Computer mouse question

[Gloster]

A question for those with a better understanding of computers than me, i.e. just about everyone.

The computer mouse that I have had attached to my laptop has ceased to function, both are nearly fifteen years old. My basic diagnostic thoughts are that it is the mouse, not the port. Have mouse or connector standards and sizes changed in the last fifteen years or can I just buy any replacement computer mouse?

The one I have is (external measurements) roughly 12 mm x 4 mm and the metal sticks out roughly 12 mm from the plastic housing. Inside it half is solid with four metal strips in the top of this. On the plastic housing is a symbol like a trident, but with three different length prongs.

 

[ac6000cw]

That is a standard USB-A connector, so basically any modern/vaguely modern mouse with the same connector should work as a direct plug-in replacement.

The 'trident' is basically the USB connection symbol/logo.

 

[SynthD]

You may be describing a USB port. Any modern mouse will be usb, but note that you want A, not C. Most mice will be Bluetooth, and come with a tiny usb-Bluetooth adaptor.

 

[ac6000cw]

There's plenty of wired (vs. wireless) mice around to buy if you prefer them - from pocket money prices upwards.

 

[Gloster]

So what I need to do is check that the end of the wire from the mouse has a USB-A male connector on it.

Thank you.

 

[High Dyke]

So what I need to do is check that the end of the wire from the mouse has a USB-A male connector on it.

Thank you.

Yes. Basically look for a replacement mouse with the same plug shape on it, or if buying a wireless mouse it should say USB-A connector in the product information.

Image. Shows a wired computer mouse with USB-A connecter.

 

[ainsworth74]

So what I need to do is check that the end of the wire from the mouse has a USB-A male connector on it.

I reckon you'd have to be trying to find anything that isn't USB-A, even USB-C is a pretty rare for mice! So I wouldn't worry to much about finding a replacement

 

[Gloster]

I reckon you'd have to be trying to find anything that isn't USB-A, even USB-C is a pretty rare for mice! So I wouldn't worry to much about finding a replacement

Thanks, but if there is a way of cacking things up when dealing with things computer, I’ll find it. I haven’t yet been into town to buy a replacement so I am still looking forward to the pleasure of being looked down on by a seventeen year-old shop assistant because my question ‘just so…’

 

[Ediswan]

Thanks, but if there is a way of cacking things up when dealing with things computer, I’ll find it. I haven’t yet been into town to buy a replacement so I am still looking forward to the pleasure of being looked down on by a seventeen year-old shop assistant because my question ‘just so…’

Take the dead mouse wiith you ?

 

[ac6000cw]

I reckon you'd have to be trying to find anything that isn't USB-A, even USB-C is a pretty rare for mice! So I wouldn't worry to much about finding a replacement

I agree - that also applies to most wireless mice, the interface 'dongle' that they come with looks like a USB-A plug without the wire - e.g. as below:

 

[johntea]

Here is an example of what you need which you can pick up from Argos (I guess Sainsburys in most places these days!) on the high street

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9563256?clickSR=slp:term:mouse%20usb:1:51:2

As an alternative if you're friendly with any local businesses and their IT department they'll probably have thousands of them in storage somewhere and will probably happily provide you with one free of charge

 

[gswindale]

The only comment I have regarding mouse relates to how much will you be using it? Also, are you left or right-handed? If you're going to be using it a lot, I would definitely recommend an ergonomic device - I use one pretty much all day 5 days a week and since switching to my Logitech MX Master 3 mouse, am having much less wrist pain than I had previously. I am right-handed, which makes it a lot easier to find an ergonomic mouse