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Building better mice

From top, the MouseMan Wheel, IntelliMouse Explorer and Pro Mouse

Using a computer is not usually an experience associated with grime. But while you may stay clean, your mouse often doesn't. The ball used to control cursor movement on the underside of most mice collects muck quickly as it travels over the mousepad.

The new kind of computer mouse— epitomized by Logitech's $49.95 MouseMan Wheel and Microsoft's $74.95 Intelli-Mouse Explorer—doesn't have a ball. Instead, it uses lights and a sensor to keep track of movement. Because it lacks moving parts, it stays lint-free.

The Logitech and Microsoft mice are ergonomic and made for the right hand (ambidextrous optical mice are available). Microsoft's more rounded shape gives it the edge on comfort. Both connect to the computer via a USB port or a PS/2 mouse port (with the included adaptor).

They're stylish, too: A blue light on top complements MouseMan's metallic blue finish; the Explorer is silver with a glowing red nose. Both work with Macintosh, but for the Mac you can't beat the $59 optical Apple Pro Mouse, which has ergonomic style and, better yet, no buttons—you click with the entire body of the mouse.

—Eric Griffith

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Logitech
www.logitech.com

Microsoft
www.microsoft.com/hardware

Apple
www.apple.com/mouse