questions about laser mice

[dfn]

I've been using the same Optical mouse for like...7 years. Until a few days ago, I haven't had problems with it. Recently, some buttons started became unresponsive. So, I'm looking for a new mouse, and I'd like it to be something good for gaming.

Without getting into what I look for in a mouse, what is the difference between laser and optical mice?
I've read numerous reviews of laser mice, and they all seem to give the same example when it comes to resolution and switching: switching on the fly is good because when you are playing a FPS and "zoom in" you can lower the resolution, and then increase it once you "zoom out" (think sniping with a scope vs. firing a pistol with no scope).

Now, after reading this multiple times, I equated resolution to sensitivity...mostly because the above example (fps, zoom) is exactly what I went through, but with sensitivity: lower it once zoomed in, increase it once zoomed out.

So, my question bomb:

1) How is resolution (on a laser mouse) different than sensitivity?

2) If resolution is indeed different, why is it better to have a lower resolution when zoomed in (fps game) than zoomed out?

3) How is a laser mouse different from an optical mouse?

4) Is a laser mouse really better for gaming (fps) than an optical mouse?

 

[Zepper]

Laser diode mouse should be more precise and work on more types of surfaces than one that uses a normal LED and may eat a bit more power - the idea is pretty much the same for both. That's about it

.bh.

 

[Rabbits]

Also if it helps, don't spend a lot of money on the more expensive mouses.
Most $10 laser mouses these days run at the same value, without the product gimmicks.

 

[zerocool84]

The thing I don't like about laser mice is that it still tracks if you lift up the mouse just a little bit off the surface your tracking on which sucks when you move the mouse while playing a game.

 

[Howard]

Last year, optical mice were superior to laser mice in terms of responsiveness (linearity of acceleration response and maximum speed). Not sure about the newest generations of laser mice.

 

[0roo0roo]

supposedly the laser gives a better image to the sensor.
all i know is when i block the sensor hole with my thumb i can control the cursor when its a laser mouse. sliding your thumb around blocking a led mouse tends to result in nothing happening. so i guess the laser is more adaptable.

you sure about responsiveness?
would think they'd be the same. figure its just better surface tracking

 

[eplebnista]

I tried the rosewill laser mouse(it was a present, just making sure it wasn't DOA) that newegg was offering for $12 shipped last week and it had no problems tracking on the fabric on the arm of my recliner while a normal optical mouse tended to not track at all(which is why I personally switched to a trackball).