Wireless computer mice are a dark plot by battery manufacturers.

[Taxloss]

I know it. I have a wireless optical mouse. I was so pleased with it when I got it.

But the bloody thing eats batteries.

It doesn't go to sleep when not in use. It doesn't have an off switch. It doesn't turn off when the computer turns off. Just that constant red glow of my money burning away. At night and when I'm out, I have to remove its casing and take out the batteries to conserve them.

And whenever the mouse "thinks" it's peckish for a new meal, it starts flashing up these "change my batteries!" messages on my screen, which appear every few seconds and are always on top. However, I will still get hours of operation out of it. A clear 24 hours at least.

I don't think it was manufactured by HP. I think Duracell designed it.

Thank heavens I kept my old USB mouse. I'm sorely tempted to go back to it.

Sorry about this, not looking for buying advice, just venting the spleen.

[ET Awful]

1. There's this new invention they came up with called

rechargeable batteries.

They're really neat, especially if you have two sets because you can put one in the charger while you use the other.

[Taxloss]

2. Less toxic, certainly, but adding yet another layer of hassle.

I should emphasise that I'm careful with disposal and ensure the battery is fully exhausted.

Ironically, my keyboard is also wireless and gives fantastic "mileage".

[ET Awful]

7. Well, I haven't had that many problems with my wireless mous to be honest

I have a Microsoft wireless, and the batteries last for a LONG time (usually 3 months or more). Seeing as it uses AA batteries (which I also use for various remotes, the external flash on my camera, flashlights, etc.), I just have a half dozen sets of recharageables and always have at least one set fully charged and ready to go when needed :).

It's very handy :)

[Taxloss]

9. 3 months is incredible. I'm envious.

Mine seems to conk out after two weeks - and the last two days are filled with warning messages.

But it is under warranty, so I think it might be faulty, like the second response said, and I'll be calling tech support soon.

[ET Awful]

11. The MS Wireless Intellimouse Explorer is marketed as having

extremely long battery life, and for once, the marketing is pretty accurate :).

They aren't THAT expensive anymore either (you can get them for around $30 if you shop around).

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. There's something wrong with your mouse

My hp wireless optical mouse does not glow red when it is not being used. And, yes, those rechargeable batteries are a must. I change out batteries every week to ten days with fairly heavy use.

[Taxloss]

4. You think?

If I don't disable it, it keep glowing and flashing and will not sleep. It's still under warranty - do you think it's worth sending it back?

[Coyote_Bandit]

5. You can always get another opinion

from the tech support guy in India.

[Taxloss]

6. Thanks, I'll do that. n/t

[supernova]

8. I have the same problem

My wireless mouse eats a new batteries every month.

The keyboard is just fine. I've had this setup since mid-February and I haven't changed the keyboard batteries yet.

But the mouse. Arrgh! I think it's the mouse.

[Misunderestimator]

10. Hmm... I got mine about a month ago... no problems...

and I keep my pc on 24/7. Haven't had to change the batteries yet.

The only freaky thing is that sometime the mouse stops working after the telephone rings. :shrug: I have to reboot to get it working again.