Computer Mice

The difference between laser and optical computer mice

During the evolution of the computer mouse, a ball controlled cursor movement. The ball required a mouse pad or similar surface to provide friction so the ball would roll, rather than slide. An optical mouse uses light-emitting diodes (LED’s) for more precision. It doesn’t work on semi- or fully-reflective surfaces without a mouse pad or a similar surface. A laser mouse uses a laser, making it functional on almost any surface. A laser mouse is an upgrade from an optical mouse. Both types of mice are available with a variety of button/scroll wheel configurations.

DPI - what it is and why it matters

DPI is an acronym for “dots per inch.” When referencing the DPI of a computer mouse, it refers to how many pixels the cursor will move if the mouse moves 1 inch. It is basically a measurement of the speed of a mouse. It’s most important to gamers who need their cursor to move quickly across their monitors. Some gaming computer mice offer up to 16,000 DPI, programmable, while standard mice start at about 1600 DPI.

Use a computer mouse with or without a cord

Prior to Wi-Fi®, you had to plug a computer into a router to get internet service. Likewise, before cordless or wireless computer mice and keyboards came along, you plugged the mouse into your computer. Now, choose cord or cordless to meet your performance and location needs. Some options include:

• Corded - requires no batteries, uses plug-and-play technology, and is tethered to the computer via the cord.
• Wireless, plug in - requires batteries, and works using a sending unit that plugs into the computer or keyboard.
• Wireless, USB - typically operates at 2.4 GHz, and uses a small sending unit that plugs into a USB port. It works well with laptops and requires batteries.

Computer mice come in a wide variety of configurations to suit any need, whether for home or office computer use or with a full-on gaming setup.