new mouse time - opinions anybody?

[Big Bwana]

Howdy all,

It's time to upgrade from my mouseman trackball-my thumb ain't as precise as it used to be.

What are your opinions on the multitude of mice out there? I was looking at a regular old logitech, a logitech optical, and one of those big honkin' expert mouse 5.0's. I'll be using the mouse more lots of detail oriented graphics work so precision is key here. Oh, and if it'll help my accuracy with a rail gun, so be it.

So hit me with what you got!

BB

by the way, are there any downsides to the optical mice?

 

[jblondi]

I have a microsoft intellimouse...the white one with two side buttons. Pretty nice mouse, very accurate with the rail. The only problem I have had with it is the USB. Sometimes when the CPU is under heavy load it kinda hangs. Never during a game or anything, but if im opening adobe or something. Minor glitch.

 

[LXi]

<<are there any downsides to the optical mice?>>

Absolutely, I have used both and the ball mouse is definitely better if you're a hardcore FPS player. Optical is having problems for long distance(5&quot;+) fast movements, plus they're all available in USB, some people are paranoid about USB devices. But for regular uses, the optical mice is just as good.

 

[Kappo]

if you are looking for a kickass mouse you may want to try the boomslang...I have a MS intellimouse optical and I love it...but the movement thing can be frustrating at times (I move the mouse REALLY fast most of the time)
the boomslang is good for both games and is VERY precise...way more so than my intellimouse...but it is kinda pricey for a mouse...!

 

[pen^2]

logitech cordless. heavy enuff not to flip out every time you flick it hard, yet no strings attached comes in very handy whenever you make sharp turns i am tellin ya

 

[Zalen]

Logitech Mouseman Wheel...love it.

 

[FordLorider]

I would think that the majority of us use opticals of some sort

 

[Lvis]

I love my logitech cordless. I don't play games though.

 

[markymark618]

Another vote for the Razor Boomslang. Its a pretty expensive mouse, but is pretty much the most precise of them all.

 

[Big Bwana]

thanks all for the replies! I'll give the logitech cordless and the boomslang a look.

BB

 

[Becks2k]

i wouldn't pick a cordless mouse as they have 60hz refresh or so? A USB mouse will have 125hz and ps2 can be set to 200hz if you really want. YOu can EASILY feel a difference between windows defual 60 and 100 or more.

I have a boomslang, I like it even for just desktop use its well made.

 

[Big Bwana]

thanks!

 

[bolomite]

Just me, but I would never pay $40-50 for a friggin' mouse. I'm perfectly happy with my Logitech First Mouse Wheel, paid $19 for it.

 

[gUEv]

i use a logitech optical and have had no problems whatsoever, i love it.

ps-i would drop 95% of you in FPSs with it

 

[Lalakai]

this might help

boomslang 2000

I've been doing the same research for a while and found widely varying opinions on what constitutes speed and accuracy. Optical mice overall seem to have better precision but most people might never notice the difference. cordless have proven themselves durable and gamer ready (which is usually pretty demanding)

at the extreme site also check a few other reviews. Good luck and let us know what you opted for

 

[Big Bwana]

thanks again, all, for your input.

I'm going out later this afternoon to feel up some mice. I only wish I knew somebody with a boomslang...

BB

 

[Dengar]

Logitech Mouseman Optical

 

[Origen]

I've got a first run Boomslang 2000 and the new MS Optical mouse (the 5 button, 1 wheel w/ increased resolution thingie). For FPS games I like the Boomslang, in all other areas (non-FPS games, net browsing, etc) I like the optical better.

The Boomslang uses really good construction and I haven't had to clean mine since I got it. The Boomslang also takes some getting used to and because of it's weight and size doesn't fit all hands optimally, I find my wrist gets tired quickly using it.

The MS Optical has a kinda flimsy feel to it, but it is significantly lighter than the boomslang for when you wanna pick up the mouse. Despite it's kinda flimsy feel to it, I don't have any complaints on precision. And the little red tail light actually kinda keeps my palm warm. *chuckle*

I have both plugged into the USB ports and use an Everglide black pad for reference.

Also might be to late to take advantage of this, but I orderd my copy of WinME Upgrade for Win98 direct from MS and with it I got a coupon for $20 off an order of $50 or more. The new MS Optical only costs like $54 so used the coupon on it to bring it down to $34.

 

[Electric Amish]

I've got a Boomslang 1000, first run. I would take it over anything else out there that I've tried (haven't tried the Logitech optical, yet). I really don't like the MS opticals. They don't fit my hand very well.

amish

 

[Killer Ape]

I love my Intellimouse Explorer becuase it DOES fit my big meaty paws. I used to use a Logitech MouseMan+, but the Explorer is better. No ball to clean, it's got a REALLY nice scroll wheel (unlike the Logitechs), and If you run it off PS/2 instead of USB it works just as smooth as any ballmouse I've ever used. The downsides are that the thumb buttons are not well placed and for some it may be too big.

I'll add that I use it on a Wingman Gaming Pad, which is really a bigger version of the 3M Precise surface with better padding and a more slip-resistent underside. The opticals take a little more force to move around, so if you have a flimsy pad (like the 3M) they can push it all over the place. I definitely found the opticals to work better WITH a pad.

 

[pyr]

logitech mice are simply the best. Ive owned nothing but logitech mice and NEVER had one die or have any problems yet. the wheelmouse is sweet, perfectly shaped and has an excellent and wheel unlike the crap MS uses on theirs which is sloppy, it actually is solid when you turn it. the cordless is nice but the refresh rate does suck for it so games wont be as fun. the optical is what I am currently using and it has no problems at all with fast movements in games or otherwise. well worth it.

 

[Raincity]

Logitech cordless wheel mouse. I love mine and I tried them all. Brothermanhas already expressed my opinion of this mouse.

Rain

 

[demenion]

I have the Logitech Optical Wheelmouse and it is perfect for me. I've tried the MS Explorer but it felt uncomfortable in my hand and the wheel was too loose for me.

I do alot of gaming, I have mouse sensistivity high with a Everglide mousepad and have no problems at all with it. Also it came with 2 duracell ultra batteries I recommend the Logitech Optical wheelmouse!

 

[Noriaki]

I upgraded my Mouseman Wheel with a ball to Wheel Mouse Optical

it's a great mouse.

The problem with optical mice is that if you lift them off the desk you can confuse the sensor. So if you lift your mouse while you move it then it can mess you up. But as long as you don't do that I haven't seen my mouse screw up once yet.

 

[Killer Ape]

It took me a little while to get used to not lifting the mouse, but you get over that pretty quickly.

I find the Explpoer's wheel SOOO much smoother and responsive than the Logitechs'. If you need to scroll quickly it's a lot better and less stressful on your fingers IMO.