stupid mouse question

[soulware]

yeah, so I've got a mouse that can do both PS/2 and USB, is there any reason to use the USB-2.0 port over the PS2 :P? I know that USB is a much bus, but will it really matter with a mouse?

[osprey4]

I've often asked myself that question, Why the USB mouse when there is a port specifically designed to accomodate the critter? Of course, the point is that it makes no difference, so why tie up a USB port.

[bailey]

I heard that they are going to phase out the ps/2 prots

[Gait_Keeper]

Originally posted by osprey4
I've often asked myself that question, Why the USB mouse when there is a port specifically designed to accomodate the critter? Of course, the point is that it makes no difference, so why tie up a USB port.

Dittto............

[paul9]

like osprey says, mate. it's probably better to keep your mouse and keyboard on the ps/2 connectors, as it doesn't just keep the usb ports free for other items, the usb system only has a certain amount of bandwidth (and supply voltage without powered hubs and self powered devices) to share between all devices on the bus. fair enough, you can put 127 devices on the bus, but try using them once bandwidth contention kicks in. just saying that just because you CAN do it, doesn't mean it's better or compulsory.

[wju425]

Not a stupid question at all. Since I have a ps2 keyboard and an usb mouse with ps2 adapter I decided not to turn on the usb ports. Even my printer have usb but I'm using the parallel port. Saved a lot of resources that way.

\o/ Billy

[Theophylact]

Actually, there is one reason to use the USB connector: If your mouse comes unplugged from the PS/2 connector, you have to reboot before it'll work again.

That said, I still don't tie up one of my USB ports with a mouse...

[Uncle Bob]

I use a track ball. I installed it both ps2 and USB. There's no
difference in performance. It's ps2 at the moment.

[Atomic Rooster]

I've found that my Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 reacts smoother and quicker attached to the USB port. Besides, I have four USB ports available, so no worries there.

[OuTpaTienT]

USB port allows a mouse or trackball or whatever to operate with refresh frequency of 125hz. That makes for smooth movement of mouse pointer.

The PS/2 port however is capable of running the mouse with a refresh frequency up to 200hz, even smoother than USB, although probably not very noticable to most people. But if you're a gamer, then it may very well be noticable.

If you want to check your mouse's refresh rate there is a little gizmo called Mourserate that will tell you.