Are laser mice better than normal optical mice?

[MichaelD]

My beloved, trusty Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer is giving up the ghost. The hours of fragging have taken their toll on the left-click button.

So, I'm looking at other mice...now we have laser mice (mice with frickin' lasers on their heads!) *chuckle*.

Are laser mice better, tracking wise? I game a lot so it's important.

Functionality is important too; I like to be able to assign different functions to the buttons. Any suggestions?

 

[43st]

Laser mice aren't better per say for gaming... the main laser benefit is the ability to track on a wider range of surfaces.

If you're coming from an Intellimouse Explorer you can pretty much upgrade to anything and it'll be better for gaming. I'd recommend the Logitech G5 or G7.

 

[MichaelD]

Thank you, 43st. I like my Explorer; it's a larger mouse and fits my hand well. I have big hands so average/standard size mice make my hand cramp up.

Are the G5/7 bigger mice?

 

[43st]

They're smaller by a little bit. I've not come across a mouse as large as the Intellimouse Explorer for some time. Some other folks may have suggestions though.

 

[agathodaimon]

The only laser mouse I've used is the Logitech MX610 wireless. It's pretty nice, but the laser didn't track on EVERYTHING.
It had trouble with light colored surfaces...

It was decent for gaming, but I ended up switching back to my MX500 Optical mouse.

 

[Roguestar]

I had an intellimouse explorer and went to a Wireless Laser Mouse 5000. Couldn't be happier with it.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks for the additional suggestions.

I've been looking at quite a few different ones; I hate mouse shopping, especially online b/c you can't touch or hold anything to see "how it fits."

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Thanks for the additional suggestions.

I've been looking at quite a few different ones; I hate mouse shopping, especially online b/c you can't touch or hold anything to see "how it fits."

Buying things online is still alien and unsettling to me .

 

[kypron7]

go for a logitech mx518 gaming grade mouse, in my mind nothing else will come close for sensitivity and comfort.

 

[Boyo]

I have the Logitech MX 1000 and it is a great mouse. It is big and fast too. Take a look at that one.

 

[Mogadon]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Thanks for the additional suggestions.

I've been looking at quite a few different ones; I hate mouse shopping, especially online b/c you can't touch or hold anything to see "how it fits."

Why don't you go to you local best buy / circuit city / staples etc, try out all the mice and then order online to get a decent price.

 

[MichaelD]

I just thought of this.

I have a Microsoft wireless keyboard (it came w/the mouse as a set).

Will a Logitech wireless mouse interfere w/the Microsoft KB and vice versa?

 

[Canai]

I have a Habu and love it.

 

[programmer]

You might want to check with MS about a replacement for your mouse. They have very good warranties; just not sure if it covers the abuse you gave it

 

[mendeh]

i wouldnt get a laser mouse. id either buy the re-released intellimouse 3.0 (since you seem to have liked that) or go with a logitech mx518. these 2 mice are probably the most popular among gamers.

 

[Coldkilla]

G7 Wireless Gamers Mouse = My Best Friend. I managed to go from AVG 3rd place in BF2/BF2142/BF2: PR to 1st.. and always finish in the top 3

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: programmer
You might want to check with MS about a replacement for your mouse. They have very good warranties; just not sure if it covers the abuse you gave it

You know what? I never thought of that. I would imagine it's out of warranty though...it's more than 3 years old.

I may still get another Intellimouse; I do like it very much.

Besides, I'm worried about a different brand interfering w/the wireless MS keyboard.

 

[mendeh]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: programmer
You might want to check with MS about a replacement for your mouse. They have very good warranties; just not sure if it covers the abuse you gave it

You know what? I never thought of that. I would imagine it's out of warranty though...it's more than 3 years old.

I may still get another Intellimouse; I do like it very much.

Besides, I'm worried about a different brand interfering w/the wireless MS keyboard.

the intellimouse explorer 3.0 is $39.99 last time i checked. if you get a wired mouse (which i suggest for gaming) then i dont see how it could interfere with your wireless keyboard.

 

[MichaelD]

But I've gotten very used to a wireless mouse...besides, my PC is a good 6-foot stretch for the cord. But $40 is a good price. I will check it out. Thanks, mendeh.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
My beloved, trusty Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer is giving up the ghost. The hours of fragging have taken their toll on the left-click button.

So, I'm looking at other mice...now we have laser mice (mice with frickin' lasers on their heads!) *chuckle*.

Are laser mice better, tracking wise? I game a lot so it's important.

Functionality is important too; I like to be able to assign different functions to the buttons. Any suggestions?

RMA it to microsoft, they'll give you another one.

 

[mechBgon]

Yep, Intellimouse Explorer has a lifetime warranty. Call Microsoft

 

[butch84]

I'd have to recommend the mx1000 as well - it's a laser and wireless, but also is larger and has that certain contoured feel. I upgraded from an intellimouse explorer to a G7 and then a mx1000. I like the mx1000 much better personally, mostly because of the size and shape.

 

[MichaelD]

Does my Wireles Intellimouse Explorer 2.0 really have a lifetime warranty? :Q How can I verify that? Is it worth RMAing it and waiting 2 months for them to send me another one just to save $50 or so? Anyone know if they will cross ship if I give them a CC #?

 

[trOver]

GET A RAZER COPPERHEAD!!!

i used to always go with logitech on pc accessories, and then my friend talked me into a razer. Best decision ever. It is by far the best mouse out there (in my opinoin) and it looks cool.

 

[MichaelD]

Well, after almost an hour of navigating their support website, I finally found how to register for a support account, then register my hardware and THEN finally submit a ticket. I described the issue and asked if it was still warrantied; I also asked if they would cross ship w/a CC number. We'll see what happens!