I typically don't get overly excited about peripherals, but I do set high standards when it comes to keyboards and mice. The reason for this is simple: if I am to spend the majority of my day in front of a computer, you better believe I will be doing this with a keyboard and mouse of my choice. Many people live with the standard 2 or 3 button mouse that comes with their system, but for more advanced users this is simply not an option.
While I never found it difficult to find a keyboard I felt comfortable with, the perfect mouse proved to be very difficult to find. Perhaps it was because the mouse of my choice would feature: wireless connectivity (preferably Bluetooth®), 5 buttons, good precision, and decent battery life. One would think that these features would not be difficult to find, but to my surprise it was! These combined features were often present in the notebook-variety mice, but not in a desktop/full-sized version.
After trying many other products from Logitech, I finally found what I was looking for in a new product from Microsoft: Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. I have been using this mouse for the past few months and I must say that it has exceeded my expectations.
This mouse features High Definition Laser Technology, 4-way scrolling, battery life indicator, and best of all it's rechargeable. The battery life is excellent and I generally only have to recharge about once a week. The only downside is Microsoft made this mouse to be utilized by either hand (great for lefties), but I have found that the right side button to be less useful in that location. Previous products that I have owned from Microsoft featured the 2 extra buttons on the left side where they could easily be triggered with the thumb. The cost is between $80-90 which is about what you can expect to pay for similar products from any of the major manufacturers.
If you are in the market for a new mouse or looking to up your productivity by introducing a 5 button mouse to your list of peripherals, then be sure to check out Microsoft's Wireless Laser Mouse 8000.
