looking for cheap mouse and gamepad for my laptop

i own an hp dv7, vista 64-bit. i just got a couple of games (command and conquer, dead space) so im in need of a mouse and a gamepad just in case i need one. i would use my ps3 controller, but as of now, there's still isnt any drivers compatible with the vista 64.

so i ask... which mouse and gamepad should do me just fine? i came across this logitech gamepad, but im unsure if it'll be compatible with windows vista 64-bit. anyone know?

and what's a decent mouse?

 

That gamepad should be compatible with Vista x64.

You might want to try a wired Xbox 360 controller. I've always found they make excellent PC gamepads.

As for a decent mouse, there are plenty of choices. What kind of budget are we looking at? Are you looking for a gaming mouse or just anything that will move a cursor and click?

In the $50 range, I would recommend the Logitech G5 or MX518. If you want to go closer to $100, there's the G9, or higher end Razer mice. The Microsoft Sidewinder and Logitech G7 (cordless) are in between.

Those are all gaming models, although they're all excellent general purpose mice as well. If you're not going to use a mouse for gaming, then pretty much any optical or laser mouse would work. I recommend ether Logitech or Microsoft, particularly the Logitech MX Revolution, VX Revolution, or VX Nano, depending on your budget and how big you want your mouse.

 

What is your definition of "cheap"

 

thanks for the reply, mastershroom. really helpful.
ive thought about a 360 controller, but when i browsed for one before, i couldnt find any cheaper ones.

i mean i wanna be as cheap as possible. like for the mouse... if i can get one for 10 bucks, id be happy. i dont need a really fancy gaming mouse. i just need to move and click.

for the gamepad... again, really cheap. that logitech is the cheapest ive found. i could probably go to 20 bucks, but id prefer lower.

 

Perhaps this would suit your needs:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/338&cl=us,en

Not a fancy mouse by any means, but it's a mouse. As you say, it moves and clicks, and has a dual-action scroll wheel to boot.

Logitech makes good stuff. I'd say it's a pretty safe buy.