Monday Mystery Meat…Solved
Thanks to my quiz participants. Cheryl wins the prize for getting the closest. I don’t know what she wins (other than my undying amazement…:) )
This…
is the track ball inside my mouse. Somehow, my daughter figured out how to get it out of the mouse and coat it w/ silly putty. In case you are wondering…track balls tend not to glide very smoothly when coated w/ silly putty.
The next stumper…how to get the ever-lovin’ stuff OFF of the mouse? Scraping didn’t work. I was afraid trying goo gone would make it worse. Soooo, I ended up putting the thing in the freezer over night hoping I could chip it off. That worked only mildly well. Finally, my husband just got another ball from another (dead) computer and we were good to go. Any other suggestions for the future, I’d be mighty glad.
Meanwhile…we have banned silly putty from our home. We once had to do that w/ legos. In case you were wondering, legos do not flush down the toilet very well. It’s not pretty.
Next time (and there probably will be!) I’d try either rubbing alcohol or, even better, nail polish remover. However, a) a replacement mouse doesn’t have to be expensive, and b) I’d recommend moving to optical mice (sans ball) anyway as they’re more accurate and don’t require internal cleaning.
And as for banning silly putty, I wasn’t even aware they still made the stuff!
Comment by Luna Pier Cook — April 21, 2008 @ 4:02 am
BTW, you might appreciate this one …
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Abstract: Mouse Balls Available as FRU (Field Replacement Unit)
Mouse balls are now available as FRU. Therefore, if a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may need a ball replacement. Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, replacement of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained personnel.
Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ depending upon manufacturer of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop-off method. Domestic balls are replaced using the twist-off method. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However, excessive handling can result in sudden discharge. Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used immediately.
It is recommended that each replacer have a pair of spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction, and that any customer missing his balls should suspect local personnel of removing these necessary items.
Comment by Luna Pier Cook — April 21, 2008 @ 4:06 am
Ok, that’s screamingly funny.
Also…on the optical ball. This computer is basically for the kids only. DH and I both have laptops. Ergo…since they DO crap like put silly putty in it, I’ve decided not to invest any $ into it if I can at all avoid it. As long as they can log on to webkinz.com and play some CDs, they’re good to go. For now…
Comment by Robin — April 21, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Legos flush better than golf balls (a neighbor kid did that one). I also invested in a spray bottle of goo-be-gone. It is a real proudct, and it gets rid of the well defined “goo.”
I can commiserate–I spent a good 20 minutes cleaning the food remnants out of the keyboard last Friday. I know they have the spray stuff that will expedite that, but with teens around, I try not to have too many products that contain potential inhalants around. (not that I think my kids would do it, but I’m not one to say “never my kid”).
LPC–VERY funny stuff!
Comment by Phyllis — April 21, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
I knew that “goo” looked familar!!! LMAO
Comment by Cheryl Engfer — April 22, 2008 @ 10:26 pm