Mouse

[poolger]

Can someone tell me the difference between an optical mouse and a standard one, basically which is better. My old standard one was sticking like mad and was only about 5 months old, I tried taking it apart and cleaning for dust etc. I see that with the optical ones you cant take them apart, why? Thanks

[Mattk]

I would guess you cant take them apart as there is no moving parts.An optical mouse is a million times better than a ball mouse.

[mrknowall]

You have a ball with a standard one.
The optical is a light that shines down miles better and get a cordless one

[Yorky Lass]

I agree optical is far better, but I got rid of my cordless one because it ate batteries. I got fed up of changing them and having to remember to have some in stock. They were decent batteries too not cheapo ones.

[boobesque]

a word of warning to wireless peripheral users. If your neighbour has wireless keyboard you can sometimes pick up their keystrokes. Unless the IR data is encrypted.

[poolger]

Will having the optical one prevent the mouse from sticking as its seriously annoying me now. Thanks to everyone for the answers.

[snadsidney]

The only downside i have found with optical mice is that if you do not keep your mousmat dust and grit free the mouse takes on a mind of its own. Other than that they are a good bit of kit. SID