General-Use Mice

Best computer mice for general use

Logitech and Microsoft are the primary competitors in this product category, and Logitech trumps Microsoft in most comparative reviews. However, reviewers stress that you are not beholden to their point of view. Comfort and ergonomics are as important as performance, and the former factors are a matter of personal taste and hand size. Still, we found that a significant majority of reviewers prefer the comfort and ergonomics of Logitech mice to other brands.

Though some Microsoft mice, such as the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (*Est. $45), are getting some attention, older reviews, newer reviews and user reviews say that the Logitech MX Revolution (*Est. $70) retains its crown as the best general-purpose mouse. Everything USB's Shane McGlaun asserts, "I have used lots of mice over the years, and the Logitech MX Revolution Wireless Mouse is hands down the best general use mouse you can currently get."

Ergonomics are excellent, and the MX Revolution is Macintosh-compatible. The mouse has two low-battery indicators and a recharging (docking) station. The lithium-ion battery never needs replacement, according to one review. Reviewers love the mouse's precision and easy-gliding bottom. Some of the innovative features include hyper-fast or precision scrolling, a one-touch control that lets you switch among open applications and documents, and a one-touch Internet or computer search button. The Logitech MX Revolution cordless mouse has an 800-dpi laser.

Most reviewers initially thought the Logitech MX Revolution was loaded with unnecessary bells and whistles. After mastering the features, however, they found the features provided great efficiency for Internet and business applications. Reviewers cite a few negatives, of course. Price is the obvious drawback, and the Revolution is only available in a right-handed version.

The Logitech MX Air (*Est. $150) gets lots of positive press as well, but even its biggest fans say it might not be for everyone. Most critics say that once you've used it -- and gotten used to it -- you will likely be hooked.

The MX Air is a gyroscopic mouse that frees users from the tyranny of the desktop. You can use it like a regular laser mouse, and reviews say that it does an excellent job, with good ergonomics, and it is equally comfortable for righties or lefties. Eric Grevstad at HardwareCentral.com says that it is "comfortable to hold, effortlessly smooth to move, precise to maneuver (thanks to laser tracking), and quick to respond."

But the real magic happens when you lift it off of the desktop. Using internal sensors, the MX Air mouse can track your arm's movements in three dimensions, meaning you can control an on-screen cursor with a wave of the mouse. It works up to about 30 feet from your PC, making it an excellent tool for presenters, or for controlling a multimedia PC from the comfort of your sofa. In fact, CNet.com's Dan Ackerman says that the MX Air mouse is "aimed clearly at the home theater market." Controls include a dedicated play/pause button that Ackerman says works in most media applications, and a volume button. Other controls include the typical left and right buttons, back button and a touch-sensitive scroll panel that replaces the more typical scroll wheel. Most buttons can be reconfigured for other uses.

Critics cite two major negatives. The obvious one is price. Also, mastering the MX Air when unshackled from the desk takes a bit of time. Ackerman says figure on a day or two. Grevstad, on the other hand, found he was still not completely confident even after a week of practice "swooping and steering the pointer."

At the other end of the spectrum, professional reviewers almost never report on sub-$25 computer mice, but users are another matter. We saw strong user feedback for the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical (*Est. $20), which is available in white (D66-00029) or black (D66-00069). All but a very small handful say that it's a solid choice among budget options. There are no frills or features, but this corded optical mouse gets top grades for comfort and value, plus largely good grades for build quality. It can't hold a candle in terms of features and performance to more expensive options, but when it comes to shear bang for the buck, this Microsoft mouse is a champ in the eyes of its owners.