Battery life in Apple Wireless Mouse

[andysmith]

I've had my wireless mouse just under a month now, and I had to replace the batteries yesterday because it started nagging me about it.
It came with Energizer Lithium ones - which apparently are around £7 for 2

I picked up a packet of 16 Engerizer alkalines for £5 yesterday, so I'll give those a track. Although I understand Lithium batteries last 5-7x longer (depending on what marketing blurb you read ), so I'm a bit worried I'll bankrupt myself on batteries.

What sort of life does everyone else get out of their mouse, and what batteries do you use?

 

[mad jew]

Can I recommend getting some rechargeable batteries? You'll save money in the long term. Also, do you turn off your mouse at night? You might make a bit of a saving there too.

 

[jsalzer]

Rechargables

Rechargable Energizers.

Pop 'em and swap 'em.

It's an up front investment, but well worth it.

 

[andysmith]

Ah I have plenty of NiMh rechagables, so I'll give them a go. I was a bit put off by the manual saying not to use them. (because they're only 1.2v, and it'd too beautiful to damage )
How long does it normally last on a fresh charge?

 

[cardiac dave]

We're talking about a BT mouse right? After a month of light useage (2 hours a day max) mine still shows 100% on the battery meter, same for the keyboard. (original Energizer cells)

 

[japasneezemonk]

I don't have the Apple BT mouse, but my BT keyboards' batterries lasted about 4 months after heavy usage.

 

[Bear]

I don't have the Apple BT mouse, but my BT keyboards' batterries lasted about 4 months after heavy usage.

You can't compare Keyboard battery life to Mouse battery life. The two devices are just too different.

A set of batteries in a mouse or keyboard will have lifespans based upon usage - number of hows and how heavily they are used. Some people keep th mouse pointer moving whule they are thinking. This will reduce the battery life a bit.

Also, if the device doesn't go into a sleep mode when not being used, turning off the device when not in use would be a good idea.

For me, a set of mouse batteries (Non-Apple mouse) lasts anywhere from a month to a few months depending on use.

 

[IJ Reilly]

The bluetooth mouse does shut off when the Mac is sleeping, so in my experience, it doesn't need to be turned off manually. I was using rechargeable NiMH batteries in mine, but due to their lower voltage output, I was having to replace them every couple of weeks. Now I use disposable alkaline cells. They last about ten weeks. Usually I can ignore the low battery warning for at least a week before they actually give out. These batteries are cheap when purchased in bulk.