WIreless Mouse Is not smooth on mac?

I just bought a wireless mouse and keyboard for my Macbook Pro cause I have it setup on a desk so it's easier to have this. So is it just me or does it seem like the mouse is not as precise on Macbooks or maybe Macs in general as it is on WIndows.

It seems like when I am moving the pointer slowly to get to a close button or whatever it doesn't flow as smoothly as it does on a Windows machine? Does anybody else seem to notice this? Is there a way to fix this cause I have the sensitivity turned up to try and see if that'd fix it but it's still not as smooth?

If there is something to do to fix this please fill me in because it's kind of annoying if I'm messing with photoshop where I need precise movements and it's off. Thanks!

Chris

Macbook Pro 17", Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Jun 17, 2007 6:11 PM

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8 replies

Jun 17, 2007 7:19 PM in response to ChristoChang31

I know what you mean, I use both PC and Mac, and notice a type of 'lag' when using any mouse with OS X. The settings I used to minimize this are...

Prefs:
Keyboard Mouse - Trackpad - Bar #5
Universal Settings - Mouse And Trackpad - Initial Delay - Off
Universal Settings - Mouse And Trackpad -Maximum Speed - Fastest Possible

Although it doesn't take the laggyness we PC users sense in OS X mice, these should make it somewhat more bearable. I noticed when using the MightyMouse, its a lot harder to reach the pixels that you want with real precision, but a good counterpoint is the fact that the MightyMouse can be used pretty much on any surface without going haywire and jumpy. It bothers me too, but I've just flipped it around to compensate for it; i slowed down my PC mouse settings to match the OS X speed because the mouse didnt seem to want to act the same way :P.

Jun 17, 2007 6:19 PM in response to ChristoChang31

I don't have the experience of using the wireless mouse on a PC but I've never encountered your problem on my PowerBook or iMac. Just some troubleshooting stuff that I could think of:
- Are the batteries fresh?
- Is the tracking sensor free of dust or hair? A strand of hair blocking the laser sensor causes less than stellar tracking.
- Have you access the Keyboard and Mouse preference panel in the system preference to try to tweak your settings? Try to adjust the tracking speed, to slower if you want a more precise feedback.
- Is the mouse on a smooth surface? And as you probably know, not on glass.

Jun 18, 2007 10:44 AM in response to Neoblackout

Part of this sense is due to the way Windows tracks vs the way Mac OSX tracks. It is different and takes getting used to, I know I had to get used to Windows tracking when I started using it more often a few years ago. BT mice are nice because you don't need a RF device taking up a USB port, but RF wireless mice do have better tracking. In fact due to the nature of BT, it cannot take full advantage of the superior tracking of laser mice, so if you go laser, get a RF mouse.

Jun 18, 2007 11:19 AM in response to ChristoChang31

I've had a variety of wireless mice since I switched to Mac, and I completely agree with you. I'd been using the Logitech wireless desktop MX (not bluetooth) on my PC, and it was just brilliant. Then I tried it on the mac, and it stunk. Then I tried the MX mouse for bluetooth, and it was even worse. Then the wireless Mighty Mouse... that was the worst of all. Finally, I found the Logitech S530 setup. Wow, what a difference. I still don't think it is quite as responsive as the mice on my PC were, but its pretty dang good. I'm also annoyed that it uses one of just two USB posts on my iMac, and that it doesn't work well without the remote receiver attachment.

I wish Apple would get on this problem. It is a significant problem with OS X., and their Mighty Mouse solution is an embarrassment.

Sep 11, 2007 8:57 PM in response to PB PM

Could you tell me please, what does RF stand for?

I just started using Apple for the 1st time last week and noticed straight away the difference in responsiveness in the mouse between my MacBook Pro and old PC.
Windows Control Panel has a checkbox for enhanced pointer precision and Mac doesn't seem to have a similar capability.
It really is a bummer using a sluggish mouse when you're used to the PC. I also wish Apple would get onto this.
Tks for your help

Sep 11, 2007 10:34 PM in response to anthonycc

Don't forget, the refresh rate of a screen can also have an affect on mouse behaviour. On a PC, with the monitor refresh rate set to the highest possible (eg. 60Hz to 85Hz) will make the mouse movement more precise and pointer movement will seem faster.

I have no idea what the standard refresh rate is on a MBP, but just something to look into.

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WIreless Mouse Is not smooth on mac?

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