Mouse: Wired vs Wireless

Hiyas,

I'm about to get my first laptop, so I need to hurry up and get a mouse as well because touchpads can drive me crazy! So, I'm not sure if I should get a USB mouse or a wireless mouse. (Bluetooth is not an option because my laptop of choice doesn't come with it.)

The way I see it: wired is harder to lose and you don't need to charge. With wireless, I'm worried I might lose it, like I always do with TV/Cable/DVD/VCR/etc remotes. Also worried I'll always forget to charge it, like I do with drills and cleaning things, and, to a lesser degree, cell phone. But, it looks cooler.

So, who likes what?
Also, if anyone knows a good looking, shiny white & comfortable mouse, please let me know. (Laptop will have shiny white keys.) Thanks all!

Malia

 

hi Malia, it sounds like you know yourself pretty well, there are definite conveniences to a wireless mouse but if you're like me and tend to forget charging cables or batteries, and easily lose smaller things such as receivers, then a wireless mouse could become a useless mouse.

If you're going to be moving around or travelling a lot, you should get a mouse with a retractable cord so that you reduce clutter when on the go (wire getting wrapped up around stuff in your notebook case etc.). Targus has a great selection , here's their product page: http://www.targus.com/us/accessories_mice.asp

http://www.RadTech.us has some interesting mouse accessories.

IoGear also makes a good travel mouse w/ retractable cord

http://notebookreview-cnet.com.com/Iogear_Memory_Mini_Mouse_800/4505-3148_7-30554582.html

And if you don't want a travel mouse, well the Microsoft branded Optical Mouse has always worked well for me, those can be found in an Office Supply store.

 

blue tooth is still an option, since there are usb plugs you can use for blue tooth as well. Here's an example of one:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...=&Section_Id=200583&pcount=&Product_Id=157641
The benefits for this mouse is since it comes with a bluetooth usb adapter you can use other bluetooth devices you may have like a cellphone or palm pilot as well. A bit pricy though.

 

I prefer wireless, wired just gets in the way and is one more thing to deal with. As noted, Bluetooth is still an option, most come with a USB dongle. I like the Microsoft solution if you end up going this route. This one runs on batteries, so no need to worry about charging.

 

I have a Microsoft wired mouse that I use with my 7422GX and that I will most likely use with my I9300 when it comes. I also have a small $15 wireless GE mouse that I take with me to use with my AVERATEC 3270. Of the two, I find the wired mouse to be both more comfortable and more prescise. The wireless mouse won't even work with my Gateway; something blocks the signal from the back or left, and I have no USB ports on the right side. And I can never remember to change the batteries before they die; I recently went on a trip to West Virginia and had to buy AAA batteries up there because I'd forgotten to bring any.

 

I, too, would go with the wireless mouse. I agree with Brian on the situation. The Microsoft set is great. My sister got the wireless mouse and keyboard set for a decent price. The mouse is comfortable and the keyboard was just the way that I like it.

I use my touchpad and built in keyboard, but I have considered purchasing the wireless accessories. I considered the Logitech MX900 Bluetooth Optical Wireless Mouse but it is quite expensive. It looks and feels very nice. My dad has the wired equivilant of that.

 

Hello Everyone,
I just got the Microsoft Blue Tooth, I love it because of the size and the fact that it runs on regular batteries. I also carry a wired one with me as a back up. I know it kills the idea of true portability but I like to be prepared . I don't know if the size of the mouse is something you are keeping in mind also. I like the bigger ones, just more comfortable for me. The mini ones I am not much a fan of. The wireless are really convient.
Valsmere

 

I bought a Logitech Wired Optical, $14.99 or so. I have a Velcro Tie to coil the cord. Wouldn't even want to try a Mini Mouse, don't want a little plastic package of electronics dongling from my laptop. I love the way the mouse tracks on the sofa upholstery and the wire keeps it from getting lost.

 

Hi Hi I'm back,

Thanks for everyone's input. I went to J&R today (great, great electronics retail store in NYC - everything from computers to espresso makers) to check out some mice. At first I thought of giving wireless a try, especially since these big bulky ones look comfortable - but, the one that I liked the best ( http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3707985 looks better in person) has a ridiculous charging base that also acts like a transmitter. I wouldn't mind a charging cradle, but I'm not carrying it around with me. Anyways.

I looked at the travel ones, including ones with retractable cords, and they're so tiny, they really seem suspicious. Didn't help that they didn't have any out of the box to try. But, if anyone's looking for a tiny mouse, Macally makes the cutest one. It has a retractable cord, its super shiny and has a classy, really nicely shaded grey rim around it. Anyways, I decided to get this one, also by Macally: :glossy: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3994524 - much shinier than in picture, and it's less than $15 including tax! It's a little on the small side, but we'll see - if it doesn't work out, it's cheap enough to scrap (or even better, sell. Ahhh, Craigslist... Today I sold a 802.11b router that I found at work for $20 - that's ABOVE retail! Amazing how much some people will pay for... convenience? I don't really know what they think they're buying; maybe I'm just lucky 'coz I always write a whole novel in a listing. Like I'm doing now.) Ahh, enough!! PZ

Malia

 

i jus got the logitech wireless media play mouse...it's the greatest