Magic mouse tracking issue

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Level 5

5,804 points

Magic mouse tracking issue

Hi,

Since I switch to my new iMac 27" with the Magic mouse, I find the mouse a bit difficult on the tracking.

Previously I had a Mighty Mouse wireless. I used it on my table with no issue. When I moved the mouse, the response was adequate according to the mouse I made.

Now, on the same surface, the Magic mouse is sometimes just missing to move according to the mouse movement. I have to redo the move again and again so that I can finally get where I want to go on my screen. Especially with the 27" resolution, if I have to move from left to right and the mouse lost the tracking in the middle, it is very frustrating... I've tried placing a mouse pad (tissue based and one plastic based) but the problems were worst. My normal surface is in melamine with a wood style finish.

Any idea on what is wrong here? Is it the mouse or the surface?

iMac 27" i7 4 Gb RAM+1.0Tb HD, MBP 15" 4 Gb RAM+500 HD, Mac OS X (10.6.2), iLife 09, Aperture 2, iWork 09

Posted on Feb 13, 2010 7:43 PM

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Answer 1

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Feb 13, 2010 7:48 PM in response to Steve-Mac-

Did you try resetting the connection with your magic mouse?

1. Go to System Preferences, Bluetooth You should see your magic mouse listed on the left hand side.

2. Click it once, and click the gear icon at the bottom of the column

3. Choose Disconnect.

4, Lift up your magic mouse, and flip the power switch off.

5. Switch the power back on, and it should re-connect automatically.

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Answer 2

Feb 14, 2010 1:03 AM in response to Steve-Mac-

First, I would try using the Mighty Mouse with your new iMac. If it works normally, then the problem lies with your Magic Mouse.

I use an old neoprene mousepad with a fabric top. It has a matte finish and is non-reflective. It works well with my Magic Mouse. In contrast, I've found that my Magic Mouse does not track well on glossy or slick surfaces.

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Answer 3

Feb 14, 2010 11:44 AM in response to Steve-Mac-

YES!!! I have the exact same issue: New touch mouse will stop tracking for 1 second every 4 or 5 seconds and then regain tracking ability. Causing jittery *jumps across the screen.*

I have power cycled, used different surfaces, turned off discoverable on the bluetooth.

Seems like a software or bluetooth issue because I have another mouse - wireless USB mouse that has the exact same problem. So its not the mouse its the OS or the bluetooth. Im going to get a corded USB mouse because I CANT WORK LIKE THIS!

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Answer 4

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,505 points

Feb 14, 2010 12:28 PM in response to Steve-Mac-

Optical mouses often do not work well on light or glossy surfaces nor on light woodgrain surfaces.

I would recommend something like a heavy piece of artpaper, preferably in a darker color, or grey to black, in a matte finish. Tape it in place all around the edges. It should last a longtime and solve your issue.

My desktop is a matte finish black. It worked exceptionally well with my prior Mighty Mouse and works perfectly with my current Magic Mouse.

Dah•veed

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Answer 5

Feb 14, 2010 12:37 PM in response to Danimalplanet

UPDATED: this problem happens with ANY MOUSE.

I am using a CORDED mouse now. Same problem with tracking intermittent failure and jumps.

This 27" imac is 1 week new out of the box.

Magic mouse - same problem.

Wireless Microsoft USB mouse - same problem

Corded USB mouse - same problem

Is there a script I can run to manually reset the mouse tracking functionality?

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Answer 6

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,505 points

Feb 14, 2010 12:47 PM in response to Danimalplanet

You are just proving that the issue is not the mouse or the computer, it is the surface upon which you are using all of these optical mouses.

Dah•veed

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Answer 7

Steve-Mac- Author

Level 5

5,804 points

Feb 14, 2010 12:52 PM in response to Dah•veed

Agreed. This case is not the same as mine.

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Answer 8

Feb 14, 2010 1:25 PM in response to Steve-Mac-

No. I have tried multiple surfaces. Why would I waste my time without trying something so trivial?

My mouse pad, shiny black wooden desk top, back of a magazine, back of a notebook w cardboard paper backing. all have the same result. This wireless mouse and corded mouse worked perfectly on my mac mini on this surface.

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Answer 9

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,505 points

Feb 14, 2010 1:31 PM in response to Danimalplanet

Then you need to post a thread of your own requesting help on your unique issue. Right now you are threadjacking Steve@Mac's thread addressing his problem.

Dah•veed

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Answer 10

Feb 14, 2010 1:35 PM in response to Steve-Mac-

FIX for mine:

Ok are you running a *second monitor*? I just unplugged my second screen from the mini display port and PRESTO! the mouse tracks perfectly!

I was running a mini display to DVI adapter to my 24" LG LCD screen.

Reconnecting my second screen after a reboot fixes this issue for me.

hope this helps - sorry if this was not the same issue or if i "jacked your thread"

Message was edited by: Danimalplanet

Message was edited by: Danimalplanet

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Answer 11

Feb 14, 2010 9:21 PM in response to Danimalplanet

I have exactly this problem - sticking cursor with a second monitor attached - problem vanishes if I disconnect second monitor. Problem does not go away after a re-boot - as soon as i hook up second monitor the cursor starts its momentary freezes. this happened also on my G5 with a reg mac mouse running leopard
Help - I really need that second monitor

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Answer 12

Steve-Mac- Author

Level 5

5,804 points

Feb 21, 2010 11:17 AM in response to Steve-Mac-

Not sure if this help, but last week Apple releases the BT Keyboard that came with my iMac a firmware upgrade that was suppose to resolved some issue with other BT peripherals. Since, I must admit the tracking is not quite perfect, but it is way better that what it was. Maybe that had to do with my issue partially or totally. Still investigating with the hints that have been provided in this thread...

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Answer 13

Steve-Mac- Author

Level 5

5,804 points

Aug 12, 2010 6:51 PM in response to Steve-Mac-

As a closing notice.

The BT firmware update did not resolved the problem.

I then configure my migthy mouse with my iMac, worked like a charm for a few months.

Then I talk to a friend who had bough a Magic Mouse recently. He gently gave it to me for a few days, so I can compare with mine. His was working just perfectly.

So I called Apple Care, ask for a replacement, received it this week, and have been happily using it since. The rat was really defective.

Now I'm an happy Magic Mouse user, along the Magic Trackpad.

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