Can't get used to using my laptop (no mouse) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 02-20-2013, 05:21 PM

I bought a laptop last year, a nice Sony. I rarely use it because I can't get used to using the touchpad instead of a mouse. I bought a wireless mouse and extra mousepad, but that's stupid. I may as well be using my desktop.

I've practiced to try to get used to the touchpad, but I just hate it. If has little clicks which are helpful, but I simply can't get used to it. Anyone ever go through this who can offer some tips? Right now, it's just a thousand dollar paperweight.

yankeesrj12 · 02-20-2013, 05:28 PM

I hated the mouse when I first got a laptop 6 or 7 years ago, but I've grown used to it. Just keep using it and eventually you should be good!

retrofan05 · 02-20-2013, 05:32 PM

You know the saying practice makes perfect? I think it's just one of those things you have to keep doing it until it comes routine. I don't have a laptop, but a friend of mine does. I too found it very difficult, but like I said, if you just keep using it on a regular basis, it should work out fine.

Family Ties Forever! · 02-20-2013, 07:43 PM

I'm sorry that the touchpad is like that. I think they should make laptops with a regular mouse somehow. Sorry to hear that you rarely use the laptop because it doesn't have a normal mouse. I know there are a bunch of keyboard commands that can be used in placeof a mouse, but I don't know what those would be.

Penny Lane · 02-20-2013, 10:27 PM

I have never used a laptop but I know it would be hard to get used to having no mouse!

Janice · 02-20-2013, 11:32 PM

Thanks guys. Is there anyone here that uses a laptop on a regular basis? How easy/difficult was it to adjust?

ZeldaGilroy · 02-21-2013, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Thanks guys. Is there anyone here that uses a laptop on a regular basis? How easy/difficult was it to adjust?

I only use a laptop. It was HARD at first. I bought the wireless mouse as well to try to adjust, but it was too much of a bother because I had to use the laptop on a table or other really hard surface in order to use the mouse. If I was going to do that, I could've just kept my desktop. I also had a hard time with the smaller laptop keyboard.

However, after about a week of consistently using the laptop, I was used to it. Most laptops have a way you can adjust the touchpad so it isn't quite as "touchy" and feels more comfortable. Now, I can't imagine NOT using the laptop. I enjoy the convenience of it and I am so used to the touchpad and keyboard that I don't even thing about the mouse anymore.

I think if you start using it more and more, you will become more comfortable with it. It just takes time to adjust to the difference. Good luck!

Penny Lane · 02-21-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeldaGilroy

I only use a laptop. It was HARD at first. I bought the wireless mouse as well to try to adjust, but it was too much of a bother because I had to use the laptop on a table or other really hard surface in order to use the mouse. If I was going to do that, I could've just kept my desktop. I also had a hard time with the smaller laptop keyboard.

However, after about a week of consistently using the laptop, I was used to it. Most laptops have a way you can adjust the touchpad so it isn't quite as "touchy" and feels more comfortable. Now, I can't imagine NOT using the laptop. I enjoy the convenience of it and I am so used to the touchpad and keyboard that I don't even thing about the mouse anymore.

I think if you start using it more and more, you will become more comfortable with it. It just takes time to adjust to the difference. Good luck!

You are so right Zelda! Every time that I get a new dvd/vcr player I have to learn how to program and use it. It's always a pain at first but after a few days it just comes automatically . I'm sure it will be the same way with a laptop with no mouse. Soon it should become second nature. But I am emotionally attached to my little mousie.

Janice · 02-21-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeldaGilroy

I only use a laptop. It was HARD at first. I bought the wireless mouse as well to try to adjust, but it was too much of a bother because I had to use the laptop on a table or other really hard surface in order to use the mouse. If I was going to do that, I could've just kept my desktop. I also had a hard time with the smaller laptop keyboard.

Thanks. I have the best keyboard. I returned the first laptop I bought because the keyboard felt so tiny. The one I got has a backlit keyboard, and the keys are larger, raised and separated, much like a normal one. As for adjusting the settings, my laptop didn't come with a manual. I couldn't believe it, and even called the store thinking it was lost or something, but was told it doesn't come with one. That's just nuts to me.

Sterling Holobyte · 02-21-2013, 06:08 PM

I know what you mean about using a touchpad instead of a mouse. I hate it myself. That's why I rarely use the laptop.

My advice, ditch the laptop and get a desktop. But that's about all you can do, unless you want to try to learn to like having no mouse.

I wonder, is there a laptop with a mouse built-in to the console? It could be maneuverable and still be attached, or have a little toggle that you could move the cursor with. Someone might want to think about making one of those if not. Some people might like it. I know I would.

Janice · 02-21-2013, 09:14 PM

^ We have two desktops. I bought this to use on the sofa or even in bed, when my husband's watching his shows, sports, etc. I bought it at least six month's ago anyway, so I guess I'm stuck with it. I did buy a specially made tray table for it, but it's still not worth the trouble.

spunkygirl · 02-22-2013, 08:45 AM

I use a laptop for over a year now and love it better than a PC. I have a mouse hooked up to my laptop, I hate the mousepads they have built in. I love being able to scroll really easily with my mouse

PZelda · 02-22-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterling Holobyte

I know what you mean about using a touchpad instead of a mouse. I hate it myself. That's why I rarely use the laptop.

My advice, ditch the laptop and get a desktop. But that's about all you can do, unless you want to try to learn to like having no mouse.

I wonder, is there a laptop with a mouse built-in to the console? It could be maneuverable and still be attached, or have a little toggle that you could move the cursor with. Someone might want to think about making one of those if not. Some people might like it. I know I would.

IBM had that idea with their ThinkPad laptop models back in the 1990s.

(look between the G and H keys on the keyboard in this pic)

PZelda · 02-22-2013, 01:48 PM

I've owned a laptop since 2009... I, too, had a hard time getting used to it at first. I still largely prefer to use a mouse with it. Small price to pay, I suppose. I have a portable desk dealy for it that gets a ton of use when I travel - there's usually no desk available for me on my travels so this portable desk works well for me. It's a thin, hard board with a built-in mousepad that slides out. It's pretty handy!

You just have to find what's comfortable and works for you.

James"Thunder"Early · 02-22-2013, 02:36 PM

It is hard, but after using it for awhile and trying not to think about the difficulty, it gets easier. It really works best if you can train your index finger and thumb on the touchpad, with the index finger on the scroll pad and thumb on the clicker.

02-20-2013, 05:21 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Can't get used to using my laptop (no mouse) I bought a laptop last year, a nice Sony. I rarely use it because I can't get used to using the touchpad instead of a mouse. I bought a wireless mouse and extra mousepad, but that's stupid. I may as well be using my desktop. I've practiced to try to get used to the touchpad, but I just hate it. If has little clicks which are helpful, but I simply can't get used to it. Anyone ever go through this who can offer some tips? Right now, it's just a thousand dollar paperweight.

02-20-2013, 07:43 PM	#4
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	I'm sorry that the touchpad is like that. I think they should make laptops with a regular mouse somehow. Sorry to hear that you rarely use the laptop because it doesn't have a normal mouse. I know there are a bunch of keyboard commands that can be used in placeof a mouse, but I don't know what those would be.
	__________________ Jenny

02-20-2013, 10:27 PM	#5
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,082	I have never used a laptop but I know it would be hard to get used to having no mouse!
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

02-21-2013, 06:08 PM	#10
Sterling Holobyte Harper House Senior Member Join Date: Nov 07, 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,896	I know what you mean about using a touchpad instead of a mouse. I hate it myself. That's why I rarely use the laptop. My advice, ditch the laptop and get a desktop. But that's about all you can do, unless you want to try to learn to like having no mouse. I wonder, is there a laptop with a mouse built-in to the console? It could be maneuverable and still be attached, or have a little toggle that you could move the cursor with. Someone might want to think about making one of those if not. Some people might like it. I know I would.
	__________________ "Let it go. Forget about it. Try smiling." -Michael Harris WPIV studio producer/shoe salesman/grocery store employee/Ex-sanitarium patient/Stephanie's boyfriend-then husband --------------------------------------------------- My 2nd First Blog:http://saturdaymorningfunnies.wordpress.com/

02-22-2013, 02:36 PM	#15
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	It is hard, but after using it for awhile and trying not to think about the difficulty, it gets easier. It really works best if you can train your index finger and thumb on the touchpad, with the index finger on the scroll pad and thumb on the clicker.
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

02-20-2013, 05:28 PM	#2
yankeesrj12 Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 4,335	I hated the mouse when I first got a laptop 6 or 7 years ago, but I've grown used to it. Just keep using it and eventually you should be good!

02-20-2013, 05:32 PM	#3
retrofan05 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,111	You know the saying practice makes perfect? I think it's just one of those things you have to keep doing it until it comes routine. I don't have a laptop, but a friend of mine does. I too found it very difficult, but like I said, if you just keep using it on a regular basis, it should work out fine.

02-20-2013, 11:32 PM	#6
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Thanks guys. Is there anyone here that uses a laptop on a regular basis? How easy/difficult was it to adjust?

02-21-2013, 09:14 PM	#11
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	^ We have two desktops. I bought this to use on the sofa or even in bed, when my husband's watching his shows, sports, etc. I bought it at least six month's ago anyway, so I guess I'm stuck with it. I did buy a specially made tray table for it, but it's still not worth the trouble.

02-22-2013, 08:45 AM	#12
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,563	I use a laptop for over a year now and love it better than a PC. I have a mouse hooked up to my laptop, I hate the mousepads they have built in. I love being able to scroll really easily with my mouse

02-22-2013, 01:48 PM	#14
PZelda Two Valeries! <3 Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Location: I'm STILL missing NYC. :( Posts: 78,223	I've owned a laptop since 2009... I, too, had a hard time getting used to it at first. I still largely prefer to use a mouse with it. Small price to pay, I suppose. I have a portable desk dealy for it that gets a ton of use when I travel - there's usually no desk available for me on my travels so this portable desk works well for me. It's a thin, hard board with a built-in mousepad that slides out. It's pretty handy! You just have to find what's comfortable and works for you.