Thanks! My mouse needs replacing and this is good information. Mice and me have a long history of not getting along. So much so that I get really nervous when I think about getting a new one.

GM

I got a MS wireless optical mouse and can only say good things about it. When shopping for an optical mouse, I heard a lot of people ditching Logitech's optical technology. Apparently the cursor can jump all around, especially on certain surface/paterns. That's why I went for the MS, and I have no problem. But I didn't try the Logitech myself, so I can only transmit what I heard. I believe DavidK had bad past experices with Logitech optical mice...

I use the logitech cordless optical as well as the cordless keyboard and love both. The deal I got was mouse price + $20 to get the top end keyboard with scroller, audio controls, etc. Hard to beat and I have been using logitech products for years now. They are always less than MS for a comparable product.

Been using the MS Optical Explorer since they first came out....and I'd argue it's the best 'product' MS ever released.....absolutely 'zero' trouble with it.
Even its 'large' size has ruined all the other mice for me...they all 'feel' too small, now....

If I'm feeling 'rich' I might upgrade to the chordless version...but, if it ain't broke.....

Could you tell me whats so good about Ms optical explorer? I have just a regular old mouse.

Wise: it also has two extra buttons on the side (left), which default to Back and Forward for internet/folder browsing, but you can change their assignments.

It a nice mouse, but for right now, I like my logitech dual optical better... it seems smoother and even more 'solid' than the MS Explorer.

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll have to go to the store and have a look at them. I'am always cleaning these mice. I've always bought logitech. I guess I'll check them both out.

At work I have a Microsoft Optical Intellimouse Explorer.

However, at home I'm still using my old Logitech Mouseman Plus that I got back in 1999. I haven't been able to find an optical mouse that matches its ergonomics. It just fits my hand so beautifully. Very, very comfortable.

I useing the Logitech Cordless Mouseman Optical.........it works great if I don't load the software for it. With the software loaded the scroll is really wonky.
DavidK....a couple of AA batteries every month ain't so bad........it beats having a cord, and cleaning mouse balls every week.

I tried most of them out and settled on a Logitech Trackman Marble FX ........ can't use an ordinary mouse now!
Not much point in cordless IMHO unless you work in a 2x2 work space!

I didn't care for the web-menu function (too many choices) so I made that (the wheel) the "back" button. The 5th button on my MS optical is used for "close program" - that's a real loss when you get used to it and don't have it (especially for closing pop-ups). The funny thing about the cat-hair problem is I have to turn the mouse over and blow the hair out, half the time when I do this I accidently hit that 5th button and close whatever has the focus at the time...

paxx - I had a real problem finding a mouse pad that works with the optical mouse. It doesn't like repeating patterns, shiny surfaces or solid colors. I found a magazine that worked well on half of the cover so I haul that around with me to use as a pad if the table surface won't work...

two double AA's a month is excessive...

With my MS cordless optical, I use a pair of AA batteries every 3 months approximately. (I got it for Xmas, and I just put in my 3rd set of batteries 2 weeks ago)