Magic Mouse no longer working on shiny surface

Question

Magic Mouse no longer working on shiny surface

Hi all,

my desktop has a white, polished shiny surface. I have been pleased for months now as to how perfectly my Magic Mouse works on this surface. Now, all of a sudden, after changing batteries, the mouse pointer does not move any more. Clicking and gestures are still working, but no movements. If i move it on a piece of paper, it works ok, but no longer on my desktop. I tried different batteries, cleaned the lenses, but to no avail. I borrowed my wife's Magic Mouse, and it works flawlessly.

Any ideas?

-Heinrich

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Sep 17, 2015 6:50 AM

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Answer 1

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Sep 17, 2015 9:35 AM in response to HeinrichFromBremen

Different mice with similar lenses are known to react differently under the same conditions. Usually a white polished top would be a No No because it would increase the chances of the lens being confused by the reflection. It works on the piece of paper because the surface is different. I have no idea what caused it to suddenly dislike your desk top (sounds imperessive to me). It may just have developed.

There is probably nothing about your batteries that would give that effect though you could check that by putting your batteries inside your wife's mouse. Out of interest, what brand are the batteries?

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Answer 2

Sep 17, 2015 1:17 PM in response to seventy one

Hi 71,

thanks for your reply. I am using Eneloop rechargeable batteries. As a im aware that they do not supply the 1.5 V like regular batteries, i will try with regular batteries tomorrow though i am not confident that this will solve my problem. So i have the option of purchasing either a mousepad or a new mouse. I really enjoyed being able to use the mouse w/o a mousepad.

-Heinrich

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Answer 3

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Sep 17, 2015 2:12 PM in response to HeinrichFromBremen

Hello Heinrich,

Eneloop batteries should be fine. They are a recommended brand. Frankly I would think hard about using a simple mat black form of pad. It may not live kindly with your white polished desk but when the days work is over ... you can remove it.

I wish you well.

71.

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Answer 4

Sep 18, 2015 2:23 AM in response to seventy one

Hi 71,

I tried with fresh alkaline batteries (1.6V) today, but it made no difference. Maybe the cause is that when changing batteries i am to lazy to pick them out of the mouse, but give the mouse a slight bump to make the batteries fall out 😊 Maybe the last bump was one bump to many and it may have misaligned the lenses. I will by a mousepad now.

Take care,

Heinrich

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