Microsoft The Power Saver
The Microsoft change to wireless also involves a more professional aspect. The number of channels available for the mouse to scan has risen from 1000 to 64,000. This means there is no more interference. It's already happened to us that, in an office with 20 computers each with a wireless mouse, the mouse of one PC will start commanding another. To solve this rather entertaining problem we just had to reconnect both mice manually with the little buttons. More than 64,000 channels may be an argument for an Open Space with more than 100 computers, but they're not exactly necessary in the home. A related, and more relevant innovation is that Microsoft has substantially reduced the power consumption so two AA batteries are enough, according to them, to use the mouse for six months in normal conditions. Obviously, we have not had time to check this one out yet. Logitech offers an alternative with its high-end mice in the shape of a battery and charger, for a price, but on the less expensive models, they say the two AA batteries should last three months. In fact, when used four hours a day, the actual lifetime is two months. Our test on the Microsoft is still on, but I reckon six months will be over the top. Nonetheless, the gain is to the advantage of everyone.
USB For All
Forget what we said before in our articles on mice and don't send any emails about them. We have gone into matters again and I hope come to the right conclusions. All mice are designed for USB. Even though they do include an adapter for the PS2 port, there is no point in plugging a mouse into the PS2 unless you need to free up a USB port. The number of exchanges on a USB is set at 125 per second and that is quite enough for a mouse. If you like, you can check this with the little Mouserate utility.
