Can you live without the wheel on your mouse?

Neo · 15-06-2003, 20:17

Simple question..
Can you live without the wheel on your mouse?

I for one can't, the mice at college don't have them and I hate having to manually click on arrows to scroll pages..

Jon · 15-06-2003, 20:20

Whats the middle button do on a mouse?

Neo · 15-06-2003, 20:23

Generally nothing, though on some machines you can define the middle button to an action. Two of the most common being Open Windows Explorer and Universal Scroll.

RPG · 15-06-2003, 20:30

the Middle Button (not click scroller) was originally devised for use in amiga style operating systems for bringing up the "menu"

upholder · 15-06-2003, 20:38

mine's scrolling

PaulTansley · 15-06-2003, 21:18

I have a laptop which has a finger based pad so does not require a mouse.

robh · 15-06-2003, 21:35

I think the wheel is a dead cert for causing RSI (repetitive strain injury), you have to do small repetitive movements with usually the same finger which is supposed to be a guaranteed route to RSI. I can't find any scientific research to support or reject my hypothesis. Anyway, I do use it but try to minimise it. Any RSI sufferers here? I started to get some discomfort so changed to using the mouse left handed (it's only difficult for the first few days) and doing hand and finger exercises.

Clik32 · 15-06-2003, 21:35

At home I have the wheel, when I go to my Auntie's house I don't and I still go to scroll down using the wheel. It's strange... so no, I don't think I can live without it!!
Chloé

RPG · 15-06-2003, 21:41

Quote:

Originally posted by "robh"

I think the wheel is a dead cert for causing RSI (repetitive strain injury), you have to do small repetitive movements with usually the same finger which is supposed to be a guaranteed route to RSI. I can't find any scientific research to support or reject my hypothesis. Anyway, I do use it but try to minimise it. Any RSI sufferers here? I started to get some discomfort so changed to using the mouse left handed (it's only difficult for the first few days) and doing hand and finger exercises.

id go as far to say as im probably one of the (if not the top) computer user time wise on here, and i dont suffer

its all about getting comfortable keyboards and mice

kittykat · 15-06-2003, 21:50

No wheels on my mouse! Probably cos it was the cheapest i could find at £3.99. Cant help but feel im missing out, but whatever it is im missing out on i dont care cos im not spending an extra £20 just to get a wheel. I bought someone one for their birthday and it was £25 and they were very happy cos it had this wheel on.

Neo · 15-06-2003, 21:59

You can get wheel mice these days for about £5.99, probably cheaper in places, it depends where you go.. I got my wireless mouse for £9.99!

t020 · 15-06-2003, 22:04

I have a wheel on my mouse. I got it about 6 months ago, and no I couldn't live without the wheel. I constantly use it to easily scroll up and down documents.

will_ · 15-06-2003, 22:34

I have a wheel on my mouse and was a great fan of it. However I have now disabled it by covering it over with a bit of tape...

As I spend as long as 16+ hours in front of a computer some days (Web developer/Technical writer) I was over-using it somewhat! The result is both 'mouse-wheel' fingers are suffering aches and pains. I say both because I alternated the mouse from my right hand to the left in the hope it would help. All I did was break my left hand too!

At work I now use a graphics tablet, which although cumbersome at times has done wonders in altering the repetition my hands face and the pains are now slowly fading.

RPG · 15-06-2003, 22:39

if you have the money (and still want to use the wheel) i suggest a Microsoft Explorer Mouse (or the wireless version) they are ergonomically made to reduce RSI

Tony Ruscoe · 16-06-2003, 11:56

I have one of those at work and at home... both optical versions. They seem to be much easier to move around and the wheels don't need as much force to actually scroll. (Some of the older/cheaper wheel mice are the equivalent of driving a car without power steering!)

I also now can't live without the side buttons on my mouse, which I use to go forwards / backwards through web pages in Internet Explorer or folders in Windows Explorer.

(My Auntie uses a "tracker ball" as she has tenosynovitis in her hand/wrist. When I try using that, I look like a right computer novice

!)

halevan · 16-06-2003, 14:09

All you need is a wheel mouse!!!

Dude111 · 23-10-2007, 23:18

Since the wheel on my mouse doesnt work,i guess i can live without it

I used to use it sometimes when it did work but i dont really mi$$ it that much.....

Dozy · 23-10-2007, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Ruscoe

I have one of those at work and at home... both optical versions. They seem to be much easier to move around and the wheels don't need as much force to actually scroll. (Some of the older/cheaper wheel mice are the equivalent of driving a car without power steering!)

I also now can't live without the side buttons on my mouse, which I use to go forwards / backwards through web pages in Internet Explorer or folders in Windows Explorer.
(My Auntie uses a "tracker ball" as she has tenosynovitis in her hand/wrist. When I try using that, I look like a right computer novice

!)

My bold

Hear, hear!! My next door neighbour's mouse doesn't have the side button and if I'm on her computer it drives me nuts - I automatically keep trying to click it with my thumb and nothing happens

The mouses (mice?) at the local community centre have neither wheels nor side buttons and I seem to be able to adapt to the lack of both more easily than to the lack of just the side button. But I still hate 'em.

julado · 23-10-2007, 23:24

I have a chocolate covered mouse at the moment seeing as I have just eaten a small box of beautiful truffle chocolates.....I love the wheel on mine.....wouldn't be with out it *looks forward to licking melted chocolate off computer rodent*

Dozy · 23-10-2007, 23:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by julado

I have a chocolate covered mouse at the moment seeing as I have just eaten a small box of beautiful truffle chocolates.....I love the wheel on mine.....wouldn't be with out it *looks forward to licking melted chocolate off computer rodent*

Mmmmmm .... have you forgotten to take your tablets again?