When I'm at a desktop computer, there are usually mousepads to use, but sometimes I want to use a mouse with my laptop. Using the mouse directly on the table usually results in a less responsive mouse. A couple sheets of paper makes the mouse responsive, but hard to move due to the mouse sticking to the paper.
Getting an actual mousepad is usually hard, because I move around with my laptop a lot and don't want to always bring a mousepad with me. What can I use instead of a mousepad?
I find that a folder (with contents in it, otherwise it moves) works well, especially since I almost always have one with me. Plus because it's bigger than a mousepad, I prefer it to a mousepad. Keep in mind that there are many different types of folders, and some don't work well.
The best folder I've found has a texture:
I'm guessing that this reduces the contact surface with the mouse, making it really easy to move. Every smooth folder I've tried makes the mouse harder to move. Actually, come to think of it, this might make the mouse easier to move than a mousepad; it's been a while since I've actually used a mousepad so I can't compare.
I find that regular printer paper gives a better surface for mice than a table, and I use that all the time. I use 9x13" 20lb. letter/printer paper. So far the only issue is that when the table is slippery enough, the paper may get pushed around by the mouse or your hand. You can get around this by stacking up several papers. The more, the better, to a degree, stability-wise. You can also lick your finger, and wipe it on the bottom of the paper(s), to prevent it sliding, or set one edge under the laptop.
You can use a small piece of floor carpet that isn't too thick. It may not be very comfortable, but that totally depends on the material and texture of the carpet. You can even find those which you might like more than the store-bought mouse pads.
Also it is important to check your mouse sensor type. I have a portable usb mouse that is specifically labeled as "for shiny surfaces". It works just fine on glass, table tops and other shiny surfaces, just as it says it would, but surprisingly, it lags and does weird stuff on common mouse pads. Maybe get one of those and forget about carpets and mouse pads.
If you don't care about your table and you don't want to buy a mouse, find a way to make the table surface non-shiny. For example, you could rub some sand paper on the area you're moving the mouse around. The trick is that optic sensor built into the mouse may not focus very well on shiny surfaces because of its flat texture. To help it with the focus, you may increase the surface texture variations by sanding it a bit.
Or as others recommended, just put a standard office sheet of paper under it. Its texture is already good enough for most mice to work fine. But your palm might feel sore after some time because the paper will dry it out and result in additional friction with paper. To counter that, you could wear a glove.
When I'm sitting on the couch with my laptop, I just use the cushion beside me as a pad for my laser pointer mouse. I like it because I'm not limited to a certain area or position of my arm. It requires virtually no pressure, and as long as I keep it on the flat part of the cushion, rather than in the crack between cushions, or on the curved cushion edge, it works perfectly.
Scribble on Paper.
Paper is good (so long as it is nongloss). But if you cover it in scribbles there is more changes for the optical sensor to "see". Thus making it more responsive. Paper is fairly easy to get hold of at most places.
As a more permanent solution, invest in a better mouse. Higher quality mice have better (higher resolution) sensors so can pick up differences on smooother surfaces. My $14 mouse won't work on laminated tables. My old Logitech G5, would work on anything I tried it on (Packaging said it would work on glass, but I never tried).
It might sound odd, but a cloth pot-holder works perfectly. The material is a bit similar to a real mouse-pad, and it's also around the same size. And, it's available in almost any kitchen.
Edit: I'm not sure exactly what type of cloth it is, but it might be cotton+polyester. Here's a picture:
The important thing seems to be that the mouse has something to catch on and prevent it from moving too quickly. That's why cardboard didn't work.
If its an optical mouse, this is the best one ever. Open the pdf at the provided link, print and use. When it gets dirty/wears out, print a new one.
If your problem is simply just getting the mouse to move freely over the surface either traditional desktop or an improvised mouse pad try this. Take sticky tape such gaffer tape or otherwise with a backing that wont catch on the table.
And put tape over the pads under the mouse that are designed to help the mouse move freely under regular use. Sounds strange but works for me when I am using the mouse on surface that has little friction.
For a portable mouse pad, just tear the PVC cover off a letter/A4 sized notebook. I find they work fantastic and are stiff so wont crumple, and easy to find.
Use an eating plate, it will work like a charm! Basically any metallic eating plate (I hope there is one in your home) will do the job for any optical mouse.
My favorite mousepads are soft tablet covers, sold at many "dollar stores". A little doublestick tape keeps them from sliding, if that's a problem. They're easy on my hands.
Funnily enough, although it is slow, skin works well for a mouse.
Sometimes I have a glass coffee table I'm working on, no valid surface for the laser mouse I use. I found out a couple months ago that actually if I base the mouse on my palm, or my leather wallet, it works as well as a mousepad, although it is slower.
The simplest solution may be to replace the mouse. Standard optical mice only work on a limited selection of surfaces. A laser mouse performs much better in this regard, so you won't need a mouse pad in most circumstances.
That also has the benefit of liberating you from the constraints of the mouse pad:
You can easily make a mousepad for free by placing cardboard inside newspaper. I also use a mouse this way.
