Wireless Mouse
A wireless network gives you the ultimate
flexibility in terms of where you use your desktop computer, but
if you are still using a traditional corded mouse you are missing out on
what it is like to compute tether-free. Having a wireless mouse
at your disposal is also liberating if you are a laptop user as
it allows you the option of using an traditional sized mouse
when space permits rather than the touchpad which can in some
cases be a bit ungainly to manipulate.
What to Look for in a Wireless Mouse
There are two main traits of a wireless mouse to keep keep in
mind when shopping for a new unit. The first trait is the
transmission medium used between the mouse and the computer -
either RF or Bluetooth.
RF Wireless Mouse: An included corded RF transmitter is
inserted into either the USB or PS/2 port of the computer
and then placed near the area in which the wireless mouse will
be used. The RF link serves
as the communication path between the computer and the wireless
mouse.
During our testing the short RF range on some models prevented
the mouse from being more than several feet from the transmitter
and the transmission also was prone to interference from other
household devices.
Bluetooth Wireless Mouse: An included Bluetooth
transceiver is
placed into a USB port on the computer and serves as the
communication path between the computer and the mouse. The Bluetooth transmission medium
should not be subject to
interference and easily supports the mouse being 20 feet or more away from the computer.
The second trait to keep in mind when shopping for a wireless mouse is the means the
mouse itself uses to track movement - either rollerball or
optical.
Rollerball Mouse: A rollerball mouse is the traditional
style of mouse which tracks up/down and left/right movement
based upon the tracking of a round ball inside of it. Such units
work adequately as long as they are cleaned regularly and are used
on a mouse pad.
Optical Mouse: An optical mouse includes a tiny camera
which takes over 1000 pictures a second of the surface it is
being used on. Regardless if this surface is the floor, the
ceiling, your pants leg or just about anything else you can
think of the mouse movements will be tracked extremely
accurately.
Summary
When it comes to selecting a wireless mouse, a
unit which combines Bluetooth for transmission and optical
technology for tracking gets the highest marks in our testing.
The Bluetooth allows for a cleaner, more reliable setup and
going optical guarantees consistent tracking on whatever surface you may
wish to use the mouse. You are certain to find a
wireless mouse
here which meets your styles and tastes, or if you are interested in a
wireless keyboard in addition to the
mouse, shop the complete selection of wireless desktops. | 
