Do all serial mice suck?

[TheManuel]

I ask because I have the CompUSA Crystal Trackball.
It works great on the PS/2 but when I connect it through the serial port, the pointer moves jaggedly and does not seem to have the same movement resolution as with the PS/2.
My idea then, is to leave it on the PS/2 and buying a new serial mouse to replace my current PS/2 for regular Windows use.
Do all serial mice behave this way or is it only this one when used on the serial port?

Thanks.

[eightbit]

Sounds like a driver issue or possibly something is sharing the IRQ on the serial port that you are using.

[Kitbasher]

Its more likely the ps2 to serial adapter.  My spinner-hacked mouse will not work on any of the serial adapters I have on any of my systems.  Win 98 and win xp.  But it will work as a PS 2 mouse and on the 98 system I just install a USB mouse for windows and it works fine.  This would not be a problem if I built a dedicated cabinet, but I am building control panels due to space contraints.

[Minwah]

I have a Genius Kidsball (aka KYE Kidsball / Crayola somethingorother) which is serial and works just fine...

[eightbit]

Its more likely the ps2 to serial adapter.  My spinner-hacked mouse will not work on any of the serial adapters I have on any of my systems.  Win 98 and win xp.  But it will work as a PS 2 mouse and on the 98 system I just install a USB mouse for windows and it works fine.  This would not be a problem if I built a dedicated cabinet, but I am building control panels due to space contraints.

Good point KB, TheManuel did it come with the adapter or did you purchase that seperately. I've had a lot of mice not work with adapters if they didn't come with one.

[TheManuel]

It came with its own little adapter and yet, the performance on the serial port is very inferior.  I have not checked however, if Windows (XP) loads the same driver when I connect it through the serial port as when I connect it through the PS/2.  I'll check tonight when I get back home.
The ideal situation for me here, would be if the trackball worked on the serial as well as it does on the PS/2. This way, I would not need to purchase anything else.
Thanks for the answers so far.

[eightbit]

Have you tried reversing it and using your other mouse through the serial port?

[TheManuel]

Have you tried reversing it and using your other mouse through the serial port?

I have tried that but it does not work at all.  Apparently my other mouse is not designed to work on the serial port.
On a side note, I can't use a USB mouse because my two USB ports are already occupied (and a hub will be extra money).

[eightbit]

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=17-111-960-02.JPG/17-111-960-03.JPG/17-111-960-01.jpg $10 USB hub

[TheManuel]

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=17-111-960-02.JPG/17-111-960-03.JPG/17-111-960-01.jpg $10 USB hub

Certainly someting to consider.  I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.