Mouse setup

Well, I have a pair of fUnc 1030 pads that I use on my main computers. Actually, one of them is currently with the cleaning people since the fire, but I saved one. It's got a super-smooth side which, to me, is too smooth (I like a bit of friction) as well as a not-as-smooth side, which is the one I use. So it's cool that you can swap it and find which one suits you best. If you're looking to have your mouse glide effortlessly across the mousepad, the smooth one is pretty good.

You might be interested in a RatPad, which is basically a huge, smooth mousing surface. There are also the Everglide pads, some of which are supposed to be as smooth as glass. Like I said, I find the fUnc pad to be great (plus, you could cut it, whereas the others are really too thick to cut), and you can buy it at NewEgg. It's about $20 and has a mouse cord clip to keep the cord from getting snagged. I don't use a keyboard tray, so the thing is really ideal for me.

Check out a picture at

http://www.msdelta.net/~dave/images/p4box/P0001537.jpg

The only other suggestion I can give is to keep the feet on the mouse clean. I use the MS Optical Mouse Blue, which seems to do a great job of not collecting gunk - I clean it maybe once every three or four months, and only then because I happen to flip it over and see a tiny buildup.

To recap, it sounds like your surface sucks, and that can make a <b>huge</b> difference in the whole mousing experience. Put something new over it or adjust to having your mouse up on the desk. And I highly recommend the fUnc pad for its dual surfaces, heavy rubber bottom (to prevent slipping) and mouse cord clip, which keeps the cord from getting snagged and throwing off my rail.