Short Tailed USB Mouse?

[Mike Rivers]

I finally got a new laptop computer (ThinkPad T43 - I'm not jumping up
and down with enthusiasm but it's pretty decent) and when it's "at
home" I want to use it with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
like I did with the one it's replacing. But the new one doesn't have a
PS-2 port, so I have to get a USB keyboard and mouse for it.

Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
they make them like that?

I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
bag than a regular sized mouse.

[animix]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> I finally got a new laptop computer (ThinkPad T43 - I'm not jumping up
> and down with enthusiasm but it's pretty decent) and when it's "at
> home" I want to use it with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
> like I did with the one it's replacing. But the new one doesn't have a
> PS-2 port, so I have to get a USB keyboard and mouse for it.
>
> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
> they make them like that?
>
> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
> could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
> able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
> mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
> that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
> that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
> bag than a regular sized mouse.
>
How about a wireless keyboard/mouse that uses the USB port?
http://www.xpcgear.com/9000pro.html

[Mike Rivers]

animix wrote:
> How about a wireless keyboard/mouse that uses the USB port?

I thought about that, but it's one more thing that takes batteries, and
it's extra bulk to carry when I take the computer on the road. The
touch pad isn't too bad, but I prefer to use a normal mouse.

[Laurence Payne]

On 20 Aug 2006 12:29:32 -0700, "Mike Rivers" >
wrote:

>Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
>keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
>aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
>don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
>won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
>they make them like that?

I've only seen them as part of a branded computer package. I don't
like them, because when the original keyboard suffers the inevitable
beverage incident your choice of replacement is restricted.

The keyboard will doubtless have those little flip-up feet designed to
hold it at a convenient angle. Using these creates dead space under
the keyboard, ideal for secreting coiled-up excess mouse cable.

[Nick Brown]

I use a little adapter which plugs into a USB port and gives me a
couple of PS/2 ports, which I picked up for a few pounds on eBay. Might
be an option if you've already got a PS/2 keyboard and mouse you're
happy with.

-Nick


Mike Rivers wrote:
> I finally got a new laptop computer (ThinkPad T43 - I'm not jumping up
> and down with enthusiasm but it's pretty decent) and when it's "at
> home" I want to use it with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
> like I did with the one it's replacing. But the new one doesn't have a
> PS-2 port, so I have to get a USB keyboard and mouse for it.
>
> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
> they make them like that?
>
> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
> could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
> able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
> mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
> that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
> that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
> bag than a regular sized mouse.

[Scott Dorsey]

> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
> they make them like that?

Mike, Digi-Key sells USB connectors. Chop the end off the cable, put
a new connector on the shorter cable.

> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
> could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
> able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
> mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
> that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
> that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
> bag than a regular sized mouse.

You are in the commodity computer world. As soon as you want something
that isn't what 99% of the other users want, it becomes rare and expensive.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[William Sommerwerck]

> I don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so
> I won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard.

Simply pull the cable around the back, leaving a short length to the side.
That's what I do. works fine.

[Chevdo]

In article >, says...
>
>> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
>> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
>> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
>> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
>> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
>> they make them like that?
>
>Mike, Digi-Key sells USB connectors. Chop the end off the cable, put
>a new connector on the shorter cable.
>

Mike said:

"I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
able to buy something ready made for the purpose."

So you see, Scott, Mike already SAID he was capable and willing to chop up the
cable himself, IF he can't find a mouse with a short cord for retail. So your
statement was a superfulous waste of time, but as we all know, you've got all
the free time in the world to waste..

Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable, the SMART way would be to
take a section of the cable out of the middle, splice the two ends
together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing, rather than slicing
the end section with the connector off, buying a new connector and soldering
the new connector on, and having the waste of the original connector left over,
like you suggested.

[William Sommerwerck]

You can simply bundle up the excess length and put a cable tie around it.

----- the Lady from Philadelphia

[Mike Rivers]

Nick Brown wrote:
> I use a little adapter which plugs into a USB port and gives me a
> couple of PS/2 ports

I just got one of those this afternoon. I think it's the wrong kind of
kludge, though. I'm presently using a PS2 combiner, but I just had a
look at what's going into it - The keyboard has the old style large
(AT) plug, that's going into an adapter to convert it to PS2, and the
mouse has a USB connector on it, that's going through an adapter to
convert it to PS2. This is beginning to sound lie too much haywire. I
could probably do better by getting a 4-port USB hub and an adapter
from the keyboard to USB. But with my luck with what's available, the
cable from the hub to the USB connector wouldn't be quite long enough
to bring it back behind the computer and over to the other side, where
there's room for it and to access it for plugging in other accessories.


It sure would be convenient to have a USB keyboard with a hub built
into it. I did see one at Micro Center, but it was a heavy duty gaming
keyboard with lighted keys and it was about two feet wide and about
$65.

[Mike Rivers]

Scott Dorsey wrote:

> Mike, Digi-Key sells USB connectors. Chop the end off the cable, put
> a new connector on the shorter cable.

Interesting. I've never seen a USB connector that wasn't molded on to a
cable, but I guess they must make something that home builders can use.


> You are in the commodity computer world. As soon as you want something
> that isn't what 99% of the other users want, it becomes rare and expensive.

Yeah, I've said the same thing to people around here who want a sound
card with digital I/O only and are asking why they have to pay for
crummy A/D and D/A converters. Still, a keyboard with a built-in USB
hub sure seems like such a sensible thing.

[Mike Rivers]

William Sommerwerck wrote:

> Simply pull the cable around the back, leaving a short length to the side.
> That's what I do. works fine.

I didn't need you to tell me that. We're different. I dont' like excess
cable. I did see a mouse that had a groove around the case that served
as a reel for excess cable, but it was a smallish "travel" mouse. My
hand gets cramped when I use the one that I have.

[Mike Rivers]

Chevdo wrote:

> Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable, the SMART way would be to
> take a section of the cable out of the middle, splice the two ends
> together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing

That's how I've done it before, but it's shielded cable and you lose a
little shielding that way. I don't think it's ever caused me a problem,
but it's probably no longer FCC approved that way.

If I could have taken the mouse apart, I would have done that and
chopped the cable off on that end and just re-soldered it, but I
couldn't figure out how to get the case open.

[William Sommerwerck]

> William Sommerwerck wrote:

>> Simply pull the cable around the back, leaving a short length
>> to the side. That's what I do. works fine.

> I didn't need you to tell me that. We're different. I dont' like excess
> cable. I did see a mouse that had a groove around the case that
> served as a reel for excess cable, but it was a smallish "travel"
> mouse. My hand gets cramped when I use the one that I have.

Perhaps not, but we all miss the obvious sometimes. I do.

[Chevdo]

In article om>,
says...
>
>
>Chevdo wrote:
>
>> Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable, the SMART way would be
to
>> take a section of the cable out of the middle, splice the two ends
>> together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing
>
>That's how I've done it before, but it's shielded cable and you lose a
>little shielding that way.

That's strange, since the USB signal is differential so cabling does not need
shielding, and shielded USB cables are somewhat uncommon.

[Chevdo]

In article <Sx7Gg.7821$395.6514@edtnps90>, says...
>
>In article om>,
says...
>>
>>
>>Chevdo wrote:
>>
>>> Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable, the SMART way would
be
>to
>>> take a section of the cable out of the middle, splice the two ends
>>> together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing
>>
>>That's how I've done it before, but it's shielded cable and you lose a
>>little shielding that way.
>
>That's strange, since the USB signal is differential so cabling does not need
>shielding, and shielded USB cables are somewhat uncommon.
>
>

Oh yeah, you said you had chopped PS/2 and RS232 mice before, but not USB ones.

So your USB mouse probably does not have shielding.

[APR]

"Chevdo" > wrote in message
news:536Gg.12003$Nz6.7093@edtnps82...
> In article >, says...
>>
>
> Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable, the SMART way would
> be to
> take a section of the cable out of the middle, splice the two ends
> together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing, rather than slicing
> the end section with the connector off, buying a new connector and
> soldering
> the new connector on, and having the waste of the original connector left
> over,
> like you suggested.
>
I would prefer to shorten the cable at the mouse end if possible, no need to
replace the connector. It may even be possible to coil excess cable inside
the mouse and only leave free what you need.

[Joseph Ashwood]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Do
> they make them like that?

You're not likely to find one, at least not conveniently. You could however
used the solution I use. Buy a powered USB hub (if it's not powered you
might have problems) connect your keyboard and mouse to the hub. If you buy
a good sized hub you can attach many more things to it (I've got a VoIP
headset, bluetooth dongle, keyboard, mouse, currently empty extension cable,
and 2 thumbdrives on one of mine, it's a Belkin something or other). You'll
still have only one cable to remember to plug in, but you can have a large
number of devices.
Joe

[animix]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
ps.com...
>
> animix wrote:
> > How about a wireless keyboard/mouse that uses the USB port?
>
> I thought about that, but it's one more thing that takes batteries, and
> it's extra bulk to carry when I take the computer on the road. The
> touch pad isn't too bad, but I prefer to use a normal mouse.
>

Perhaps you overlooked this:

4. Fully Rechargeable
Rechargeable optical mouse and keyboard for continuous usage without ever
having to replace batteries again. You can even use the mouse and keyboard
while recharging! (with included USB recharging cable)

.............and this is a separate mouse and keyboard, not a keyboard with a
touchpad. It appears that you can recharge directly from the USB port. Might
be looking into.........or not.

Best of luck,

[Bob Cain]

Mike Rivers wrote:
> animix wrote:
>> How about a wireless keyboard/mouse that uses the USB port?
>
> I thought about that, but it's one more thing that takes batteries,

True enough. The Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 I use uses an AA (for a
lonngg time) and we all know how difficult those are to find and have
around. :-)

> it's extra bulk to carry when I take the computer on the road. The
> touch pad isn't too bad, but I prefer to use a normal mouse.

The widget that plugs into the USB port clips securely into the
underside of the mouse for travel and is then less bulky, and much
less likely to tangle, than a wire based mouse, even one with a
truncated tail.


Bob
--

"Things should be described as simply as possible, but no simpler."

A. Einstein

[Graham W]

Mike Rivers wrote:
> I finally got a new laptop computer (ThinkPad T43 - I'm not jumping up
> and down with enthusiasm but it's pretty decent) and when it's "at
> home" I want to use it with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
> like I did with the one it's replacing. But the new one doesn't have a
> PS-2 port, so I have to get a USB keyboard and mouse for it.
>
> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
> they make them like that?
>
> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
> could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
> able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
> mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
> that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
> that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
> bag than a regular sized mouse.
>

There's a rather 'Mac-ish' looking Kensington, silver under transparent,
touch sensitive pad instead of scroll wheel, alarmingly short lead,
about a foot or so. So short it comes with a USB extension lead.
Certainly hadthem on ebuyer last time I was poking around there. Might
fir the bill.

If not, IBM did some really diddy little USB mice for their laptops.

If all else fails, I have both here.

Graham

[Lorin David Schultz]

Mike Rivers > wrote:
>
> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I
> suppose I could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that
> by now I'd be able to buy something ready made for the purpose.


All the short-tailed options I found were also kid-hand sized, so I just
found a mouse I liked, then opened up the patient and removed a few feet
of umbelical tissue.

What keyboards have you found with USB ports? I looked around for two
weeks and finally wound up buying a Mac keyboard.

--
"It CAN'T be too loud... some of the red lights aren't even on yet!"
- Lorin David Schultz
in the control room
making even bad news sound good

(Remove spamblock to reply)

[Arny Krueger]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
ups.com
> Chevdo wrote:
>
>> Incidentally, if Mike DOES end up chopping the cable,
>> the SMART way would be to take a section of the cable
>> out of the middle, splice the two ends
>> together, and seal it all up with heat-shrink tubing
>
> That's how I've done it before, but it's shielded cable
> and you lose a little shielding that way.

If you're working with a USB 1.x device, things are pretty non-critical.

Keyboards are typically USB 1.1 - they run very slow data rates and are
pretty non-critical.

IME high-speed USB 2.0 devices can be very critical of cable length and
quality. SWR can be a problem.

One other problem with USB cables - they often have aluminum conductors in
them.

[William Sommerwerck]

> 4. Fully Rechargeable
> Rechargeable optical mouse and keyboard for continuous
> usage without ever having to replace batteries again.

"Without ever" assumes the mouse and keyboard will become obsolete before
the nicads fail.

I have a Microsoft cordless mouse and keyboard. The mouse needs new
batteries every 5 months. The keyboard is still going strong on its original
batteries after one year.

[Mike Rivers]

Chevdo wrote:

> That's strange, since the USB signal is differential so cabling does not need
> shielding, and shielded USB cables are somewhat uncommon.

I've never modified a USB mouse, but when I was testing the TASCAM
US-122, I wanted to measure the current that it drew from the USB port.
I cut a USB cable (A-to-B type, not an integral one) so I could insert
an ammeter, and there was indeed a shield. I have a couple of "see
through" USB cables through which I can see a braided shield. Maybe
you're right, but not about the USB interconnect cables that I have.

[Mike Rivers]

Arny Krueger wrote:
> Keyboards are typically USB 1.1 - they run very slow data rates and are
> pretty non-critical.
>
> IME high-speed USB 2.0 devices can be very critical of cable length and
> quality. SWR can be a problem.

I've only had the occasion to solder one USB cable and the conductors
were easy to solder, so not aluminum, unless it was "tinned."

I had a though about my dream keyboard with the built-in USB hub
however, I suspect that the couple that I saw a while back were from
before USB2. Even though the keyboard and mouse only require USB1.1, it
would be nice if the USB2 capability was carried through to the open
ports. I'll bet that it isn't, and that if I find one with open USB
ports (probably an older one since new ones seem to be pretty scarce)
they'll be 1.1.

[Mike Rivers]

Lorin David Schultz wrote:

> What keyboards have you found with USB ports? I looked around for two
> weeks and finally wound up buying a Mac keyboard.

So far only one. It was a Belkin, one of those ugly ergonomic things,
with lots of extra keys and gadgets that game players use.

I think I'll just have to give this one up. An external hub certainly
makes sense for the "shelf" installation, but I'll have to completely
re-arrange the shelf, something that I'll think about, but I like
things where they are.

[Arny Krueger]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
ups.com
> Arny Krueger wrote:
>> Keyboards are typically USB 1.1 - they run very slow
>> data rates and are pretty non-critical.
>>
>> IME high-speed USB 2.0 devices can be very critical of
>> cable length and quality. SWR can be a problem.
>
> I've only had the occasion to solder one USB cable and
> the conductors were easy to solder, so not aluminum,
> unless it was "tinned."
>
> I had a thought about my dream keyboard with the built-in
> USB hub

It makes sense - the physical location is convenient, and +5 volts are
already there.

> however, I suspect that the couple that I saw a
> while back were from before USB2.

I think so, too. Thing is, USB 2.0 hubs are getting so cheap that they might
be shortly showing up as "added value" for keyboards.

> Even though the
> keyboard and mouse only require USB1.1, it would be nice
> if the USB2 capability was carried through to the open
> ports.

Agreed.

> I'll bet that it isn't, and that if I find one
> with open USB ports (probably an older one since new ones
> seem to be pretty scarce) they'll be 1.1.

What is will be what is, and what will be will be what will be.

[Arny Krueger]

"Arny Krueger" > wrote in message

> "Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
> ups.com
>> Arny Krueger wrote:
>>> Keyboards are typically USB 1.1 - they run very slow
>>> data rates and are pretty non-critical.
>>>
>>> IME high-speed USB 2.0 devices can be very critical of
>>> cable length and quality. SWR can be a problem.
>>
>> I've only had the occasion to solder one USB cable and
>> the conductors were easy to solder, so not aluminum,
>> unless it was "tinned."
>>
>> I had a thought about my dream keyboard with the built-in
>> USB hub
>
> It makes sense - the physical location is convenient, and
> +5 volts are already there.
>
>> however, I suspect that the couple that I saw a
>> while back were from before USB2.
>
> I think so, too. Thing is, USB 2.0 hubs are getting so
> cheap that they might be shortly showing up as "added
> value" for keyboards.
>> Even though the
>> keyboard and mouse only require USB1.1, it would be nice
>> if the USB2 capability was carried through to the open
>> ports.
>
> Agreed.
>
>> I'll bet that it isn't, and that if I find one
>> with open USB ports (probably an older one since new ones
>> seem to be pretty scarce) they'll be 1.1.

"Matias USB 2.0 Keyboard, Black"


http://www.matias.ca/usb2keyboard/index.php

"The USB 2.0 dock does it all, and no other keyboard has it."

[Mike Rivers]

Arny Krueger wrote:

> Thing is, USB 2.0 hubs are getting so cheap that they might
> be shortly showing up as "added value" for keyboards.

So you think that if I wait, this idea might come around again in the
next round of keyboards?

> What is will be what is, and what will be will be what will be.

Uh, yeah, I guess so. Yesterday I picked up an adapter from two PS2
sockets to a USB plug and tried connecting my present rig to the new
computer using that. Neither the mouse nor the keyboard worked. I have
a USB mouse going through a USB-PS2 adapter, going through that adapter
and it doesn't even get power to light its LED. Connecting the mouse
directly to the USB port works, so I know that a direct connection (no
adapters) works. I tried a PS2 mouse through the PS2-USB adapter and
that didn't work either. The keyboard has an old AT-style connector
thorugh an adapter to PS2, and that didn't work through the PS2-USB
adapter either. I don't have a USB keyboard to test, but a real PS2
keyboard didn't work through the adapter either. Maybe the adapter is
DOA. I'm going to return it today or tomorrow.

Anyway, that's all too much haywire. If I can find a USB hub that's of
a form factor that I can put where it will be convenient, I'll pick up
a USB keyboard and another USB mouse on which to perform the operation.
That will assure that a reasonable keyboard with a 4-port USB2 hub will
appear for $14.95 within a week.

[jakdedert]

Mike Rivers wrote:
> animix wrote:
>> How about a wireless keyboard/mouse that uses the USB port?
>
> I thought about that, but it's one more thing that takes batteries, and
> it's extra bulk to carry when I take the computer on the road. The
> touch pad isn't too bad, but I prefer to use a normal mouse.
>
>
Not really all that bulky. The laptop mouses are smaller to begin with,
the batteries (even on a desktop unit used constantly) last for months
at a time (think: biennial replacement), and the USB dongle that
communicates with it is about the size of a thumb drive...and no wires!

jak

[Frank Vuotto]

On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:56:23 -0400, "Arny Krueger" >
wrote:

>> I had a thought about my dream keyboard with the built-in
>> USB hub
>
>It makes sense - the physical location is convenient, and +5 volts are
>already there.

The volts are there but not the current. Most usb hubs have an
external power supply.

Frank /~ http://newmex.com/f10
@/

[Frank Vuotto]

I'm reall fond of the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse (Model
1023)

It's a nice size, considerably smaller than the full size I usually
use but big enough to feel comfortable (and well sculpted). The usb
reciever snaps into the bottom of the mouse for storage. It uses a
single AA/ and has a nice scroll wheel/button.


Frank /~ http://newmex.com/f10
@/



On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:06:52 -0500, jakdedert
> wrote:

>>
>Not really all that bulky. The laptop mouses are smaller to begin with,
>the batteries (even on a desktop unit used constantly) last for months
>at a time (think: biennial replacement), and the USB dongle that
>communicates with it is about the size of a thumb drive...and no wires!
>
>jak

[Hal Laurent]

"Frank Vuotto" > wrote in message
...
>
> I'm reall fond of the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse (Model
> 1023)
>
> It's a nice size, considerably smaller than the full size I usually
> use but big enough to feel comfortable (and well sculpted). The usb
> reciever snaps into the bottom of the mouse for storage. It uses a
> single AA/ and has a nice scroll wheel/button.

I also have one of those, and really like it. The battery life is very,
very good. I leave mine turned on most of the time, and even so the
battery seems to last forever. One time I thought the battery was dying and
changed it, only to discover that the real problem was the glass tabletop I
was using it on in a hotel room. Optical mice get rather confused by glass.

--
Hal Laurent
Baltimore

[Mike Rivers]

Hal Laurent wrote:

> battery seems to last forever. One time I thought the battery was dying and
> changed it, only to discover that the real problem was the glass tabletop I
> was using it on in a hotel room. Optical mice get rather confused by glass.

You just need to stay in cheaper hotels. I don't have that problem at
Hampton Inns. But then I carry a mouse pad. Even though you don't need
one, somehow they just seem to feel better sliding on a slightly
textured surface bigger than my pants leg.

[Arny Krueger]

"Frank Vuotto" > wrote in message

> On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:56:23 -0400, "Arny Krueger"
> > wrote:
>
>>> I had a thought about my dream keyboard with the
>>> built-in USB hub
>>
>> It makes sense - the physical location is convenient,
>> and +5 volts are already there.
>
> The volts are there but not the current. Most usb hubs
> have an external power supply.

I was thinking of enough current to supply the hub.

[combssl]

Kensington Pocket Mouse Pro model 72116 - has a retractable usb cord,
make it any length you need up to 30". Last time I looked you can get a
IBM Replicator II for about $60+shipping on ebay that has ps/2 ports.

Mike Rivers wrote:
>
> I finally got a new laptop computer (ThinkPad T43 - I'm not jumping up
> and down with enthusiasm but it's pretty decent) and when it's "at
> home" I want to use it with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
> like I did with the one it's replacing. But the new one doesn't have a
> PS-2 port, so I have to get a USB keyboard and mouse for it.
>
> Since the computer has only two USB ports, I'd like to get one of those
> keyboards that has a USB connector on it to accommodate the mouse. They
> aren't too hard to find, at least when I wasnt't looking for one. But I
> don't recall seeing a USB mouse that has a relatively short tail, so I
> won't have a yard of cable to get a foot away from the keyboard. Do
> they make them like that?
>
> I performed a mousetailectomy on a couple of PS2 (and RS-232 serial
> before that) mice to use with the laptop when on the road. I suppose I
> could do that with a USB mouse, too, but I'd think that by now I'd be
> able to buy something ready made for the purpose. I have a "travel
> mouse" that has a short cable with a cable reel in the middle, but
> that's too small and my hand gets cramped using it very much, plus with
> that cable reel, it really doesn't take up any less room in the travel
> bag than a regular sized mouse.

[Steve King]

Here are a couple of USB to PS2 adaptors starting at $1.95...
http://www.mpja.com/productview.asp?product=14256+PL
http://gallery.bcentral.com/ProductDetails.aspx?GID=4524580&PID=849563
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/usb-ps2-adapter.htm

Steve King

[Mike Rivers]

All right - STOP THIS MADNESS

I'm not ignorant. I know that PS2-USB adapters exist. I know that USB
hubs exist. I know that cordless mice and keyboards exist. I know that
travel mice have shorter cables.

None of those does what I really want to do. I've concluded that the
products I'm looking for don't exist, at least not in a form that I'm
comfortable with.

I bought a USB hub that's small enough so that I can fit it in a
convenient place. If I stick it down to the shelf with Velcro, I can
plug visiting stuff into it conveniently. I'll use my present USB
mouse. I bought a USB keyboard - at least I thought I did, but when I
got it home I discovered that it has a PS2 connector on it. I obviously
looked at one and picked up another one from the wrong pile. So that's
getting exchanged as soon as I get around to it.

I also picked up a $6 USB mouse that works fine and I'll shorten the
cable before I need to pack for the next trip.

Thanks for all the suggestions, even if they solved problems that I
don't have or don't want to create. Sure was a stimulating discussion.

[Hal Laurent]

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Hal Laurent wrote:
>
>> battery seems to last forever. One time I thought the battery was dying
>> and
>> changed it, only to discover that the real problem was the glass tabletop
>> I
>> was using it on in a hotel room. Optical mice get rather confused by
>> glass.
>
> You just need to stay in cheaper hotels. I don't have that problem at
> Hampton Inns.

I'm fairly certain that I've run into a glass desktop even at a Hampton Inn.
:-)

> But then I carry a mouse pad.

I always mean to pack one, but often forget. At any rate, with an optical
mouse a piece of paper or a magazine works just fine as a mouse pad.

--
Hal Laurent
Baltimore

[William Sommerwerck]

> One time I thought the battery was dying and changed it, only to
> discover that the real problem was the glass tabletop I was using
> it on in a hotel room. Optical mice get rather confused by glass.

It's not glass, per se, it's the extreme smoothness of the surface. My desk
has a gray plastic surface that's so smooth the optical mouse behaves
erratically. The 3M Precise Mousing Surface works much better.

[Carey Carlan]

"William Sommerwerck" > wrote in
:

>> One time I thought the battery was dying and changed it, only to
>> discover that the real problem was the glass tabletop I was using
>> it on in a hotel room. Optical mice get rather confused by glass.
>
> It's not glass, per se, it's the extreme smoothness of the surface. My
> desk has a gray plastic surface that's so smooth the optical mouse
> behaves erratically. The 3M Precise Mousing Surface works much better.

I got a new desk with a smooth surface. I photo-mount-ed a square of felt
where the mouse moves. Works great.

[Laurence Payne]

On Tue, 22 Aug 2006 03:16:27 GMT, Carey Carlan >
wrote:

>I got a new desk with a smooth surface. I photo-mount-ed a square of felt
>where the mouse moves. Works great.

You guys are SO tidy :-)

[animix]

Well damn!!!.....I figured we'd at least get a couple of A/B reviews out of
this thread.

<g>

"Mike Rivers" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> All right - STOP THIS MADNESS
>
> I'm not ignorant. I know that PS2-USB adapters exist. I know that USB
> hubs exist. I know that cordless mice and keyboards exist. I know that
> travel mice have shorter cables.
>
> None of those does what I really want to do. I've concluded that the
> products I'm looking for don't exist, at least not in a form that I'm
> comfortable with.
>
> I bought a USB hub that's small enough so that I can fit it in a
> convenient place. If I stick it down to the shelf with Velcro, I can
> plug visiting stuff into it conveniently. I'll use my present USB
> mouse. I bought a USB keyboard - at least I thought I did, but when I
> got it home I discovered that it has a PS2 connector on it. I obviously
> looked at one and picked up another one from the wrong pile. So that's
> getting exchanged as soon as I get around to it.
>
> I also picked up a $6 USB mouse that works fine and I'll shorten the
> cable before I need to pack for the next trip.
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions, even if they solved problems that I
> don't have or don't want to create. Sure was a stimulating discussion.
>