Mice + Trackballs

[#1]

I have been a fan of the "Logitech MouseMan Dual Optical Wired Mouse (USB/PS2)" For years. When I heard they were discontinuing it I promptly went out and bought two more. Now many years later they have all craped out and no longer work. I have tried many different mice over the past 6 months or so and cannot find it's equal. All the mice I have tried don't feel the same and most importantly don't have the same style grip.

My question is two part I guess. Is there anyway to get one of my old mice repaired?

If not, can someone make a good suggestion on a new mouse that has a similar feel and/or function.

Mice I have attempted to replace with:

I tried the ever so popular G5. My problem was I could not get a good grip on it. I tend to use a claw grip with a little bit of a sideways grip, tilting the mouse to the right. Not only would my hand constantly slip off the G5, I would hit the mouse two by accident alot. The mouse 2 on my old mouse didn't run all the way to the end so i could grip the mouse behind the button and not hit it.

I also tried the MX400 which I really liked the precision but had similar grip issues. It was also way too small and light.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[#2]

The most common problem on optical mice is the microswitch wearing out. Here's some options if you want to repair it (voids any remaining warranty):
1. You may be able to bend the metal spring back into a shape that will work. See these instructions.

2. Any standard Omron D2F series or compatible microswitch can be used if you want to do some soldering. Digikey.com and Newark.com sell them, or you can salvage a less-worn microswitch from another dead mouse. See this thread for more info.

3. After you get it fixed, don't press hard on the buttons (it wears them out faster).

[#3]

You wouldn't happen to know any services that might tackle the repair for me? I'm not very good at those kind of things.

Also thought I should add. It's not the buttons that are failing on it. It's the opticals themselves. The lights go out and the mouse stops working all together. Usually takes a few secs for them to pop back on.

Message Edited by chrisgssc on 09-16-2009 10:23 AM

[#4]

In that case, it is probably a break in the cord. Someone with some soldering skills could replace the cord with one from a cheap mouse or a USB extension cable.

It could also be a break on the PCB itself, which probably can't be fixed.

I don't know of any services that would do this.

[#5]

Ok thanks, maybe someone can suggest a new mouse that is similar.

[#6]

Same question (in part) here, but for different reasons.  My MX 500 still lives, into its fifth computer, but, alas, my change to Vista 64 bit leaves it worthless.  There is no driver for it, and it is not supported by either Microsoft (whose Vista drivers are supposed to handle "any mouse,") or Logitech, who has nothing to say about it, even to the extent of a courtesy reply.  By phone, Logitech pretends to have answers, but none work.  I finally got a Centurytel tech to check with Logitech, who finally told him that set forth above.

So.  I can downgrade(?) to 32 bit, get a new mouse -- What's the same as an MX 500, right? -- or hope that Windows 7 has MX 500 support by either Logitech or Microsoft.  One or the other of them (notes not available right now) said that Windows 7 would have the solution, but I have been run around the outhouse so many times on this issue that I'll believe it when I see it.  Windows 7 is to be available the 22nd of this month, so that answer, whether positive or negative, is near.

Either way, I am/will be looking for a decent replacement for my MX 500, so I look forward to your responses.  And should anyone know of any stone I have left unturned or of some way to kick me out of my remaining ignorance on this issue, please kick ahead.  I will surely appreciate any advice anyone may have.

Good luck on your quest.  I just wish I had some help or a good answer for you, but Richard seems to have great expertise.  Maybe someone can pigtail off his help.  Along that line, you could check with some local independent computer repair shops.  You may luck into one who has just the knowledge and abilities you need.