Best wireless mouse?

timjpriebe's picture

He has: 2,667 posts

Joined: Dec 2004

Any of you have experience with a good wireless mouse?

I have this Macally mouse. The only downside to it is that the batteries only last about a day. And if it goes completely dead, you can't charge it with the dock any more.

Anyone have one that operates well and has longer battery life? I don't want a keyboard-mouse combo, just a mouse. I would prefer bluetooth, but USB will do in a pinch.

demonhale's picture

He has: 3,278 posts

Joined: May 2005

Take a look at a4tech brands tim, they have wireless mouse that don't require batteries, and never drains out, it uses RF for T/R and it's light weight makes it good for gaming and graphic work. If I have the time today I'll provide an appropriate link...

Ok found the link in a jiffy...
http://www.a4tech.com/en/product1.asp?CID=90&SCID=92

This uses direct usb connection, plug and play... recommend it...
...

Greg K's picture

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Here is a link to the mouse I have, a Logitech Media Play mouse:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2135,CONTENTID=9340

I was really amazed at the battery life of this mouse, it is not rechargeable, but a set of energizer batteries (regular ones) last for months. I have used NiMH rechargeables before, but needed them back in my camera bag so I put regular ones back in the mouse. This one does have an on/off switch which usually I try to shut off when away, but there are many times I left it on.

I do like having the volume control buttons, comes in handy for when you browse to a site with audio, you can easily turn it down.

I admit, if I had a laptop with built in bluetooth, I would probably look into one of those, this one uses a USB receiver.

-Greg

timjpriebe's picture

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Demonhale, is there any real difference between that and just using a mouse with a Wacom tablet? I already have a Wacom tablet and a mouse that I use when I forget to charge my mouse's batteries.

Greg, is it possible to disable some or all of the extra buttons? Also, I didn't see it on there, but any clue if it works (well) with Mac's OSX?

EDIT: Never mind, Greg. Just found this review on Amazon.com.

timjpriebe's picture

He has: 2,667 posts

Joined: Dec 2004

Okay, thanks for the help, guys. I just bought the red and black version of the one you suggested, Greg. It was under $30, even after shipping.

Greg K's picture

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Joined: Nov 2003

Didn't even know they had a red/black one. Of courset he color of mine matches the colors on my HP laptop well.

For windows at least you can reporgram the Media, Zoom (pressing the scroll wheel), Forward, Back buttons. The only downside is I was quite used to on my Microsoft mouse reprogramming the Forward button to show desktop. Can't get this one to do it, so I have Forward button set to ALT-HOME.

The review you linked to is right, it is a little on the heavy side compared to some wireless ones, but I like it that way, has a good feel and fits my hand well.

-Greg

demonhale's picture

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Yes, there is but you've bought one already, the difference is magnetic in nature LOL!

timjpriebe's picture

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Magnetic? What do you mean, Demonhale?

Greg K's picture

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Joined: Nov 2003

I think he is referring to how the mouse for the tablet works.. I myself would like to see a article on how exacltly the pen and mouse for my tablet work. It is amazing that the tablet can not only track where the mouse or pen is, but also track up to 5 buttons and on the pen different levels of pressure on two tips....

Back in the 90's I had a good 12x17" tablet for cad, but that had a wired puck. I currently use the tablet alone with nothing plugged in as a base for my laptop while sitting in my recliner.... After that I have a 4x6 Keytronic tablet that had a wired pen with it, and the tip was only on/off, no levels.

Now I have a Wacom Intuos 3 tablet, and this thing is sweet!! still learning to ue the "pressure" levels with paint programs, but love it!

So if anyone knows where there is details on how this thing works, I would love it. Besides computers I love electronics as well.

-Greg

demonhale's picture

He has: 3,278 posts

Joined: May 2005

We have a mutual love for electronics... Here is your info link... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_tablet

They have: 7 posts

Joined: Feb 2007

Microsoft is best quality.

timjpriebe's picture

He has: 2,667 posts

Joined: Dec 2004

I had a cordless Microsoft keyboard-mouse combo. Let's just say I gave it away to a guy. And that guy stopped using it after a week. Very quirky and buggy.

timjpriebe's picture

He has: 2,667 posts

Joined: Dec 2004

I should also mention that my new mouse is awesome! Now to get another for my other work location...

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