Do Wireless Mice Wear Out?

[MIGrandma]

I've had a wireless mouse for my computer for several years, 5 maybe I'd guess. Lately I've been having trouble with it (even after fresh batteries), and I really don't know what to do about it other than buy a new one. There is nothing to clean on this, like with the ball on a regular mouse, but it's giving me fits not wanting to go where I want it to, and having to click a few times to get it to open a new page, etc.

Just wondered if anyone else has had trouble with their wireless mice, and what you did about it (if anything).

 

[Disney Ella]

We have had trouble with a wireless mouse and keyboard. Just like your situation, there was no problem for several years and then they started having problems that new batteries didn't fix. We ended up going back to the wired version, but I wonder if there is a shorter lifespan for wireless versions.

 

[bballmom56]

My techie son has just stated that he is going back to the traditional wired mouse. I couldn't get out of him the exact reason why, but it sounded like what you are saying. I just love my wireless mouse! I did kill one by knocking the piece that sticks out of the laptop, but I replaced the mouse for $20.

 

[FireDancer]

The radios in wireless mice can wear out. I only use wired mice and keyboards for security reasons. I could easily sit outside someone's house and intercept the wireless or bluepoint keystrokes and voila...I have your user names and passwords. The "encryption" that they use is a simple 1-bit shift register which is the security equivalent of using a piece of scotch tape to secure your front door.

 

[Metro West]

I was going to purchase a wireless keyboard/mouse but after we got them at work and they were crap I decided to stick with the regular equipment.

 

[mum4jenn]

My wireless mouse has to be cleaned around the removable ball every now and then. When batteries don't take care of it I take the ball out and thee is usually dust and gunk wrapped around the little wheels inside. Once I get that out it works fine. I usually use tweezers to get it.