StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Okay, I'm in the market for a new mouse. Sadly, my Microsoft IntelliMouse 5-button Optical mouse seems to be kicking the dust. My left clicker is somewhat screwy. Sometimes one click sends a double-click to the system, other times clicks aren't even registered. Double-clicking items on my desktop seems to carry a 50% failure rate.

I've been very happy with this mouse overall. It's compact, optical, has a scroll wheel, and I think the software is really good. I may even just buy another one of these mice, but I figured I'd give some of Logitech's alternatives a look. If anyone has any recommendations, you must keep this in mind. The mouse must have at least 5 programmable buttons. Binding two mouse buttons to my browser's Back and Forward keystrokes was one of the best things I've ever done, and I can't live without it.

I've been seriously looking at the Logitech MX-500. Ever since installing Panther and making Exposé a part of my workflow, I now find myself in need of more mouse buttons; the function keys aren't cutting it. The MX-500 has 8 programmable buttons, which is perfect for me.

So does anyone have experience with this mouse? How is its accuracy? How's the scrolling? Does the acceleration feel right? Does anyone know of any better mice out there?

Durandal wrote:Okay, I'm in the market for a new mouse. Sadly, my Microsoft IntelliMouse 5-button Optical mouse seems to be kicking the dust. My left clicker is somewhat screwy. Sometimes one click sends a double-click to the system, other times clicks aren't even registered. Double-clicking items on my desktop seems to carry a 50% failure rate.

That thing has a lifetime warranty. Call Microsoft, they'l send you a new one free of charge.

Durandal wrote:Does the acceleration feel right?

Acceleration is typically a software features that, well, accelerates the pointer speed as you keep moving. It's quite useful.

I know. Do you really think there's a noticable difference between mouses?

If you need a new mouse then the Logitech MX500/MX700 is your baby. I love the intellimouse, but these are better. They are more accurate and track perfectly. Plus they are just a bit more comfortable than the Microsoft counterparts.

I use a Trackerball personally. Very handy if you don't have a lot of desk space.

I used trackballs for a long time, and I was amazed at how much overall accuracy increased when I switched to normal mice. I'm not going back to trackballs.

I've pretty much resolved to get either the MX 500 or 700. One of my friends said that there was a massive difference with the 700 because there was no cord resistance. Has anyone else had similar experience with mice?

Durandal wrote:Has anyone else had similar experince with mice?

I normally step on mice. But seriously, stay away from trackballs. And I suggest the cordless mice with the charger base; they last longer and are very nice.

Durandal wrote:I used trackballs for a long time, and I was amazed at how much overall accuracy increased when I switched to normal mice. I'm not going back to trackballs.

I've pretty much resolved to get either the MX 500 or 700. One of my friends said that there was a massive difference with the 700 because there was no cord resistance. Has anyone else had similar experience with mice?

I have the MX700 and my dad has the MX500. I've noticed no real difference between the two, certainly no "cord resistance" of any kind although I suppose it can vary depending on the amoung slack on the cord.

Lord Pounder wrote:I use a Trackerball personally. Very handy if you don't have a lot of desk space.

Gaaaah, trackballs suck! Give me something that I can get used to immediately. I can never get any accuracy out of trackballs.

Hmm...I use an optical trackerball, and I've been pretty happy with it...

HemlockGrey wrote:Hmm...I use an optical trackerball, and I've been pretty happy with it...

Optical trackballs kind of defeat the purpose of optical technology. They still gunk up, and are only slightly easier to clean than normal ones. In my experience, they also gunk up far more quickly.