We don’t realize the importance of a high quality mouse until we actually try one.  Of course, spending 40 or almost 100 Euros on some models may seem totally irrational in the beginning, especially when almost every PC comes with a satisfactory mouse for basic use.  If you have the opportunity, the best thing to do is compare a friend’s "good" mouse with a "basic" model. You will notice continued comfort after several hours of use, new reactivity, better sensor tracking, the ability to move the mouse on almost any surface, and possibly automatic transition to different speeds depending on the application.  Just by moving up to a mid-range model can radically change the rapport we have with our computer.

Pros of a "good" mouse

Ergonomics: manufacturers are now offering less fatiguing designs for the hand.  The shape is well conceived, refined and optimized for ideal placement of the fingers and palm.  One example is the Razer which recently changed its shape.

Laser sensor:  classic infrared sensors should ideally be used on a mouse pad.  Otherwise, they can skip if only slightly.  Laser sensors don’t have this problem.  They follow your movement whatever the underlying surface whether it’s plastic, glass, a foldout table on the airplane, etc.

An intelligent scroll wheel: on the Logitech MX and VX, we can set parameters depending on our needs, for example, with our without the click-to-click activated in order to scroll quickly in documents.  Another alternative is that the dial is replaced by a touch sensitive control (Genius, NGS, and T'nB) like on the iPod.

Resolution as high as 2000 cpi (or dpi):  The higher we go, the faster the cursor will go on the screen.  Simply put, 800 dpi are enough for 19" screens and smaller, 1200 dpi is more comfortable on 22’’s, 1600 cpi is for 24’’s (the cursor crosses the monitor twice as fast as usual) and there is a potential 2000 cpi for dual screen configurations.

Frequency up to 1000 Hz: a normal 125 Hz mouse transmits its position to the computer 125 times per second, or once every 8 ms while a 1000 Hz model can reduce this interval to 1 ms.   Latency will be decreased and movement is naturally more precise as changes in direction are communicated sooner.