarantee i can think of several different upgrades & get back to you asap. PSS: your Logitech Webcam that follows you by tracking movement **bleep** **bleep** im VERY upset because the GEARS inside are PLASTIC instead of METAL like they should be & they wear out in like 1 week of use EVERY SINGLE TIME. ALSO i NEED you to put the button click mechanism at an angle facing 45 degreese forward since thats where my finger is pushing from instead of it facing straight up... CMON LOGITECH I KNOW YOU GOT IT IN YA TO DO US ALL THIS HUGE FAVOR & DO US GOOD WITH THIS ONE... They WILL ALL love it

[JinXter85]

i almost forgot... PLEASE ADD A PULL OUT & SNAP BACK IN PLACE HOLSTER for this mouse that holds the ball in place, i use a laptop & say I HATE the touch pad. i bring my loggi eveerywhere i go since the place im staying has NO LOCKS of any kind. so EVERY time i go ANYWHRE it comes with me ! so again I URGE you to add some kind of LOCK IN PLACE adapter for the ballim thinking maybe a piece that is solid that simply "slides" from its regular integrated design over the ball & covers the ball locking in place until its needed to be used then "slides" back in place making it already integrated into the aerodynamic like design not altering the shape of the mouse in any way shape or form.... thank you sooo much if you can actually accompluish this!!!!

JinXter over & out

[Branchmorgan]

Looks like someone has patented your magnet idea.  It is a good one though.  I wonder why we don't see it.