So here is your question for the day… Are mouse pads still relevant?
With technology advancements and the use of tablets and laptops fewer and fewer people are using a mouse. 
Even those people who are still using them are not using the traditional mouse. The newer models have no resemblance at all to the traditional mouse. They are track pads that have mouse functionality along with all the multi-finger gestures. With these newer models there is no need nor purpose for a mouse pad. Those using a mouse in the more traditional sense probably have no track ball, again no need for a mouse pad. That is, after all, what the mouse pad is actually for – to save the surface of your desk from damage resulting from the track ball.
So what do you think? Will mouse pads soon be obsolete? Do you still use a mouse pad?
I use one at work only. I have a laptop that I use with a docking station (large monitor for web editing). My job still has me using the mouse from my old desktop though, which looks like the first mouse ever created.
LOL I hear you. I don't have anything current from my day job either.
I don't like using a racking ball or the mouse "pad" on a laptop. I find that I can work much more quickly using a mouse. I don't see any reason to change.
I must admit that I find using a mouse much faster as well.
I still use a mouse – although no tracking ball. I know some people who only use the scroll button built in on some computer (not Apple), but I still need the mouse…
I am with you. I still use a mouse. No mouse pad needed though. I think those who use them do so because they like them rather than actually needing them.
I like using one, but my husband doesn't.
I hear you. They key is that you 'like' using one. They are no longer a necessity.
Agree with you that mouse pads are becoming a thing of the past. Can't remember when I last used one:-)
It would seem that if someone is using one it is because they want to rather than needing to.
I think he just likes having it I have used his computer and didn't think he needed a mouse pad…………
I think you are probably right. He likes it rather than needs it.
Mouse pads have been obsolete for years already. I can't even remember the last time I used a mouse pad. At least 10 years ago. Mouse pads were never really essential for using the mouse. I always just used the desk top or any flat surface. Mouse pads became more of a marketing tool for advertisers to put logos and pictures onto.
You are so right. I had forgotten about them being a marketing tool. Excellent point!
I have a great little mouse which uses a track light. It's designed for the laptop, some surfaces it might struggle on but because it uses it's little red light there's no need for a mouse pad. My husband still uses one but I find it annoying with it's hump for your wrists and the ball gets stuck. I tell him he can keep it… I like my mouse freedom to much!
That's a very good question. I still see a few people use mouse pads. But I personally don't anymore since I pretty much use a laptop and my trackpad is serving me so well, I don't see the need of using a separate mouse.
No I don't use a mouse pad anymore, but hubby does………….
I seriously had to jog my memory of what a mouse pad looks like. Haven't seen one in ages! If I do find an old one, guess it becomes a coaster…like my cd's.
CDs? Oh right… I remember now. LOL Coasters… mouse pads…. good way to repurpose them!
Oh boy! I guess I'm going to show my age. I still use a Windows desktop with a mouse and a mousepad. I'll move into the 21st century one of these days!
I actually use both… If you can believe that. The Mac mouse has some nice features and is good to travel with. I am now in search of a good draw pad to use for my drawings. Any suggestions.
I believe you use a mouse. But do you use a mouse pad? As for drawing… I just may have something for you. Stay tuned…
I use the tract pad for my desktop. It took me a bit to get use to it. Can't wait to see what your thoughts are on the drawing tool.
I've just switched jobs. We work on desk tops, because the large screen enables us to see the entire newspaper page (Yep, am back in the newsroom now) and guess what, I am struggling with the extra large mouse…..I used a lap top as a consultant for more than ten years and it is difficult to go back to a desk top. Sigh…
I understand. I used what I call a mini mouse for years when I traveled. Now I use a bigger mouse. The question is whether or not you actually need a mouse pad with the mouse. I do not. But I use one anyway.
Hi Cheryl: I saw one of those new Mac flat mouses at a trade show recently and must get myself one! They really seem to ease the use of your hand muscles, and the fellow who was using it said it really helped him.
So, yes, I do think that traditional mouses will be a thing of the past before too long. Cheers!