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Dell Wireless mouse doesn't shut off
I have a Dell wireless keyboard and mouse. I've called Dell and talked with several people already. First of all, I was told it was defective, it should shut off automatically when the computer shuts down. So they sent me a new keyboard and mouse. It still did it. So I called again, and was told that's just the way it is. So I asked to talk to his manager, she had me check all this stuff. Still it did it. I was told a tech manager would call me later that day at a designated time (which I waited for how long for) and they never called. I haven't heard back. In the mean time we go through batteries all the time.This is ridiculous! I can't believe all wireless keyboard packages are this way because no one would use them. Batteries get expensive if you have to keep changing them all the time.
There has to be a solution here. Please help.
Customer #:040820495
BARRIE JOHN
3 Posts
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Posted May 24th, 2004 14:00
Thanks for your helpful comments . I spoke to Dell today about battery consumption in wireless mice and they agreed that rechargeable batteries were the best solution to reduce overall costs.I have also emailed them today with the same query about seemingly rather excessive battery consumption .Their telephone advisor would not openly acknowledge that others had raised this query ---caution is obviously their watchword. I find that the battery low warning light is a bit erratic in its behaviour too,presumably as the batteries reach a lowish level . I am otherwise. happy with my Dell thus far -after 12 weeks of ownership.
BARRIE JOHN
3 Posts
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Posted May 27th, 2004 15:00
Dell have now stated that for the Dell wireless mouse the "normal" battery life for alkaline batteries is between 1.5 and 3 months,whereas the wireless keyboard batteries should last 6 months .It was also stated that the Low Battery LED will be lit for approximately 5 days before complete battery failure. I am now switching to extra capacity [2050 mAh] Duracell NiMH rechargeable batteries.- I don't think there is any question that rechargable batteries are the answer for the wireless mouse. I was unable to keep up with purchasing batteries ... then I purchased rechargeables about six months ago. Work just great - I don't think there is much difference among different brand name of mouse. I have two (Microsoft and Dell) and they both chew up batteries. Go purchase rechargeables ... expensive first but payoff in the long term.
BARRIE JOHN
3 Posts
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Posted May 28th, 2004 06:00
Thanks for your comments .It would be helpful if Dell supplied significantly more information when selling .the wireless mouse and keyboard. As you have probably guessed from my spelling I am in the UK. I am what is called a "wrinkly" by some over here, and am rather computer illiterate, but happy with it.Shall now go away until another query arises.Au revoir.
- I talked with a Dell support person and they suggested that I could unplug the mouse at night or when I was going to be gone for several days. Just plug back in before turning on computer and all works great. As long as dell wireless is plugged into computer, light will be on and mouse will be somewhat connected.
- I have the same problem TODAY yes Today JULY 19, 04 I received my wireless mouse and keyboard for my DELL plug the receiver in USB Port I couldn't wait to see it work The keyboard work and so did the mouse.
so now i was wondering how to turn off the mouse, went back to the instruction sheet it said nothing about turning off the mouse So I decided to turn off computer plus the power surge strip to off. Red light would stay on and plus blink.....blink....so on so on! I SAID THIS CANT BE RIGHT the battery would die in 24 hours. So called tech support they play dumb with me so I GOT UPSET hung up the phone on them. I WAS GOING TO GO OFF LIKE STIFLER would in the movie American Wedding.I came up with MY OWN SOLUTION you might NOT like it but it will work I TOOK OFF THE MOUSE BATTERY COVER AND LEFT IT OFF remove one battery plus by leaving the cover off wont wear out from breaking from on and off every day I know it's not the best SOLUTION but it's more then tech support gave me. plus I sleep in the same room next to my computer and to see that red light plus blink would drive a person crazy, I can't believe we live in a high tech world and they for got to put an on/off button on a wireless mouse.UNBELIEVABLE. - You are right. This is really stupid....to release a cordless mouse that eats up batteries, and not tell people, or put an off switch on the thing. If the mouse is able to go to a low setting, I am sure it could have been wired to go completely off or to 'full sleep mode' as well. This product never should have been released this way. The inconvenience of constantly changing batteries will soon outway the convenience of not have a cord. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
vmansd
502 Posts
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Posted May 22nd, 2004 01:00
To save batter life, be sure to park the mouse on a white or light colored (but not shiny reflective) surface - this will allow it to go into its low-power state after a period of inactivity.
As to battery life - consider using rechargebale NiMh's. While a bit costly at first, you save in the long run. Especially if you're also using several sets rotaing through your portable music player, digital camera, etc. Invest in a a quality charger.
The keyboard should run for a year or so on a set of alkaline batteries - don't use rechargebles there.
Val