PS/2 vs. USB

[BustaRomeo]

I don't even know why I want to ask this question, but here goes. I have a microsoft optical wheel mouse and I just want to know whether (as a gamer) it would make any difference to use USB instead of the PS/2 adapter for the mouse. Would it be smoother, more accurate, etc? I read somewhere that if you use PS/2 the normal buttons won't function if the middle button is being held down, and I imagine that if this is true it would cause slight issues when changing weapons in games or something. It's a dumb question, just help me get it out my system.

[shadowbreaker513]

Doesn't matter a bit. PS/2 mice and keyboards used to be needed for doing things in the BIOS, but now you can usually use usb for that as well.

[RJ]

The functionality should be the same. Never heard about that issue you described, but since your mouse is an USB mouse, use it with USB. It's always the best to use the connection that the device is designed for.

RJ

[glc]

I feel the opposite as RJ - the PS/2 port can't be used for anything else, so use it for the mouse. The less devices you have hanging off your USB, the less possibility for conflicts.

[Hi Ho]

I have an MS Optical Wheel mouse too and I use the PS/2 adapter. I see no reason to use USB since it offers no advantage.

[HAL9000]

I've always failed to understand the reasoning behind USB mice and keyboards. The PS2 ports are there, cannot be disabled so therefor still reserve resources in the system... switching to USB gains nothing.

[RJ]

This "gains nothing" is still a personal preference, as for me personally, that statement is just plain wrong.

Being able to connect the mouse, joystick, another joystick and gamepad to the keyboard is a comfort I would never want to be without.
I was without it before, and it was really annoying. I hope they produce more USB keyboards, so that PS/2 can finally be removed. The reason why USB mice and keyboards exist, I guess, that an older standard can be ditched an favour of a new one. But, as so often, ditching a standard is unfortunately hard to impossible
I never understood why PS/2 is still not abandoned, USB is so much better. Guys like you can just plug everything to the computer, like with PS/2, and guys like me or a friend of mine, can take advantage of the extra comfort that is possible.

RJ

[Trent Steel]

I have a Microsoft optical wheel mouse and I noticed a difference between using the ps/2 port and using the usb connection. The only area where there is a noticable difference for me is in fps games where twice responses are needed and the usb keeps tracking where as when using the ps/2 port it would not register any movement at all.

[nicolaus corelius]

the truth is that usb has a higher response registry. it doesnt affect everyday work, but in games its noticable

[bailey]

I could be wrong but I belive that the motherboard power supply tht suplies the power for the usb ports is a very limited one and can very easly become overloaded, it has been recommended that a self powered usb hub be connected to the computer and then the many devices be connected to the hub, doing this will relive the power drain from the motherboard supply.

I have two self powered hubs on my system. with several devices connected.
I belive devices like a usb powered scanner is one of the devices that can use all the power from the from the port on the computer.

[Force Flow]

I've always used the PS/2 ports because they aren't used by anything else and they always work. Never had a problem with them. USB on the other hand...there can be problems.

[nicolaus corelius]

I belive devices like a usb powered scanner is one of the devices that can use all the power from the from the port on the computer

yeah, but who the hell makes bus powered scanners?
the biggest thing ull see is probably a burner connnected w/o an external power.

[glc]

who the hell makes bus powered scanners?

Canon, and they are very nice scanners. USB wireless network adapters suck up the full 500mw too.

[duggyb]

yeah i think everything shoudl actully be FIREWIRE becuase imagine haveing like 12 FW port on the back foreverything for your printer camer mouse keyboard even ethernet it would be easy for the begginer becuase they are all the same plugs just plug em all in and make sure atleast one is one fo the ports:P

Duggy

[redbaron_snoopy]

PS/2 since it can't be used for anything else.
Also, with USB printer, scanner, pocket HDD, camera, PDA etc, I like to have a couple of spare USBs around.