Novice asking door tech help

[eyeteach]

Recently someone gave me a used, semi-good laptop; I say semi-good because the asshole that gave it to me did not tell me that the touchpad does NOT work. Nope, not even in the least. As it stands right now this laptop is basically useless without the touchpad and pointer so no perusing the intrawebz with it unless I get a mouse, which leads me to my question. What is the best brand mouse I can get that I can plug into a USB port? I'm not looking to spend too much money on one just a mouse I can plug in and get everything working.

Thanks...

 

[eyeteach]

Door help? WTH??? That should have been "for" help. Stupid frickin' iPad is another reason I need that laptop working.

Door help my ass.

 

[Sevrin]

I'd get something like the Logitech M320 if you're looking for a brand-name mouse. You can get a cheaper wired mouse, but I think wireless mice make a lot of sense for a laptop, in case you ever want to use it away from home.

 

[KylieJacobs]

I have a laptop and I rarely use the touchpad because I think it's a pain to use plus it sometimes gets in the way when I'm typing so I turn it off. I use a wireless mouse (bluetooth), mine is the Logitech M310, but there's probably a lot of good wireless mouses out there.

Don't worry too much about replacing batteries on the mouse either because I use mine all the time and only change out the battery every few months at the most.

Is it possible that the touchpad works and it just needs to be turned back on???

I would recommend getting a lapdesk also if you are using a mouse especially if you don't sit at a table all the time. I think this is the one that I have. It's a good size for a mouse, but the cushioning is getting a little flat after using it for 2+ years. http://amzn.com/B002WER27Q

 

[SaffronBurke]

Just go to whatever big box store you typically frequent and pick up a wireless mouse. Though, it's worth noting that almost any mouse manufactured these days has a USB plug, wired and wireless alike.

 

[JerryBoBerry]

I was forced to get a mouse while travelling one time. Just bought the cheapest one at walmart, on sale at the time for $12. Logitech m185. Turns out it's been pretty good. Still on the original battery. The range is great. It is a bit small, but when I travel and take my laptop it doesn't take much room in the bag.

Also if you would rather use the touch pad instead of a mouse, keep in mind those can be had starting at $20 to $30 and up.
Newegg external touchpad.

 

[eyeteach]

See now this is one the reason's I joined this site, you guys know your stuff! Thanks everyone, I read every response and really appreciate your help.

 

[Bocefish]

Hmmm... so the guy was kind enough to GIVE you a working laptop, yet he's an asshole because he didn't tell you the touchpad wasn't working? What a jerk!

Did you by chance check to see if he disabled the touchpad or perhaps mention to him the touchpad was not working? Personally, I also hate using touchpads and immediately disabled mine to use a mouse, so he may not have even known it wasn't working or like I said earlier, just disabled it.

Last time I was shopping around to buy a mouse, most office max or office depots have them set up on working display racks so you can see how they feel in your hand and take them for a test drive, so to speak.

ETA: http://ccm.net/faq/1902-disable-enable-the-touchpad

 

[JubalCobb]

disappointed to not find a thread about smart locks, smart doorbells and keyholes with camera so you can check it on your phone.

 

[gothicfeline]

get a cheep wireless Logitech. best buy and wal-mart has then for about $10 to $15 I have had this one for about 2 years. only had to change the battery. and I keep my pad off by default