Thinkpads Forum

All my recent ThinkPads have a USB port on the left side or on the back. So I plug in the mouse on the left or the back and loop the cord around to the right. Works.

On my new T61p, the usb port is on the right hand side, about 2 inches from the mouse. So now the cord is in the way. Doesn't work.

Am I obliged to have a different mouse just to use a T61? Seems strange, but I guess I will have to get something different.

Hardly the worst problem to have when Vista creates so many of its own (SRX1063587830), but it is most unfriendly.
... JDH

jd - the T6x has one port on the left and two on the right.   why not use the port on the left or move your mouse slightly further away from your thinkpad to increase working room?   it sounds like you're all cramped up.

Hey Eric. Thanks a bunch! I don't know how I missed that (vertical I guess instead of horizontal). However, I will use that and because of where I have the T61 (or T41) on my desk at home, the mouse is right at the edge, so the left hand port will be very useful.

Dumb on my part. Sorry for not looking. ... JDH

My T61 has 2 USB ports on the left and one on the right......

Why not use XP??

or better yet, why not get a wireless or bluetooth mouse and not worry about cords? I'm at the moment using Logitech VX Nano and it is better than any corded mouse I've ever used.

-- Andrey

andrey wrote: why not get a wireless or bluetooth mouse and not worry about cords?

Someday I will. But right now, I am having to replace my router, my print server, possibly a wireless NIC, and most of my software just to use Vista. I thought I could get away with using my mouse. And I can (if only I had looked). ... JDH

Just a comment on the Nano. I have one and it is a great mouse, but it is designed for a "claw" type grip and many people, including myself, find this a little uncomfortable after a while.

Because of that, I also purchased a VX Revolution, which, while still a "notebook" mouse, is slightly larger and its USB transmitter is a bit longer than that of the VX Nano (which is too bad because the Nano's tiny USB transmitter is really cool), but the VX Revolution is designed for a full grip with the palm resting on the mouse. so for me the slightly larger size of the mouse and the transmitter is worth it for the increased grip comfort it provides to me.

One other notable difference is the Nano takes two AAA's and the Revolution takes 1 AA.

Otherwise, the mice both have the same laser engine, great wireless connection, and incredible frictionless scroll wheel. (Note: With the Revolution, one has to move a lever on the bottom of the mouse to switch into frictionless scroll mode, however, since I use the mouse in this setting all the time, having the lever on the bottom is not a problem for me.)

With both these mice, beware that they usually work great when new but are somewhat fragile. My first Nano's scroll wheel stopped scrolling smoothly after about 3 months for no apparent reason (i.e., no abuse). Also, I have read many reports that if you drop them, there is a good chance the scroll wheel will not continue to function in the frictionless mode.

However, Logitech provides a generous 3 year warranty, and if you can provide a dated purchase receipt to their warranty dept by email or fax, they will send out a new replacement and provide free return shipping for your defective Logitech mouse.

So all in all, I highly recommend either of these mice. Which one is better for you depends on your mouse grip style preference.