Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I lost a tech device this week that I knew well and held close for years. We first met around 2002 when I also started writing for the Daily News-Record. The end came about over the past month or so. It started acting “wrong” by stopping when moved, the clicks sometimes worked and sometimes not.
I figured it needed a new battery so I replaced the single Double-A copper top. It worked again. But then this week it started having the same issues. Usually the batteries for this mouse last 10-12 months, not just a week or two. But I replaced the battery again…no change. I tested it with another computer…no change. It was gone.
Its name was, “Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse, Model 1023.” I just called it, “my mouse.” At the time I bought it, it was ahead of its time technologically. It was wireless, obviously from the name, large, gray and a bit clunky compared to the mice of today, see below.
Now the strangest thing about the Model 1023 was the USB receiver which is found in most wireless mice today. These usually small receivers (about the size of my thumbnail) plug into a computer’s USB port. This is what the mouse sends signals to where it then translates them into movements, clicks and drags for your computer. The strange thing about the 1023 is the size of the receiver.
It is shaped like a capital, “L” and even swivels to move the antenna (the base of the “L”) so you can get a better signal. It is almost three inches long and 2.5″ wide. A BIG receiver. For a point of reference, the one I use with my Notebook is the width of the USB port, 0.75″ long and once plugged in, only 0.25″ of it is visible.
Goodbye Model 1023 and welcome in Logitech M557. This new one is quite different from the previous mouse. It is a slightly smaller fit for my hand which I find comfortable; however, the old one was not uncomfortable. Also, the largest difference is not a smaller USB receiver but absolutely no receiver, that you can see. This mouse uses Bluetooth technology to work. My computer has Bluetooth built-in which most all computers do today. There are many Bluetooth Mice to choose from today.
When I turned on the new mouse for the first time I also start my Bluetooth searching for it on my computer. In a couple of seconds, the M557 shows up on my computer and they ask to be linked. I choose to link them and immediately the correct drivers start setting up the computer and mouse to work together. After maybe 30 seconds the process is complete and I am using the new mouse.
One word of warning if you are considering a Bluetooth mouse. I have read that some computers do not work well with them. So if you purchase one make sure it is easily returnable, just in case.
Do I believe that this new mouse will last almost 16 years as my old one did? I doubt that but only time will tell.
