Humble Computer Mouses

Question 1

Is a computer mouse mechanical or optical?

Answer 1

It can be both mechanical or optical

Question 2

What does a mechanical mouse use to work out the orientation?

Answer 2

It uses a rubber ball underneath the mouse which moves around on a hard surface and sensors to work out the orientation of the mouse.

Question 3

What does an optical mouse use to work out the orientation?

Answer 3

It uses a red LED and a sensor to determinate the movement of the mouse as it passes over patterns on a surface

Question 4

What can all these devices connect to and how?

Answer 4

They can be connected to a device via a USB port or using a wireless connection