20.7 Our Picks
In
prior editions, we recommended Microsoft mice exclusively because
they happened to be the best mice available. People sent us
nastygrams accusing us of being in the pay of the Borg. Well, we get
as mad at Microsoft as anyone else does, so it's a
pleasure to be able to recommend some non-Microsoft products in this
edition.
Logitech mice are generally a bit less expensive than comparable
Microsoft models, and some people actually prefer them, but whenever
we try a competing model we invariably find ourselves coming back to
Microsoft. Some also prefer tablets to mice or trackballs, but we
have insufficient experience with tablets to have formed any valid
opinions concerning them.
Here are the mice and trackballs we use and recommend:
- Mechanical mouse
-
None. There is little reason to buy
a mechanical mouse nowadays. Basic red-eye mice sell for as little as
$10, and even the best red-eye mice cost little or no more than
mechanical mice with similar features. The only reason to buy a
mechanical mouse is if you have a notebook or KVM that
doesn't work with red-eye mice. In that situation,
we recommend an inexpensive Microsoft IntelliMouse.
- Basic optical mouse
-
Samsung or Logitech Optical Wheel
Mouse. At $12 or so each, these red-eye mice are good
enough for nearly any purpose. Similar products are made (or
relabeled) by Labtec, Keytronic, IOGEAR, and others. We
haven't tried those, but we suspect any of them
would suffice. Many models are available, most of which have two
buttons and a scroll wheel. Most models have PS/2 and USB connectors,
although some have only PS/2. These inexpensive red-eye mice
don't have the best sensors or the most robust
mechanical construction, but they're precise enough
and durable enough to serve most people's needs
well. Robert uses Samsung and Logitech red-eye mice on his secondary
systems (http://www.samsung.com
and http://www.logitech.com).
- Five-button optical mouse
-
Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical or IntelliMouse
Explorer. These five-button mice sell for three to four
times the price of basic optical mice. They appear to be somewhat
more durable and precise, but the difference is not large. The
IntelliMouse Optical is a standard-size mouse that is usable with
either hand. The IntelliMouse Explorer is an oversize mouse that is
for righthanded use only. Both models have PS/2 and USB connectors.
Barbara uses an IntelliMouse Explorer on her main system, despite her
small hands, because she finds it reduces the frequency and severity
of hand pain she experiences with standard-size mice. Robert uses an
IntelliMouse Optical on his primary system (http://www.microsoft.com).
- Miniature optical mouse
-
Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse.
This cute little USB-only rodent is just the thing when space is at a
premium. At twice the price of a basic optical mouse,
it's not cheap, but it does work on most notebooks,
which some other red-eye mice do not. Many children and some adults
who have very small hands prefer a mouse of this size for general
use. We find it a bit too small for comfortable long-term use, but it
is certainly superior to the built-in pointing devices used on most
notebook computers.
- Gyroscopic mouse
-
Gyration Ultra Cordless Optical Mouse.
We haven't actually used this product,
but we've received so many favorable comments about
it from readers that we decided to include it in our recommendations.
At $70 or so for the basic model, this is a very expensive mouse, but
it is unique because it does not require a mousing surface at all. In
optical mode, it works like any other red-eye mouse. But when you
press the Bat-button, a miniature two-axis gyro spins up, which
allows the mouse to function normally simply by being waved around in
midair. One nice feature of the Gyration mice is their relatively
long range. The range of the standard unit is rated at 25 feet, and
the Pro unit at 100 feet. Frankly, we don't see a
need for airborne mice, but many of our readers tell us they use this
mouse (and the matched wireless keyboard) on home entertainment
systems (http://www.gyration.com/).
- Wireless optical mouse
-
Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse or Wireless
IntelliMouse Explorer. If you need a wireless mouse,
either of these will do the job admirably. The Wireless Optical Mouse
is an ambidextrous, standard-size wheel mouse that uses the PS/2 or
USB interface. The Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer is an oversize
five-button mouse that is USB-only. These units are intended for
desktop use, and so have relatively short range. If you need longer
range, use one of the Gyration units.
- Trackball
-
Microsoft
Trackballs.
Microsoft produces two
optical trackballs, which offer the same advantages as red-eye mice.
These two models differ primarily in where the ball is placed. The
Trackball Optical puts the ball on
the left side near the middle, where it can be manipulated by the
thumb. The Trackball Explorer puts
the ball at the top front, where it can be manipulated by the index
finger. We prefer the latter, but suggest you try both because some
people prefer using their thumbs.
For our most recent detailed recommendations by brand name and model
number, visit: http://www.hardwareguys.com/picks/mice.html.
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