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Cheap Mouse, Cheap Wireless Mouse
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A computer mouse, simple as it is, is one of the greatest inventions for the PC. Thanks to this device, whether it be a cheap mouse or a fancy gadget, we can click on links and icons in a graphical user interface to control the computer rather than type in arcane command line codes.
No surprise, then, that computer mice are almost as prolific as their real-world namesakes. Lots of companies make computer mice, from simple and cheap wired mice to more extravagant wireless mice designed for PC gaming. But you don't have to spend a bundle to get a quality mouse -- there's a good cheap mouse for every PC.
Cheap Wireless Mouse vs. Wired Mouse.
Whether you buy a wired or wireless mouse is largely a matter of personal preference. A cheap wireless mouse like the Dynex DX-NPWLMSE (starting at $10, Amazon
), which is relatively well reviewed for its price, makes for a less cluttered work area and is more convenient when you're on the road with a laptop and hardly in a position to fuss with a cheap mouse that's connected through a wire. Bear in mind, though, that a wireless mouse generally costs more upfront than a wired mouse and requires ongoing outlays for batteries. A cheap wired mouse, like the Kensington Mouse in a Box K72356US (starting at $6, Amazon
), is ready to go, battery-free, as soon as it's plugged into the PC -- and there are no recurring costs.
Optical Mouse vs. Laser Mouse.
The days of trackball mice are long gone, and we're all grateful for that. Most cheap mice today are "optical laser" devices that use an LED light to track their movement on a mousepad; the Kensington Mouse in a Box is one example. You may also come across cheap "laser" mice, which use a laser, rather than an LED, to track movement and cost about the same as optical mice but happen to be more precise; the Logitech M500 (starting at $28, Amazon
) is a good cheap laser mouse. It's worth noting, as does a CNET editor, that laser mice work well on many surfaces while optical mice sometimes balk on black or shiny surfaces. However, she adds, a laser mouse may be too sensitive for anyone other than a gamer. (Should you opt for a laser mouse anyway, look for one with adjustable sensitivity.)
Some mice from Microsoft, including the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 (starting at $20, Amazon
Cheap Mouse Ergonomics.
Cheap computer mice are available in several shapes and sizes, and you want to be sure to find one that feels comfortable to use. Ideally, get your hands on a mouse at a local store to make sure it's a good fit before bringing it home. If you have smaller hands, consider buying a compact mouse, such as the Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500. Be sure the cheap mouse has some heft to it for smoother tracking across the mousing surface.Mouse Buttons.
All cheap computer mice have at least two buttons and a scroll wheel, which often serves as a third button when clicked. For most users three buttons are enough, although some cheap mice, like the corded Logitech M500, feature five or more buttons. A cheap mouse with extra buttons should include software that lets you assign different functions to the buttons, such as auto-scrolling or closing a document.
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Best Cheap Mouse
Kensington Mouse in a Box K72356US
If you're stalking a computer mouse for its rock-bottom price, this wired Mouse in a Box from Kensington is the one to capture. Read more »Where to buy
| Not ready to buy? | ||
Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500
Few wireless computer mice are cheap, but Microsoft's Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 is less expensive than most and much appreciated for its comfort and BlueTrack technology. Read more »Where to buy
| Not ready to buy? | ||
Dynex DX-NPWLMSE
The wireless DX-NPWLMSE mouse from Dynex is cheap enough, but some users report that the buttons stick when clicked. Read more »Where to buy
| Not ready to buy? | ||
Logitech M500
This laser mouse sits a bit out of our price range, but you may want to go after it if you're looking for more features and buttons on a budget. Read more »Where to buy
| Not ready to buy? | ||
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Products Mentioned in This Review
Dynex DX-NPWLMSE ReviewLogitech M500 Review
Kensington Mouse in a Box K72356US Review
Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Review
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