Mouse Recommendation?

So I've got my new hotrod Sager "notebook" (it weighs 13lbs!) and it's great, but I've had to begin using a mouse with it because a) it lacks a trackpoint like on my trusty IBM T40 and b) I can't stand those %@$^ing touchpads.

So -- any recommendations on a good mouse? My "dream mouse" would be something that's

- cordless
- feels good (of course)
- programmable buttons for Alt, Ctrl, and Shift that will support stuff like Alt-leftmousedrag
- l/r/u/d arrow keys plus PgUp / PgDn -- or keys that I can assign to such in a sensible fashion.

Basically, I'd like to put as much basic AV movement and camera control onto one hand as possible. Surely there's something out there that does this? I picked up a Logitech MX Laser and it's nice but I was really disappointed by it's lack of programmability.

Jess

If you're in the states, at least.

zipzoomfly.com

Also, if you want to compare prices and models on several sites:

Pricewatch.com

I recommend the logitech mice, personally. TBH I wouldn't bother with Cordless on a laptop. There's still a dongle that plugs into the USB port that recieves the signal, so you end up lugging around 2 parts instead of 1. That, and if you use XCite, it would suck for your batteries to die right when a new pose put your camera behind a wall.

You may also want to check Newegg. Sometimes on holidays like today they sell optical mice with multiple buttons for $1.50 a piece, $0.50 shipping.


Edit: what you might want to do is pick up a gaming keyboard. Plug it into your other USB slot. Most have a wristrest and several programmable keys, so maybe your best bet is to pass all the controls except the camera off the mouse and onto the keyboard. Those keyboards also accept macros, so it might do you more good since programmability is an issue.

The Logitech G7 is a cordless mouse that I like. But I actually use the corded version called G5, because its less costly and looks nice and rustic.

Theres some write up by Tom about mice here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/09/12/the_ultimate_mouse_hunt/



I'd rather not think what is occupying your other hand so much, so I won't ask.

XCite 4tw?

Why, I'm thinking romantic thoughts of you, Cottonteil!

FWIW, I got a wild hair and took another trip to Frys tonight and snagged a Saitek Joystick -- it looks like the config software is rather flexible, so maybe I can work with it <fingers crossed>

Jess

I hope it wasn't those cyborg sticks Saitek makes. The pseudo-hat they made out of the top of the joystick on those things makes it the only joystick I could see giving me Carpal Tunnel Syndrome .

And if you just need to free up the other hand, there's USB devices for that too ya know <G>

*sigh* yes, it was a Saitek Cyborg Evo. I really *wanted* to like it. It had all of the programmable features I was looking for. Plus it reminded me fondly of someone I used to date.

But in the end, it was unusable. So back to Frys it went.

Jess

You can't go wrong with any of the higher end wireless Microsoft mice - the new laser one is wonderful.

Microsoft mice are fantastic, IMO... But they have a drawback. Maybe its just that I over-use the poor things, btu they don't seem to last very long for me. Even wtih cleaning, I'm lucky to get 2 years of flawless operation before the buttons start getting funny.

I still use them, though, because in all other respects I love them.

Saitek X-52 ftw!

Reminded you of someone you used to date?

Yay for Borg fetishism.