The mouse that whimpered

What little is left of my sanity has been put under some real strain, and the cause of this annoyance is all down to Apple's badly named "mighty mouse"

In 11 months, this thing has needed to be replaced twice, and for the same reason. The trackball decided to refuse to work in one direction. And yes I am well aware of the cause; it's just like the pre-optical mouse tracking days, dirt vs mechanics, dirt wins.

Yes, a build up of crud that causes the ball to slip, and drive me nuts.

Back in the old days, you just removed the ball and cleaned the rollers, but no, someone at Apple thought it was a good idea to seal these things, most likely all in the name of saving money.

Now explain this one, all in the name of relief of RSA, it's my practice to use a mouse configured for right hand use with my left hand. Odd yes, but try it, it does help with RSA.

Anyway trying this with the "mighty mouse" is an interesting experience, the right button only working when it feels like it. All I can say is, it seems the only way for this thing to work this way, is to change the position of your finger over the touch pad, and even doing this its not even close to consistent.

As for my solution, well the "mighty mouse" has been consigned to a cupboard, and I am now using a nice wireless Logitech, which, has so far anyway, performed flawlessly.

Update: Since I first published this "mini-rant" various people have sent me the URL for a page which covers how to take the mouse apart for a good clean. Now for the warning, if your "mighty mouse" is under warranty, just send it back, and let apple give you a new one. Otherwise, check out this page for help with taking it apart.

1. The specific mouse I am talking about is the wired "mighty mouse", I have not even seen the wireless version, nor do I have any plans to try one. Er well not while my Logitech is giving me no trouble, and apple has not done something about that trackball.