Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse For Notebooks 9...
110 Stores $16 - $43
Computer Mouse Buying Guide
The humble computer mouse has grown up and become a multifunctional tool designed to optimize your PC experience. Scroll wheels, navigation buttons and optical sensors have complicated the computer mouse buying process, but these innovations allow you to choose a computer mouse that is tailored to the way you use your computer. Pronto’s Computer Mouse Buying Guide will help you find a computer mouse with features you never knew you needed (and that you soon won’t be able to live without).
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Go optical
Choose an LED optical mouse that can run without a mouse pad on all but the shiniest surfaces or choose a more expensive laser optical mouse that provides more precise control and won’t choke on desktop grime.
Connection options
USB is the most common computer mouse connection. If your computer has an older, five-pin mouse port, look for a computer mouse that includes an adaptor. Wireless computer mice can connect via Bluetooth, RF or infrared. Bluetooth is the simplest option, if your PC supports it, as RF and infrared require a receiver to be plugged into your computer. Choose infrared only if you have a clutter-free desk.
Buttons and wheels
A computer mouse should have left and right main buttons or a single rocker button with sensitivity on each side. Look for scroll wheels that let you navigate documents and Web pages vertically without moving the computer mouse. Forward and back Web navigation buttons can be helpful, but make sure they’re mounted where they can easily be reached.
Mouse fit
A mouse should fit comfortably in your hand and allow you to access all buttons without straining or arching your fingers. Left-handed users can choose from symmetrical computer mice with programmable buttons or higher-priced ergonomic models designed for left-handed use.
Mouse alternatives
Users with hand or arm soreness should consider a trackball mouse that controls movement with a suspended ball, keeping the computer mouse stationary and reducing arm movement. Experienced laptop users will prefer touchpad mice that include a variety of programmable buttons.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Kensington KMW72121 Optical Mouse
We like the Kensington KMW72121 Optical Mouse, which packs a full suite of computer mouse functions into an attractively priced package. This optical mouse offers five programmable buttons, a rubberized surface for easy grip and compatibility with Macs running OS X and PCs running Windows 95 or later. This mouse will work in either hand and Kensington backs it with a five-year warranty and free technical support.
experts say
PC Magazine—“Logitech's MX Air is undoubtedly one of the best mice ever designed. If you must have the best, this is it: It's a pleasure to use both on the desk and in the air. But it's also the most expensive mouse that's not covered in gold or diamonds.”Source: Pcmag.com
The Office Guide—“The [Kensington Orbit Optical Trackball] precise optical tracking mechanism is also resistant to dust, reducing the need for regular trackball cleaning. Great if you have too little space on your desk to comfortably move your mouse around.”Source: Theofficeguide.com
CNET—“Though its looks are generic, APC's [Biometric] fingerprint-scanning mouse will lock down your PC from prying eyes and keep track of all of your Web passwords.”Source: Cnet.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of computer mice?
Computer mice have begun their migration from the desktop, with new laser models that can track while you wave them in the air. Still not sci-fi enough for you? A group of researchers at Worcester Polytechnical Institute snagged one of the first-ever Popular Science PopSci awards in 2007 by creating a ring that measures hand motion and movement, allowing the wearer to control on-screen action in three dimensions simply through hand gestures. Double-clicking is still some development time away, but this invention already foreshadows a further evolution of the way we interact with electronics.Source: Gizmag
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Computer Mice) |
| $ | Budget-priced computer mice offer a surprising number of features, though you will be living with a wired connection. Look for scroll wheels, LED optical sensors, programmable buttons, and left- or right-hand operation. | |
| $$ | Wireless technology may be the best reason to choose a midrange computer mouse, though you’ll also find highly precise laser optical mice and trackball mice in this range. Look for five programmable buttons and ergonomic designs that support your hand. |
Compare prices at 98 stores $22 - $74 |
| $$$ | At the highest end, you’ll find computer mice built for the specialized needs of gamers and designers, ergonomic trackball mice, and programmable touchpad mice. Most users will find the advanced tracking and extra-precise control too expensive for their needs, but it’s worth considering a higher-priced wireless mouse with a recharging dock for the lifetime savings in battery costs. Some laser mice in this range free you from the desktop, allowing you to move the mouse through the air to control your PC. |
Compare prices at 56 stores $119 - $218 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bluetooth
A proprietary, open-standard protocol for wireless transmissions across short distances. Bluetooth devices have built-in receivers and transmitters, so you don’t need any extra equipment to make them work.
Infrared
A wireless connection method that uses invisible beams of light to transmit data back and forth between two devices. Infrared is limited in its usefulness because both devices must maintain a clear line of sight between them for the signal to pass.
Laser
A computer mouse that uses a focused, low-power beam of light to measure movement. Laser mice are more precise than LED optical mice and tend to use less power.
Optical
A computer mouse that uses a light emitting diode (LED) to track motion across a surface. Optical mice have fewer issues with dirt buildup than mechanical mice that use rubber balls, but their sensors may not function on glass or highly polished surfaces.
RF
Radio Frequency, a wireless connection method that uses low-power radio waves to transmit data. RF connections are more flexible because the device and the receiver do not need a direct line of sight to communicate, but thick wood and stone can interfere with RF signals.
Scroll wheel
A rubberized or plastic wheel mounted on a computer mouse that allows a user to navigate through a document vertically without moving the mouse.
Trackball
A mechanical computer mouse with a plastic ball mounted on the top that controls movement through direct manipulation.
Touchpad
A computer mouse that uses a pressure-sensitive plastic or rubber pad, similar to those found on laptop computers.
USB
Universal Serial Bus, a standard for connecting peripherals, such as a computer mouse, to a computer. USB connections transmit both data and power, allowing a mouse to run off the power from the PC.
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Research Central
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