Introduction: Cheapest, Easiest, Most Portable "Mouse Pad"
This is my first instructable.
This mouse pad is by far the easiest and cheapest I've discovered. I have an optical mouse, but the mouse pad also works the laser or ball mice. it's also the the easiest to replace encase the mouse pad gets dirty or covered with notes.
(my apologies because my desk is white along with the "mouse pad")
NOTE: If you're into heavy gaming like WOW or FPS GAMES than this "mouse pad"probably won't do you much good. I have used this on rough concrete with little trouble from it ripping. This is not a permanent solution ifthat is what you're looking for. Of course a piece of tile from Home Depot would probably work better for a PERMANANT solution. But how often do you carry a piece of tile with you in you laptop bag. Can you write notes on tiles and then throw or save it cheaper than paper? Yes, I could have printed the instructable logo on the piece of paper with the phase "World's cheapest 'mouse pad'" but I didnt. I have played The Sims 2 and Diablo 2 using this "mouse pad" with no problem. I'm sorry you do not like this idea.
Step 1: Items Required
-- One piece of plain white paper (preferably 8.5 x 11)
-- four pieces of tape (invisible tape works great)
Step 2: Instructions
1. Take the sheet of paper and place on desk where you usually use your mouse.
2. Tape each of the corner to the desk.
Enjoy.
17 Comments
7 years ago
instead we could also wrap the paper around cardboard.can we??
9 years ago on Introduction
OK so it's just a sheet of paper but... I've used a 2 year old mouse mat that once had double sided adhesive film holding it on my desk. Last year I decided to replace it but found the adhesive had become permanent. By the time I got the old mat off the desktop, I found that by using a piece of card I normally make business cards with... Laminated with matte film, it gave me an excellent mouse surface. So for all those who think using paper is below the standard of this site, keep in mind its an ideas site. Take jtmax24's idea and run with it. You never know -- you could come up with a great idea from it! I really like the idea of graph paper. It could result in my pen tablet being used more accurately.
13 years ago on Introduction
Lets face it, this Instructable sucks, but it is a very worthy idea. This is what I currently use on my frosted glass desk, which isn't mouse friendly.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Does not one see the quotes? Do I really need a warning for THIS instructable?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I appreciate your suggestion and the play on words about it being a 'mouse pad'. Thank you for your contribution. Keep it up.
14 years ago on Introduction
Thats no mouse pad, It's just a stupid piece of paper taped onto the top. You don't need an instructable to do that.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
instructables.com is about sharing and helping others with solutions to problems or situations and making do with things at hand. This is exactly what this one is. I'm always amazed at things people do not know and it makes me feel good when they are glad that I suggested something for them. No one is the same, thank goodness, and we are all here to help each other. The better I make the world for other people the better it is for me.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Did you not understand on why I put quotes around the words: mouse pad?
13 years ago on Introduction
The instructable is kinda iffy, but it does work quite well.
When I went to help my grandma sort the pictures on her computer a couple years ago, I noticed she was using an old ball mouse, I saw a practically new wireless optical mouse on the floor. I asked her why she wasn't using it and she told me it didn't work.
I plugged the receiver into her computer and it worked, but the tracking was AWFUL. She has a sliding compartment for her keyboard, with a mouse tray that slides out the side of that. I knew a mouse pad wouldn't fit between them, so I figured the easiest solution is a white piece of paper.
I used a slightly heavier than normal piece of paper, taped the edges nicely and it worked flawlessly, just a few weeks ago, I was at her house and had to check my emails, the same piece of paper was still there, the edges were a bit rough, and the paper was slightly discolored, but it still worked great, not bad for a quick fix.
This is a great way to get optical mice to track on glossy black surfaces, and it's cheaper than a mouse pad, it also won't slide away like some of the cheaper ones.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
With an optical mouse, I have also been using paper and/or fabric. Back in the days when Mac Plus and SEs were working their way into Universities like white ants into a peg-leg factory, and then the PC adopted the mouse as well, there did not seem to be an ideal mousing surface. Paper's not the best because on a hot day it gets soggy.
With the advent of optical mouses, I still prefer the basic blue fabric on neoprene (wetsuit material), but keeping mis-prints onhand so that the blank side can be used in an emergency is always a good standby.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
yes, it's truly amazing how a sheet of paper works.
14 years ago on Introduction
your a genius!!!! lol
14 years ago on Introduction
lasts 5 minutes and wont work on even the slightest of uneven surfaces (which I have) or it just tears right away....I really like the floor tile idea....
14 years ago on Introduction
paper tears and wears out....DUMB go to home depot and spend 50 cent on a piece of floor tile (flat style, not textured)
14 years ago on Introduction
Actually, in my experience paper hasn't worked all that well. :\
14 years ago on Introduction
Yeah..... I could have but that would have been to much work.....
14 years ago on Step 2
you could also do a design on it too