All Mice

The Bottom Line: Microsoft's pared-down SideWinder X5 Mouse is supposed to offer PC gamers a lower-cost version of its award-winning higher-end model. Instead, it comes across as flimsy and overly stripped down. Other mice deliver better control for the same price.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 2000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: Logitech's MX 1100 wireless laser mouse is the best in its class thanks to a wide array of features that make navigation easier. You have to pay for all of that capability, but anyone who puts serious time in front of a PC will appreciate what this mouse can do.

The Bottom Line: Macally's otherwise unremarkable Turtle laptop mouse at least has the good sense to keep its USB cable out of sight, thanks to a retractable cord.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 800 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: The 3M EM500 Ergonomic Mouse requires some adaptation, and it offers only the most basic mouse functionality. But the payoff is a more comfortable mousing experience.

Specs: External, PC, USB, Mouse, 4 pin USB Type A, 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), Mouse, Wired

The Bottom Line: We like the idea of a travel mouse slim enough to fit into a tight pocket or a space-challenged laptop bag, but the Macally Accuglide's wired connection has limited appeal.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 800 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Opto-mechanical

The Bottom Line: The Evoluent Left-Handed Vertical Mouse is worth a try for southpaws suffering from RSI-related pain. We just wish it were designed a little better.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, Mouse, USB, 1200 dpi, 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired

The Bottom Line: The Macally Pebble Wireless Laser Mouse is an inexpensive 2.4GHz wireless mouse that works equally well on Macs or PCs--but its unusual shape may not be what you're looking for.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, 1600 dpi, Mouse, Wireless, Laser

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 isn't cheap, but if you want to go wireless and have an extra $70 lying around, this mouse is certainly an option. If you're going to spend that much, though, we think you'll like Logitech's high-end offering better.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AAA type, USB, 1000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is travel-friendly and more comfortable than your standard point-and-click, once you get used to a few design quirks. If you're looking for an accurate wireless mouse and don't mind replacing batteries once a year, then the Microsoft Wireless Mouse 6000 is the way to go.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AAA type, USB, 1000 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser

The Bottom Line: The Trust Gamer Pack Advanced GM-6400 gaming-mouse-and-headset-combo is not a bad way to sell hardware to gamers, but we had some sound quality issues with the headset. Those problems and the high price tag scared us off.