Mousepads: Do we need to coexist with them?

Wilynn · Jan 20, 2009

I met someone who said that they never use a mousepad with their Logitech MX 600 Cordless Laser mouse.

Wow, is that possible?

He said that he has a desk that he keeps clean and polished slick as an ice rink, and so, I guess, that's how he gets by without using a mouse?

Hey I've always used a mouse, ALWAYS. Is it really possible to forego the use of a mouse? I have to wonder if it would cause the mouse to wear out sooner or cause any other problem.

Josh66 · Jan 20, 2009

Sounds like maybe he still does use a mouse, just not the pad...

I use a mouse pad, although my mouse would work fine without one - I just like the feel of it. If I had a better desk, I might not use it.

Jaszek · Jan 20, 2009

I'm too used to mouse pads

could go with out one

TWoods450 · Jan 20, 2009

I still prefer a mousepad for most situations but a laser mouse (not optical) will track on just about any surface.

MikeBcos · Jan 20, 2009

I have a wireless laser mouse on my file/media server, it just doesn't need a mouse pad.

Kegger · Jan 20, 2009

I don't even use a mouse, I use my pen tablet for everything.

Wilynn · Jan 20, 2009

TWoods450 said:
but a laser mouse (not optical) will track on just about any surface.

Hey thanks for settling this issue. I never knew the difference between an optical and laser mouse.

The very last sentence found in the link below verifies the ability of a laser mouse to function without a mousepad.

Ask the Editors: How are laser and optical mice different? - CNET Reviews

Battou · Jan 20, 2009

No, we need to coexist with the penguins

Wilynn · Jan 20, 2009

That table in the picture would go just great with a laser mouse nullifying the need for a mousepad, Battou. Your penguin could use the slick surface - all 100% of it - to skate on.

Garbz · Jan 20, 2009

Even my optical mouse works perfectly on my desk. I don't use a mousepad, but I keep it handy incase my desk has some dirt on it which grinds as the mouse tracks over it. The quick fix is to grab the mousepad until I can be bothered to clean the desk.

Battou · Jan 20, 2009

Wilynn said:
That table in the picture would go just great with a laser mouse nullifying the need for a mousepad, Battou. Your penguin could use the slick surface - all 100% of it - to skate on.

No, I think I'll stick to the pad and optical mouse (Normally), this desk is impossible to keep clean because it ain't my desk.

monkeykoder · Jan 20, 2009

I've never had a problem with an optical mouse on my desk even when it is dirty...

lostprophet · Jan 21, 2009

Battou said:
No, we need to coexist with the penguins

you sick sick child

K_Pugh · Jan 21, 2009

Ack I just whacked Linux in and I'm having trouble with my graphics tablet, sometimes it works, sometimes not.. so I've ditched it.

Now use a MX620 laser mouse. Although it works on my desktop surface fine I still prefer to use a mouse pad, gives me a bit more friction for more control when doing fine things.

I don't think there will be any problem not using a mouse pad, well, perhaps the little feet/pads on the underside of the mouse might wear down faster/irregularly on some surfaces? Doubt it though - So as long as your mouse is working fine on a surface I don't see why it would do any damage (unless you have a halogen hob cooker next to your PC.).