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View Full Version : Mouse USB - to - PS/2 ?


JustSomeDude
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:00 AM
So, with my new computer all setup and dialed in, I figured it would be a good time to get a new wireless mouse thingamabob. However, I want to maximize my available USB ports, and would *like* to use a USB-to-PS/2 adapter with my new mouse.

I found that some of the older mice, with the large base station receivers, come with the adapter (example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.a...0OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=26-105-039-S07&ISList=26-105-039-S01%2c26-105-039-S02%2c26-105-039-S03%2c26-105-039-S04%2c26-105-039-S05%2c26-105-039-S06%2c26-105-039-S07&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16826105039&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Microsoft%20M03-00090%20Silver%2fBlack%20RF%20Wireless%20Optical%2 0Mouse%205000%20-%20OEM)). However, some of the newer mice that just have the tiny USB stick receiver, do not (example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.a...etail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=26-105-194-S07&ISList=26-105-194-S01%2c26-105-194-S02%2c26-105-194-S03%2c26-105-194-S04%2c26-105-194-S05%2c26-105-194-S06%2c26-105-194-S07&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16826105194&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Microsoft%20Rechargeable%20Wireless%20 Laser%20Mouse%207000%20-%20Retail)).

My question is this... will the new USB stick type mouse receivers work with a PS/2 adapter - or MUST they be plugged into a USB port? :dunno:
~Barn~
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:05 AM
Hmm... Excellent question.

I honestly don't know if it would work or not. :dunno:

If I had to guess, I would say probably not.
JustSomeDude
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:10 AM
If I had to guess, I would say probably not.

That's my guess too... as it's probably pulling power off the USB in a manner that is incompatible with a PS/2 connection.

Bummer... 'Cause I like the space saving features of those USB stick receivers. :(
Devaclis
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:10 AM
I have a crap load of the USB -> PS/2 adapters. They work with any USB device that does not need to be powered via USB. Your adapter will need to be plugged into a USB port. It needs the USB power for the radio on the USB adapter. Sorry.

What you CAN do is just get a USB expansion card for your computer or an external USB hub. Also, most larger USB devices have additional USB ports o nthem so you can daisy chain your USB devices. Check ouy your LCD monitor, your keyboard, or external HDD.
JustSomeDude
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:20 AM
They work with any USB device that does not need to be powered via USB. Your adapter will need to be plugged into a USB port. It needs the USB power for the radio on the USB adapter. Sorry.

But don't the old "base station" receivers need power too? They don't use batteries, so how are they powered off PS/2?
salsashark
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 09:26 AM
Dana beat me to it, but that's what I did when I converted my old laptop to a semi-permanent desktop.

Pick up a USB hub and you'll have more then enough...

http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?keyword=usb+hub&category=&submit.x=0&submit.y=0
TurboGizzmo
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 11:32 AM
Dana beat me to it, but that's what I did when I converted my old laptop to a semi-permanent desktop.

Pick up a USB hub and you'll have more then enough...

http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?keyword=usb+hub&category=&submit.x=0&submit.y=0

+1 I have mixed luck with USB to PS2 and the reverse so I would go the hub route to have ENDLESS USB connections (well ok around 127)
Devaclis
Tue Jul 14th, 2009, 11:44 AM
As for the base station. Doesn't it have an ac adapter?