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Sticky, Jerky Bluetooth Mouse

IJ Reilly

IJ Reilly

macrumors P6
Original poster
Jul 16, 2002
17,912
1,506
Palookaville
I've got an original Apple Bluetooth mouse, about three years old. It's becoming more and more difficult to use because it seems to stick to the table top, causing the cursor to jump around. It's never been as smooth and accurate as I'd have liked, but now it's becoming almost impossible to use comfortably. I've tried cleaning the glider on the bottom thoroughly and even waxing the table top with Pledge, but nothing seems to improve its performance. I thought the table itself might be the culprit, until I used the mouse paired with my PowerBook in another location yesterday, and it drove me nuts. Now I'm thinking it might be a problem with the LED emitter, but I can't imagine what could go wrong with it. Has anyone ever seen a similar problem? Thanks!
 
I've seen jerky behaviour caused by the brand (or specifications) of the batteries on occasion... I'm not sure it's necessarily relevant for you, but it might be something to keep in mind. Maybe reformat your drive and reinstall OSX. That'll probably help too.
 
I know this sounds stupid but have to tried a mouse pad. As I had the same problem with my MM on my desk with a glossy finish
 
I have tried a mouse pad -- only makes it worse. Every surface I've tried has the same problem, more or less. If I lift slightly on the mouse it moves more smoothly than if I try to mouse with it's full weight and the weight of my hand. I think it must have something to do with the Teflon gliders, but they are clean, so I don't know what. Nobody else has experienced this issue?
 
IJ Reilly said:
Oh, a wise guy! ;)
Click to expand...


Incredibly wise. You know that. I was serious about the batteries though. It could be a power throughput problem or something so at least try some high quality cells in it form a different brand, if you haven't already. I use rechargeables and they eventually die. This is one of the signs they're on the way out sometimes. :)
 
mad jew said:
Incredibly wise. You know that. I was serious about the batteries though. It could be a power throughput problem or something so at least try some high quality cells in it form a different brand, if you haven't already. I use rechargeables and they eventually die. This is one of the signs they're on the way out sometimes. :)
Click to expand...

Go ahead, pull the other one.

Seriously, are you serious?

For the record, I use ordinary disposable alkaline cells because the rechargeable cells start with a lower voltage and consequently don't last long.
 
I don't know if that whole battery thing is true, but I have used two different bluetooth mice. One is a small travel macally BT mouse and the other is the apple bluetooth mouse. Both actually do the same thing, jump around and all that. It seems to be my mousepad, I tried using just a plain white piece of paper as a mousepad and the issue seemed to go away. Give it a try and tell me if you see a difference. Don't re-install your OS because your mouse skips....dumb.
 
Okay, so the reinstall was a joke. ;)

However, the battery thing wasn't. I know the rechargeable batteries aren't as good on the whole, so try a different brand of regular batteries and see if it's any different. :)
 
So you've got different flavors of voltage in Oz?

I've tried any number of surfaces with this mouse. None work to my satisfaction. I'm getting ready to hurl this thing against a wall.
 
i know this has generally been an issue with usb 1.1 and 2, and different versions of bluetooth.

have you tried cleaning the contact points with an eraser? it works for cordless phones, couldn't hurt here.
 
Matthew, you're a ripper. I had the same problem, restarted the computer, changed the battery, kicked it, swore at it - nothing.

Read your advice, gave it a good blow and, eureka.

Goodonya.
 
Well, I don't mean this sarcastically, & you've probably already done this (& you have said this happens frequently) but, simply because nobody else has said it & because you haven't said you have found a fix yet, I will daringly mention that my BT Mighty Mouse, on occasion (4-5 times in the 2 weeks I've had it) has been really jerky & eratic, & completely unsusable- until I "Turn Bluetooth Off" on my MBP, then turn it back on & when it re--pairs it goes smooth & fine. I'm sorry to have patronised you :D
 
No worries. I'll let you know when I feel patronized. ;)

This mouse gets swapped between my PowerBook and desktop Mac quite regularly, so it's often re-paired. It behaves the same way in both configurations and on different surfaces. It's really feeling like it "grabs" at the table. I wonder if the gliders aren't simply worn out. That would explain everything, but I've never heard of this happening before.
 
I have the same problem. It's driving me crazy. I'm beginning to think it might be some sort of interference in my office. I've tried two different brand of mice both act the same way.
 
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