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The Best Computer Mice In Every Category
ThinSkin writes "Now that the folks at ExtremeTech have finished writing about the best keyboards for every occasion, they conclude their roundup of input devices with the best computer mice in every category, which includes ergonomic mice, gaming mice, notebook mice, and so on. While this year's crop of gaming mice didn't impress much, there were advancements in non-gaming mice and tracking, as demonstrated by Microsoft's Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack technology — which is considered more precise than optical and laser. Even ergonomic mice saw little growth in the year — prompting the reviewer to rely on the older Zero Tension Mouse as a favorite."
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The Best Computer Mice in Every Category
December 30, 2008
By Jeremy Atkinson
Oh, the lowly mouse. Sometimes it doesn't get as much credit as it deserves. It is, you know, just as important to a computer user as a steering wheel is to a motorist. And, just like the steering wheel has evolved throughout the years, the mouse has grown up quite a bit too, even segmenting itself into several categories to meet the needs of the 21st century computer user.
That's exactly why we've assembled our "best of" list for several mouse categories:
* Best General Mice
* Best Gaming Mice
* Best Ergonomic Mice
* Best Notebook Mice
These aren't just mice reviewed in the last year. There are plenty of great mice out there that are just as good as or better than this year's crop. That's why we're here to help you decide which mouse is best for your needs.
A Note about Pricing
We'll present the list price for each mouse--not the street price. Our reason is to keep the playing field fair between the new and old mice, and to give you an idea how much the keyboard was worth on its debut. If you find something you like, feel free to click the "check prices" link next to each list price. Let's start with our non-gaming, general mice. Continued...
We place an even greater emphasis on comfort when judging regular mice--more than any other type of mouse. Next to that we like to factor in cursor precision, extra buttons, software, scroll wheel (clicky vs. non-clicky), and so forth.
1. Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse
Pros: Wireless; programmable buttons; comfy shape; multiple scrolling modes; fast-enough sensor.
Cons: Size and weight may be too much mouse in small hands; no charging deck.
Summary: Unlike Logitech's G-series brand of gaming mice, the MX line is tailored more for general purpose-computing, though with the versatility, not expertise, for gaming. The MX1100 might be too much mouse for the person looking for an ordinary, two-buttons-and-a-scroll-wheel mouse, but that doesn't make it the best darned general mouse out there, period. Why? Two scrolling modes (clicky and non-clicky), on-the-fly dpi switching (for Photoshop or other tasks requiring a delicate touch), and button remapping. With its amount of customization options, it's hard to exclude users who have different tastes.
List Price: $79.99 (Check Price)
2. Microsoft Explorer Mouse
Pros: Best tracking around; comfy shape for righties; two side buttons; wireless and includes charger.
Cons: Not designed for lefties; scroll wheel might upset users who prefer clicky detents.
Summary: As for as customization and additional features go, the Explorer Mouse doesn't come close to the MX1100, but it does have the best tracking engine around. What this means is that you can use it on virtually any surface (granite kitchen-tops, carpet, etc.) without fail. Its pudgy design fits the hand nicely and its two side buttons are there for those who crave a little extra horsepower.
List Price: $99.99 (Check Price)
3. Logitech MX Revolution
Pros: Cordless; dual-mode scroll wheel; stylish and comfortable design; search button; document flip wheel; SetPoint software; great range and battery life.
Cons: Bit of a learning curve to adjust to the scroll wheel; no lefty version available.
Summary: We were big fans of the MX Revolution when it debuted. Its shape and extra buttons were intriguing, but that may have been a bit overwhelming for some folk. In fact, the MX1100 may very well be Logitech's scaled back version of the MX Revolution in an attempt to provide a more user-friendly experience. The MX Revolution is also the only mouse that exists (and perhaps the only that ever will) that has Logitech's SmartShift technology, which detects and automatically fine-tunes the wheel's scrolling mode depending on t
Mice? I use emacs as my OS you insensitive clod!