Computer Mice
Since the beginning of the
mouse has become a staple item. It is comfortable to use, simplistic, accurate, and takes up very little room on your desk. It can be used for any and all applications, from general productivity to gaming. Below are some tips on how to find the right mouse for your needs.
Mouse Types
Several mouse types have been created over the years, starting with the standard mouse with a rolling
Ergonomic Mice.
*Are you a gamer? If so, you should probably look into
Gaming Mice.
Popular Picks
Compatibility
When choosing a mouse, you don't need to worry about it being compatible with your computer. Almost every mouse made by any company will work on your PC or Mac. As long as the mouse has the correct USB or PS/2 connections, you can use any mouse you choose. Just be sure to double check specifications should there be any operating system requirements.
Number of Buttons
The number of buttons has been one of the most contentious aspects of mouse design since the mouse was introduced to wide use by Apple.
* For a long time, the single button mouse was standard for Macs (now replaced by the "
Magic Mouse"), while most other PCs used a two or three button plan.
* Buttons on newer models are often programmable.
* Two and three button mice are still available, but now there are mice with a slew of features:
** Thumb button or buttons.
** Scroll/tilt wheel which doubles as a button.
** "Hand" buttons positioned under the middle finger, behind the wheel.
** Pinky buttons.
Connecting to Your Computer
There are a number of ways that your mouse can "talk" to your computer.
* '''PS/2 Port'''
** The oldest form of connection still widely available, looks like a round port with several pins.
** Probably has a glyph of a mouse near it. Colorcoded purple.)
** PS/2 ports serve their purpose; it is sometimes better to have dedicated keyboard and mouse ports so that they don't take up USB ports.
* '''USB'''
** USB mice are becoming more popular because every computer available today has a USB port.
** Many mice come with PS/2-USB adapters so that they can be used on many computers.
** Keep in mind that some computers, especially laptops, do not have PS/2 ports. You will probably need an adapter to use an external mouse with your laptop if the mouse doesn't have a USB cable.
** May be somewhat faster than PS/2.
* '''Bluetooth'''
** If your computer is Bluetooth-ready (Mac users, I'm looking at you!), a Bluetooth mouse can communicate directly with your computer, without wires or ports.
Mouse Resolution
* Resolution, you say? It's just as important for a mouse as for your
digital camera.
* The higher the resolution, the more accurate it is and the less it has to move to create a response.
* The normal level of pixels for a mouse is about 400 to 800dpi, but a mouse used for gaming can have up to a 4000 dpi resolution, which makes it very precise. If you are interested in precision mice, please see our
Gaming Mice guide.
Innovative Mice
Don't Forget
* Mice and
keyboards are often sold together as sets and have been designed to work together as a unit.
* Certain programming features may or may not function if the proper accessories aren't teamed up with their counterpart.
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