Mouse or other device for gaming, any thoughts?

Trying to play certain games (first-person shooters, etc.) with the touchpad kind of stinks, so does anyone have any specific recommendations about a good input device? I'm not just a gamer, so it would be nice if the device works with other applications too (MS Office products, etc.). Also, the device should be reasonably portable. I've looked at a lot of mice, but I'd consider other devices too (trackballs, game pads, etc.) if anyone has any suggestions.

Regarding mice, are the mini ones easy to use and suitable for gaming? What about wireless mice, do they track as well as the wired versions and what about the need for batteries or charging? It kind of seems like it would be a pain in the butt having to make sure that the mouse was always charged or had working batteries in it. Any comments?

 

I use a lapdesk with the optional mousepad attachment to game on. While I'm pretty good with a touchpad, it's no where near good enough for twitch fps gaming.

Any good quality (logitech mx series) cordless mouse should be fine for gaming but due to the recharger/battery issues I've alsways stuck with a corded mouse. I've never used a mini, as I've never seen the need. Not like a regular mouse is all that big or wont fit most laptop bags.

I'm currently useing a razer viper, and am thinking about getting the new diamondback for the extra buttons. I've used logitech's mx 510 and 700, and can say they are great mice as well.

 

Unless your moving your notebook around a lot, dont worry too much about the mouse size. I have a wireless mouse right now and you cant tell the difference. The only time you can tell, is when the batteries start to die, which is about once every month and a half, then you immediatly see lag, and staggeredness in the pointer on screen. Simply change the batteries and it's as good as new.
Minded you have the batteries.

I play plenty of FPS, and a mouse is neccessary. I personally cant use the trackballs, and wouldn't recommend them for a FPS type of game.

 

The tiny mice depends on you hand size. If your Shaq then no, those mice will give you problems. I can use the medium sized mice, smaller than desktop, but bigger than the 1 inch laptop mice.
Tracking depends on the optical/laser technology that the mouse uses. Most gammers complain that wireless mice have a delay. I personally can't tell the difference.
Depending on the quality of the mouse, it will either eat your batteries or save them. I have a rechargeable desktop mouse, and it works fine. But for a laptop the recharging station muight be bulky.

Trackballs are weird, you'll just have to try it to know what you think of them. I like the laser thumb tracking one that logitech used to sell. But it cost $100.

One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

 

I use a corded basic microsoft optical mouse. It's actually kind of midsized, and only 10 bucks!

 

I have been using the Logitech wireless optical track ball ever since it came out six years ago, i paid alot for a mouse (160 USD) but it was worth every penny, fantastic control and very very comfy.

I've gone through three laptops but still have the same mouse, guess that sums up how much i love it[ ]