Buying a Computer Mouse - Four Things to Consider

By Jeffrey Frasco

Clicking on a computer mouse comes as naturally as typing on a keyboard for many desktop computer users. A mouse is a very effective way to navigate onscreen and much faster than navigating via touch pads on laptop computers. If you are using a notebook computer, you will likely get weary using a touch pad with your sweaty fingers on a hot summer day. Treat yourself to a computer mouse and navigate faster with more seamless cursor movements!

Here are some things that are helpful to consider when selecting a computer mouse.

* Type

There are two types of mice: the mechanical mouse and the optical mouse. The mechanical mouse is your old ball mouse which uses a ball to detect movement on a mouse pad. An optical mouse uses a light-emitting diode (LED) in place of the mouse ball and can be used on any flat, opaque surface.

Optical mice are more advanced than mechanical mice and easier to maintain and use. With an optical mouse, you no longer have to worry about dirt and dust clogging the ball in a mechanical mouse. In addition, you can use your optical mouse without a mouse pad so long as you place your optical mouse on top of a flat and non-reflective surface. If you place your optical mouse on an uneven surface that creates a glare, these bumps and glares will cause the LED light to refract and your optical mouse will not be able to accurately interpret your movements.

* Speed

Speed in mice is measured in dpi or dots per inch. The larger this number, the faster your mouse is. If you frequently play computer games, you will appreciate a high dpi mouse' immediate response to slight movements. A mouse at 800 dpi is a good computer peripheral to own, but some computer users are perfectly happy with a 400 dpi mouse.

* Size

Computer mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are large and meant for large hands. Others are small and specially designed with children in mind or people with small hands. When shopping for a mouse, make sure that it fits comfortably under your palm as you will be spending a lot of time with it.

* Connectivity

You can attach a mouse to your computer using a serial port or USB port. Many USB mice come with a serial port adapter so you have the option to plug your mouse in a serial port. It does not really matter where you attach your computer mouse. To the naked eye, USB and serial ports both offer the same functionality when it comes to mice.

The computer mouse will be a constant computing companion for you so be certain to pick one that is comfortable and easy to use.

Article written by Jeffrey Frasco. For More Information on Computer Components take a look at Computer Knowledge For You.