Leaking batteries in cordless optical mice

[EvilHorace]

I luv my meeces to pieces BUT I can't help but notice that both of my 2 Logitech Mouseman cordless optical mice tend to go though batteries fairly quickly (last about a month I'd say) and that in itself doesn't bother me much but twice now I've seen where the batteries leak fluid (battery acid) if I don't change them almost immediately after seeing the "low battery" warning show up. The mice are usually still usable for a while after seeing that message but I'm not liking the fluid leak, especially the laptops which usually sits on carpeting or the couch.

If anyone else has experienced this, have you found better batteries that won't leak? I've seen this now with 2 different brands and I'm not using cheap batteries either. Apparently there's something about the current draw for the LEDs that's causing this.

[Jim Z]

LEDs themselves draw pretty low current, I would assume the optical sensor, DSP/drive circuitry and/or the transmitter would draw more power.

Have you tried rechargables?

[poop]

2 leds = .4 amps. That isn't what I would call 'little'.

Go with rechargable NiMh batteries. They are much happier supplying heavy current draw than a plain old alkaline.

[Jim Z]

2 leds = .4 amps. That isn't what I would call 'little'.

Where are you getting those numbers? I did a little searching and the highest forward current I found for even "super bright" T5s is 50mA, and that's considered max.

[EvilHorace]

Guess I'll try rechargeables next. Thanks guys.