optical vs laser mouse

Just curious - would like to purchase a wireless USB mouse for my laptop for use on a desk or coffee table. Not for drawing or any other purposes.

Is there any real gain in paying for a laser mouse for the average user? What's the big difference?

Also, any recommendations of brand/model (for example, microsoft makes a nice one where the USB clicks into the bottom of the mouse making it a nice travel size)

 

Oh, and I guess I should also ask whether there is any reason to purchase a name brand model, vs one of those no-name wireless USB mice sold on Ebay.

Thanks!

 

Laser. You will get better performance on surfaces such as your coffee table and anywhere. I wouldn't personally buy anything but logitech I suggest you do the same.

 

Another vote for laser and it's worth the extra few bucks. The performance is far superior. I have the Logitech myself, the MX1000 and MX3000 as part of the package. THe rechargeable feature works well too - so far I had played a multitude of games with minimal drain on the batter, though the logitech logo has been rubbed off. The response, sensitivity and overall design is very good too.

 

V400 do it~

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=27741&page=66

 

I would vote for laser too. Last week i bought this for 25 USD. btw, it's not wireless.

 

haha I second that! best deal for what you get

 

Ok....and if I'm not a gamer, does this advice still hold true? Everyone' reply seemed to focus on this usage. I don't need it for precision movements and quick button action to kill lots of people. I just need a mouse to do basic computer stuff such as web surfing, poker, and local applications.

So, still laser over optical?

 

You'll enjoy the added precision of a laser mouse, trust us. It's worth the extra 20 or so for it and if you get one with rechargeable batteries you'll save you even more in the long run. I've had mine for 16 months and they are still working great albeit the logitech logo has rubbed off and there are a few bread crumbs in my keyboard, but who doesn't

 

A higher DPI isn't the only advantage of a laser mouse (you can get very high reolution optical mice, too). Lasers are supposed to track better, so you may well be able to use a laser mouse on a surface that an optical one simply wouldn't work on - glossy tabletops, for example.

I'll throw in my support for a laser mouse, too. The versatility can't be beat, and almost all the new mice have laser sensors anyways. Personally, I really like my Logitech MX610 - it's too big for portable use, but if you're just using it around the house, then it will do great.

 

I wouldn't recommend this one unless the gray one is better than the orange one, if you want to use it on a variety of surfaces.