Optical Mouse Susceptible to Interferance?

[beerhunter2]

Are optical mice susceptible to interferance (electrical, frequency, etc.)?

In one specific office at my clients', I have tried several PC's, and several different optical mice (even different brands), and the mouse pointer jumps across the screen from time to time.

I have tested these PC's and optical mice in my office, and this behavior does not occur.

This behavior also does not occur if I install a non-optical mouse on the PC in this one office.

Does anyone have any idea as to what would cause this behavior?

Help! I've fallen and I can't reach my beer.

 

[franklin97355]

Mouse pads can cause this especially ones with pictures or writing.

The answer has always been 42

 

[beerhunter2]

Thanks for the reply franklin. I will check that out next week, as the mouse pad in this office has both a picture and writing.

If that is the cause, what would be the best optical mousing surface? I assume that if you have a 1 color surface, that the optical motion detectors wouldn't detect motion very well either. And some desktops have a very pronounced wood grain pattern. Makes it difficult to find a balance.

Help! I've fallen and I can't reach my beer.

 

[rvnguy]

Neutral gray is best....boring but best

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[micker377]

I just replaced my optical mouse pad. I got a nice, pretty translucent pad (package said "for normal and optical mouse"). WRONG! Sometimes the "eye" would read the top surface of the pad, and sometimes the bottom surface, made the curser jump all over the screen. I had to exchange it for a plain blue pad. Boring, but maintained the sanity of my mouse.

 

[beerhunter2]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a shot, and let you know.

Help! I've fallen and I can't reach my beer.