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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Mac Osx Mouse Lag And Acceleration Driving Me Up the Wall
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 2:23 pm
Hello there, I have recently moved over to Power Dual G5 Mac for my audio production requirements. I use it in tandem with 2 PCs. I simply love the refreshing, smooth layout and reliability of the MAC and its speedy hardware. In fact, I like most things about the MAC but the mouse is...
DRIVING ME CRAZY!
Firstly, there is a crazy acceleration which renders any kind of precise mouse operation useless. Not only this, but there appears to be a mouse lag. I.E. The time between moving the mouse, and the mouse moving on-screen is not instant, but happens in a number of miniseconds. This really does proove quite frustrating when trying to do things quickly on OSX.
I've downloaded USB OVERDRIVE, which appears to solve the acceleration problem (if anything, it DECELLERATES the mouse which is equally useless). After tweaking settings on USB OVERDRIVE, I have managed to find something which is slightly better, but now that the acceleration has gone, the mouse tracking speed is too slow, despite being on maximum on the USB OVERDRIVE settings.
There is also still a noticeable lag when moving the mouse. This is very frustrating when trying to operate the computer quickly and efficiently.
I have a 20inch TFT at 1600x1200dpi resolution. When I switch across to the PC (using the same screen), the ease of control and mouse precision is like a breath of fresh air.
I've tried several different very good mice, apple mice, microsoft mice, a logitech mouse, but the problem is inherent in OSX. My PC Geek friends came over and instantly complained when using the mouse on my MAC.
I thought I may be able to get used to this difference on the MAC, but after 6 months of constant use, I'm finding myself beginning to tear my hair out with the problem. I have to use the MAC for my work, for the software available for it, and its speed and reliability.. but it is by far a pleasure to use. In fact, it's a burdon.
I have wondered if the lag problem is down to a hardware issue?
Any help with this problem is eternally appreciated, although I have a feeling this is a stupid oversight either at hardware or software level, and a problem for Apple to address in their next MAC or release of OSX.
DRIVING ME CRAZY!
Firstly, there is a crazy acceleration which renders any kind of precise mouse operation useless. Not only this, but there appears to be a mouse lag. I.E. The time between moving the mouse, and the mouse moving on-screen is not instant, but happens in a number of miniseconds. This really does proove quite frustrating when trying to do things quickly on OSX.
I've downloaded USB OVERDRIVE, which appears to solve the acceleration problem (if anything, it DECELLERATES the mouse which is equally useless). After tweaking settings on USB OVERDRIVE, I have managed to find something which is slightly better, but now that the acceleration has gone, the mouse tracking speed is too slow, despite being on maximum on the USB OVERDRIVE settings.
There is also still a noticeable lag when moving the mouse. This is very frustrating when trying to operate the computer quickly and efficiently.
I have a 20inch TFT at 1600x1200dpi resolution. When I switch across to the PC (using the same screen), the ease of control and mouse precision is like a breath of fresh air.
I've tried several different very good mice, apple mice, microsoft mice, a logitech mouse, but the problem is inherent in OSX. My PC Geek friends came over and instantly complained when using the mouse on my MAC.
I thought I may be able to get used to this difference on the MAC, but after 6 months of constant use, I'm finding myself beginning to tear my hair out with the problem. I have to use the MAC for my work, for the software available for it, and its speed and reliability.. but it is by far a pleasure to use. In fact, it's a burdon.
I have wondered if the lag problem is down to a hardware issue?
Any help with this problem is eternally appreciated, although I have a feeling this is a stupid oversight either at hardware or software level, and a problem for Apple to address in their next MAC or release of OSX.
earthsaver - Jul 20, 2005 - 2:34 pm
Perhaps you're looking for the third-party preference pane, MouseZoom?:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12205
Note that it's incompatible with USB Overdrive.
- Ben
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12205
Note that it's incompatible with USB Overdrive.
- Ben
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 3:02 pm
Hi, thanks but that program simply exaggerates the effect of OSX's mouse control.
In windows, when you make the mouse tracking faster, it will increase the speed of the tracking rather than derease it's resolution. In MACOSX, is will simply decrease the mouse' resolution, hence making moving the mouse blocky! Pretty mad I know. I WOULD expect more from apple. I've read other people's complaints about this mouse issue, and they seem equally dis-illusioned by it. Only difference is, they perceive it as mouse acceleration alone. I sense it is more than just acceleration, but also LAG. an exagerated example of this would be if you draw a circle with the mouse, 2 seconds later, the mouse draws the circle you made.
Any more ideas??
In windows, when you make the mouse tracking faster, it will increase the speed of the tracking rather than derease it's resolution. In MACOSX, is will simply decrease the mouse' resolution, hence making moving the mouse blocky! Pretty mad I know. I WOULD expect more from apple. I've read other people's complaints about this mouse issue, and they seem equally dis-illusioned by it. Only difference is, they perceive it as mouse acceleration alone. I sense it is more than just acceleration, but also LAG. an exagerated example of this would be if you draw a circle with the mouse, 2 seconds later, the mouse draws the circle you made.
Any more ideas??
earthsaver - Jul 20, 2005 - 3:48 pm
A couple more ideas...
SideTrack, though built for trackpads, offers a selection of trackpad, mouse, or Windows acceleration. Maybe you can hack it or ask the developer for a solution that includes only that piece.
This Mac OS X Hints thread suggests the MS IntelliPoint driver:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.p...31203112754828
- Ben
SideTrack, though built for trackpads, offers a selection of trackpad, mouse, or Windows acceleration. Maybe you can hack it or ask the developer for a solution that includes only that piece.
This Mac OS X Hints thread suggests the MS IntelliPoint driver:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.p...31203112754828
- Ben
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 9:56 pm
cheers for that, i have emailed sidetrack as I am no programmer! I am going to try those mouse drivers now (even though i have no microsoft intellimouse, im desparate to get something working ! will update as soon as tried them
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 10:16 pm
Right, i've now tried all these options, intellimouse driver, and macmicemouse driver.. but the lag still exists. I'm now back on the PC to type this message out and using the mouse is just amazing in comparison. I click everything on first try, where as on the mac no matter how much I tweak settings, I over-step or understep the target every time.
Apple should really address this issue. I guess they've all been in there own apple world too long! I anyone from apple is reading this, use a PC with windows XP and "enhance mouse precision" selected.. then try going back to your apple macs! It truly is frustrating.
I do hope there is a solution though
Apple should really address this issue. I guess they've all been in there own apple world too long! I anyone from apple is reading this, use a PC with windows XP and "enhance mouse precision" selected.. then try going back to your apple macs! It truly is frustrating.
I do hope there is a solution though
earthsaver - Jul 20, 2005 - 10:18 pm
Have you tried using the mouse less? I prefer keyboard shortcuts and full keyboard access for a lot of tasks.
- Ben
- Ben
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 10:31 pm
Using less of the mouse is not an acceptable solution! To be honest, having spent so much on a dual G5 powermac, I was not expecting such a basic interface problem. I am starting to wonder how even people used to macs, get used to the mouse lag!
However, pro audio applications (for which apple macs are so famous for), require much use of the mouse. As do graphics. Most functions don't exist for the keyboard as there's a lot of clicking and dragging around complex layouts going on.
Thanks for all the help though.
However, pro audio applications (for which apple macs are so famous for), require much use of the mouse. As do graphics. Most functions don't exist for the keyboard as there's a lot of clicking and dragging around complex layouts going on.
Thanks for all the help though.
matt9b - Jul 20, 2005 - 10:37 pm
My opinion is starting to lend more towards it being a hardware issue.
I do hope apple come up with a fix, even if- (God forbid) it means talking to microsoft to get a working solution.
I do hope apple come up with a fix, even if- (God forbid) it means talking to microsoft to get a working solution.
earthsaver - Jul 20, 2005 - 10:39 pm
Well, I keep the Mouse tracking speed set to one tick before the fast end and I'm using MouseZoom now, set at 2. Even, though, when I wasn't using the latter, I haven't noticed problems mousing to items. I don't like Windows mousing because it's generally been too damn fast for me. Just something I've gotten used too, I guess.
- Ben
- Ben
matt9b - Jul 21, 2005 - 12:14 pm
That is understandable. After getting used to a system with lagg, the more precise and instantaneous movement of a windows mouse would feel fast. It is more accurate though, and for someone who's used to accuracy, getting used to a slower response is pointless. maybe it's something between the usb port and the motherboard.
matt9b - Aug 17, 2005 - 12:32 pm
USB overdrive does improve the acceleration. But randomely turns on and off- a bug I don't know?! So I de-installed usb overdrive. Now my right mouse button doesn't work. It acts like the left one. Any ideas appreciated! Shame apple cant put a bit more effort into all this elitest equipment. It's better than a PC for creative work but still way too far from acceptable in terms of bugs and unnecessary limitations.
earthsaver - Aug 17, 2005 - 12:45 pm
I'm sorry I'm at a loss for understanding some of your frustration. However, as you know, I'm quite content with only one button. As for tracking, I'm turning you back to the pool because I have no further suggestions other than to find more times when using the mouse at all is unnecessary. That probably won't go very far with your audio work, though.
- Ben
- Ben
earthsaver - Aug 17, 2005 - 12:46 pm
One more thing, though, before I forget: Have you tried a different mousing surface? 3M makes a precision mousing surface. There's also the BansheePad. Surely a bunch of other options, too.
- Ben
- Ben
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