Optical Wheel Mice
Optical Mice
- If you are not already using an optical wheel mouse, you should be.
Users of traditional roller ball mice that try an optical mouse never go
back. The roller ball mice pick up dirt and hair and as a result, do not
always roll smoothly. Optical mice always roll smoothly, and since they
do not pick up dirt and hair, they never need cleaning. Optical mice
glide with little friction across virtually any surface. They shine a
red light emitting diode at any flat surface which when reflected back
allows the mouse to gauge the movement of the device and guide the
pointer/cursor accordingly. Unlike conventional mice, optical devices do
not contain moving parts and cannot be worn down or caked with dust over
time.
Wheel
– The wheel
(or scroll button) allows the user to easily scroll up and down a web
page, word document or spreadsheet with the roll of a finger. This
process is easier and more efficient than clicking and grabbing the
scroll bar on the right hand side of a window. Once again, after you
have experienced the scroll button, you will never be satisfied with a
scroll-less mouse again.
Pricing
– An optical
mouse starts at just $15, and for the money, might be one of the best
enhancements you can make to your system.
Wireless Mice
For prices starting at about
$45, you can purchase a wireless version of any mouse. A
wireless mouse can significantly improve user comfort because a user’s
positioning of the mouse is unlimited. This is a good point, but some
older wireless mice have a slight time delay between hand movement and
pointer movement – a condition which can be irritating. Also, without
the tethered cable, it is easier to lose the mouse just like losing the
remote control on your television set. Wireless mice need batteries and
they weigh more. Many people think that a wireless mouse is worth the
extra cost; however for the reasons mentioned, a $15 optical scroll
mouse and a $35 dinner with your significant other may be a better way
to spend $50. Let us conclude that the decision to go wireless is more
of a personal preference issue.
We recommend that you choose a wireless
mouse that uses radio frequency (RF) technology as opposed to infrared.
Infrared requires line of sight to work properly, whereas RF does not.
A Few Mouse Pointers
-
Plugging in Your Mouse - Today’s mice can plug
into the older PS/2 port or the USB port. When it comes to
performance, it does not matter which port you use, but we recommend
that you use the PS/2 port, even if you have to employ the use of a
USB/PS/2 port adapter. Most mice include this adapter. The reason is
that this keeps your USB ports free for other devices.
-
Extra
Mouse Buttons – Some mice offer extra buttons on
the sides, or multiple scroll buttons on top. These are fancy
additions to be sure, but we find that most people do not use these
extra buttons – therefore don’t bother.
-
Ergonomic Shape – Many mice have an ergonomic
shape that allows you hand to fit more comfortably on the mouse. If
you have discomfort in your arm, you should give one of these
ergonomically designed mice a try – they do allow you to tilt your arm
to a more comfortable and natural position. An ergonomically shaped
keyboard and mouse are shown below.
-
Miniature Mice – Some manufacturers make miniature mice
that are about half the size as regular mice. I find that these
miniature mice fit much better in a laptop bag and are far better for
traveling. I highly recommend them.
Mice Alternatives
There are many
different types of devices designed to replace mice such as the
trackpoint, trackball, and touchpads. Trackpoint devices are generally
not preferred in a desktop environment, but for travelers who frequently
work with their computers on airplanes, these devices are far better
than rolling your mouse around on your neighbor’s lap. Most users of
these devices use them in cramped conditions when space is limited, and
then revert back to a full mouse upon returning to their desk.
Choosing a Brand
Amazon.com
currently lists over 200 optical scroll mice and mouse/keyboard bundles.
The most popular brands are: Logitech, Microsoft, Targus, Kensington,
and Belkin. The Logitech and Microsoft offerings represent the pinnacle
of mouse technology as these devices often incorporate special software
and features like one-touch navigational buttons. Targus and Kensington
offer several quality products for the compact and notebook markets like
miniaturized and easily transportable mice with retractable cords.
Belkin too, maintains a healthy line of compact and notebook mice.
Belkin’s products generally fall at the low end of the mouse pricing
spectrum.
Logitech diNovo Bluetooth Wireless
Media Desktop
|
Logitech Click! Optical Mouse
|
Kensington Pocketmouse Pro Wireless
|
Targus Ultra Mini Optical Mouse
(retractable cord)
|
Microsoft Wireless Optical Notebook
Mouse
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
$249.99 |
$12.94 |
$39.99 |
$24.99 |
$34.99 |
Personally I have found
that the Logitech and Microsoft brands to be my favorites. But it appears that
brand does not matter that much.
Mouse Settings
There are numerous mouse settings and you
should visit your mouse control dialog box and adjust your mouse to your
specific skill level. As an advanced mouse user, I like to accelerate my
mouse fully, and increase the number of lines scrolled with the wheel
button.
Conclusion
Every one should have an optical scrolling
mouse. They make great presents or stocking stuffers. Accelerate your
mouse to match your mouse dexterity. Travelers should consider
purchasing a miniature mouse to accompany their laptop computer.
Recommendations
q
Purchase an optical scroll
mouse
q
Consider wireless
q
Visit your mouse settings
q
Purchase a miniature mouse
for travel purposes
Links
Comprehensive review of several optical
mice -
http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20031020/index.html
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