Mouse Balls & Mouse Ball Inspection

"Maintaining Your Mouse"

I don't know how they wrote this with a straight face.
This was a real memo sent out by IBM to its
employees in all seriousness. It went to all field
engineers about a computer peripheral problem.

The author of this memo was quite genuine. The
engineers rolled on the floor!

"Mouse Balls & Mouse Ball Inspection"

"If a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically,
it may need a ball replacement. Mouse Balls are now
available as FRU (Field Replacement Units). Because
of the delicate nature of this procedure, a replacement
of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly
trained personnel.

Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls
by examining the underside of the mouse Domestic
balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball
removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacturer
of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop
off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist
off method.

Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However,
excessive handling can result in sudden discharge.

Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may
be used immediately. It is recommended that each
person have a pair of spare balls for maintaining optimum
customer satisfaction. Any customer missing his balls
should contact the local personnel in charge of removing
and replacing these necessary items.

Please keep in mind that a customer without properly
working balls is an unhappy customer."
Received on Mon Jan 8 08:03:17 2007