The Great Mouse Debockle

    My Mouse that has been with me since I built my computer approx. 5 years ago recently died. Basically it was a Logitech keyboard and mouse set. The Keyboard is a basic multimedia desktop sized keyboard with buttons above the function keys and a button to turn the function keys off so that you can use those buttons as well for multimedia stuff as well. The keyboard is PS2 and the mouse was a basic 3 button mouse where the 3rd button was also the scroll wheel. Very basic. But it worked. It was a USB mouse but came with a PS2 dongle which I used. The keyboard is fine, I just needed a new mouse as I stated initially. So in searching I had a few options. Do I go wireless? No. Not when I am only using USB1.x and not when I am a gamer who wants something reliable. Do I go Laser? Do I really need to spend the $$$ on that? Do I go gaming or basic. Now price wise, a basic laser mouse costs close to a starter gaming optical mouse if you are talking the wired variety. But the big difference is dpi. Now after reading reviews I ended up with a Logitech optical mouse. As soon as I bought it, where I work currently "Best Buy" has decided to discontinue this mouse and it is now on clearance. The mouse still won't be cheaper for me, but that shows it's age. Logitech has been making this model forever, only upgrading the look, the compatibility with newer Windows with upgraded software, and that managed to squeeze 200 more dpi into the max setting upgrading from a 1600 dpi to a 1800 dpi max. Low end is still at 400 dpi. Now other than a current bigger ergonomic design, I get 4 more buttons to play with. Now I could have gone with another brand, I hear Razor is OK, but the reviews on both have been mixed. Since stores typically don't have gaming mice to feel, I'd say read reviews. The only bad reviews on this one, was the typical defective bull or didn't feel good in my hand to me" I mean those are legit negative things, but nothing about build quality or feel. Some people say the plastic gets a little cool or slick I like that. Rubber tends to look better but can be sticky. Plastic on the side is just slick.
     So the question is, is this mouse worth the extra $20 vs, a basic one like the one I had for less? For me, I'd say yes. I am still getting used to it and playing withe the different dpi settings to see what I like better (especially in Linux if possible), and also within individual gaming settings for the older games I can play like the original UT or Quake Live via Linux etc. etc. Plus the way I hold mice, it fits my hand well, but it is so much bigger than my other traditional shaped mouse.
  in conclusion, I am glad I didn't spend the $$$ on a gaming laser mouse, with this old PC I am not going Wireless with the mouse and keyboard, Optical is fine. The dpi can be tuned even more than a basic laser wired mouse that would have costs more money. The only competition is another Optical mouse model from a different brand. But do I really need 3500 dpi? Really? My friend seams to think so, but reports go both ways as whether you need something that high. I am happy with what I bought and so far so good. When I build my next desktop, I'll decide then what mouse I will use. To bad this mouse doesn't work as well with the PS2 dongle, oh well.
   NOTE: This post was not intended to be a review or a comparable, just my thoughts based on my recent mice shopping experience. If you need a new mice for a desktop, want one for a laptop/netbook/tablet, read reviews based on what you are looking for. Or you can ask me here via the comment section.