Mouse Reviews

The Intuos2 is WELL worth the expense, if you are planning to be/are already a digital artist. Now that I own it, I cannot imagine how I ever got along without it. At first I had doubts about
1) whether it would be comfortable to work on,
2) whether I would be able to use it with a stylus comfortably and
3) whether I would be able to switch to mouse mode just like a regular mouse,
4) and most important of all, whether this would be significantly useful to me as an artist. The answer to all these is YES. The pad is slightly elevated, but has the same comfort as if I were resting my arm on a table. Using the stylus (pen) is great when I use Photoshop, and after just ordering Painter 8 this is really coming in handy. (For those of you who haven't ordered hardware or software yet I recommend buying a bundle of the Intuos and Painter with a discount if possible, Painter is an awesome program) I ordered the 5x8 inch version. Drawing with this was strange at first, but I got the hang of it after practicing for a bit, and it was like a LIBERATION from the mouse, which used to make my right index finger numb and sore from constantly clicking. the pen us completely customizable, which I take advantage of in Photoshop and is VERY helpful in drawing, makes things much quicker. the mouse was set to a weird speed at default after installing, but the control panel was self explanatory and I got the mouse to move like my old one in a matter of seconds. (I was a middle schooler who was ok w/computers when I installed it so trust me this thing is very easy to set) I use the pen for drawing anything on the computer now with ease, but I also use the mouse a lot as it is more convenient to move across the board when not drawing. Basically, if you are an artist, you MUST buy this, I gaurantee you'll feel like you grew a new arm once you do ;)

It was really hard deciding between the Intuos2 4x5 and the 6x8. In the past I've used these tablets both at home and at work. I mainly do photo retouching in Photoshop. The 4x5 is pretty expensive for a little tablet and there is a great deal on the 6x8 Platinum (cheaper than the purple 6x8). At these prices I can only afford to get one tablet. I want it to be the right one. I picked both of them up at a local electronics store and have them side by side in front of me now for testing. I'm only using a single 19 inch monitor. The 4x5 is a little small. You have to be more accurate with it to select menus, click icons etc. This accuracy requires you to make very small and precise hand movements that I'm finding makes my hand a little stressed and tired. You have to remember that a pen is not like a mouse. With a mouse you can move over an icon and hold it there without clicking on it. With a pen you have to have the tip hover over the pad in that location. If you touch the pad it means you clicked something. Any little movement of the hovering pen causes the cursor to move around. You are much more steady with a mouse. The 6x8 tablet is physically twice as big as the 4x5 and thicker. It is a bigger commitment of desk space. I must say that it feels more comfortable than the 4x5. With the 4x5 my hand would have to go off the right edge when I wanted to select something all the way on the right side of the screen. With the 6x8 the cursor isn't as wobbly when hovering over a point. My hand movements are a little looser since the tablet's active area is bigger and my hand is not as stressed when trying to click a tiny button on the screen. If you ever want to go with dual monitors forget about the 4x5. It would be way too small. Don't even think about getting anything bigger than a 6x8 either. Many have forked out the dough for bigger tablet and live to regret it. I'm keeping the 6x8 and returning the 4x5. If you can afford it, get the 6x8. If you can't afford the extra cost, you can make due with the 4x5. Where I would recommend the 4x5 is for laptops.

First off, I have to say that this really is a top notch product. I really "trust" Wacom, and they've made a really outstanding product with the Intuos2 6X8 tablet.

I would list the pro's and cons, but honestly, I don't have any cons. I've never had a single problem with it, it just always works. I've been using one at work for a year, and I bought one for home use about 6 months ago. I use mine with Adobe Photoshop 7, and all around, it does everything that I want it to do and more.

All of the great reviews on this site should tell you, this is a great product, that is worth every cent. I have no question about getting one, and everytime I do artwork for work or for myself, I'm extremely glad that I own one.

Just get one!

It's kind of difficult to come up with a great deal to say, one way or the other, about something as simple and basic as a "Mouse Pad". But the series of Allsop pads are, in this writer's opinion, probably the top of the line.

No slip. Not too "slick". Not too "rough". Just like in the fairy tale -- "just right". :)

Never noticed any particularly negative "smell" eminating from the pad either. (Just the standard "rubbery"-like scent, which, at least on mine, isn't at all overpowering and certainly not bad enough to warrant not purchasing the product.)

These pads don't seem to fade in color over time either. (Knock wood.) The attractive "raindrop" design is just as bold now as the day I bought it, which was quite some time ago.

I'd fully recommend an "Allsop" Mouse Pad. Get one...then invite your "mouse" to come over to your new "pad". It'll like its new home. :)

Solid performer. Definitely one of the "go-to" accessories in my home office suite. Super reliable - always comes through in the clutch. Provides an outstanding tracking platform for my HID (Human Interface Device). Moderate compression of the backing material reduces operating fatigue. Excellent cost-benefit ratio. Oustanding scalability to adjacent, albeit divergent systems. Highly recommended!

We had been having a lot of problems with our mouse--skipping, difficulty maneuvering--and it turns out it was our mouse pad. The Allsop pad has solved those problems. It is a well-made product that completely serves the purpose for which it is intended. A+

I found the Crayola trackball NEW in box on accident. A z-shop seller was selling it, after I had been looking for one for my 4 and 2 year old for three months. I was going to go with Microsoft Easyball, but they haven't made it for a while. It's a collector's type/hard to find thing now...The Crayola Trackball hasn't been made for a while either! I tried to find other "Kids" trackballs, but no one makes them like these anymore (BIG AND ROUND). They are out there, but they are very HARD TO GET A HOLD OF!

I first used it on Win 98. The trackball cursor was a little "skippy" or "jumpy", not just smooth like it should be. I called the company and left a message. They called me right back (TWICE!), and the support was great. The company stated you had to "uninstall" all previous mouse drivers first to fix this problem. However, I got a new system a couple weeks later with WINDOWS XP (home version). Even though the company didn't have drivers for the trackball, I plugged it up anyway to see if it would work. IT WORKED GREAT!!!! No installation, I can use my "normal" mouse, and when the kids want to play games, they just use the trackball. I leave BOTH hooked up all the time! I think it works BETTER with the XP system! My kids just love it! They get better hand eye controll with the large yellow ball and big red buttons. I can see where an elderly person or someone with a physical disability would also benefit from this device!

So, here is the report card....
Support = A+ Service = A+ Reliability = A Physical Apperance and styling (for kids) = A++++ EASE of use = A+

Hope you can find one and enjoy it as much as we do!

I got this trackball for my daughter when she was around 2. I hoped it would encourage her to become more interactive with the computer. She loved to sit on my lap and watch the computer but she did not want to interact w/ it. Initially after getting the trackball it did not help her to become more interactive and she still preferred to "watch" the childerens cd's we have.
I thought I had made a mistake getting it. However one day about 6 or 7 months later she just started using the trackball and never looked back. She has become quite an expert with it.

Some general comments on the trackball:
It's hit the floor a number of times so seems pretty durable. Also u can have a standard mouse plugged into the computer at the same time (I do). I'm happy w/ this purchase. The way my desk is set up and because my daughter is so little it would be difficult for her to use a standard mouse.

I bought this for my son in May. It is now July and he can do almost anything... Now that he can point and click all by himself, he is learning so much! I am so excited about this! I would highly recommend this for small children.

I was looking for a two-button optical mouse with a scroll wheel that worked in Mac OS X. This inexpensive mouse fits that bill perfectly. I plugged it into my iBook running OS X 10.1.3 and it worked immediately -- second button and scroll wheel included. I couldn't be happier with it.

I bought this mouse to use at work, and I absolutely love it. Had previously bought another brand with similar features and had multiple problems with it. Ended up junking that one and ordering this one. I have since ordered one for myself at home as well as one for my Mom for Christmas!! Highly recommend it!!

This mouse has never failed me. I use an iMac. When the mouse arrived I plugged it into the USB on the keyboard 'and forgot it'. The wheel may not be good with the Mac OS and I don't really o use the right mouse button but at the price, WHO CARES and it works [unlike the hockey puck mouse]... unless you are buying a new system and get one or are an artiste forget the Apple mouse ... oh ya, that mouse is twice the bucks.. not to mention it looks like a pre-lubed suppository ...

the Caselogic type Gel filled wristrsts and mousepads were supplied by a company called www.JelliRolls.com, there are still available at their site.

Although my first of these wrist rests went flat after a couple years, I decided I had to have another of the same type. The gel tubes have adjustable firmness, and after suiting them to my preferences, the rest relieves all pressure from the bottom of my wrist without restricting movement.

As another useful feature, the wrist rest can be detatched from the velcro on the mouse pad and be used with whichever other pad you please (I prefer the Func Surface 1030).

This is a BRILLIANT mouse pad.
I'm a programmer and use this product every day !
I bought mine in 1995 in San Francisco... it's now 2001 and although it's a little frayed around the edges of the pad (less so than any other pad), the gel pack is still 100%... could wash it and sell it for new !

I have had mine for about 4 months and overall I love them. The mouse is very comfortable and the scroll wheel is addicting. I have not had to replace the batteries in the keyboard, but I have been through about a half dozen sets in the mouse.So far, though, this is my only complaint.

Having purchased a cordless mouse a few months earlier and really enjoying the freedom it provided, I picked up this cordless keyboard about 8 or 9 months ago. It has proven itself to be one of the best investments I've made in a long time.

I've been nothing but impressed with its range. The six foot range advertised is nothing for this keyboard...actually, just fot the heck of it, I'm sitting across the room right now to type this review--around 10 feet away--and the keyboard is picking up every stroke (I think I should move closer...my eyes are starting to get strained!).

I've also been extremely impressed with the durability of this product. Being cordless, this keyboard tends to get picked up and moved a lot, and, as a result, dropped. I've dropped this one several times and there really isn't even a scratch on it. Also, it's running on its original batteries--2 AAA's--which I think is pretty impressive, considering how much I type.

The layout is also really nice. I've never quite gotten used to the Logitech Pro or the Microsoft Natural keyboard layout...this one is classic, and suits me fine. The CD player controls on the keyboard are also a nice touch, as are the "favorites" buttons, that will take you to a specified web site or launch a particular program.

This keyboard is worth the investment. I'm thinking about getting the mouse, too.

well right now this very second, i am use it to write this on my webtv. the mounse i can only use with the computer. but its the kewboard is very adaptable. i can not work with out this keyboard!

I have had (the wheel-less version of) this trackball for what seems like forever. It's outlasted two computers, three moves, and must have been with me over 5 years at this point. (It was the brand-new, cutting-edge model when I got it!)

It fits *so* comfortably in the hand, especially for someone with long fingers like me. (Putting my fingers on a top-ball model means my thumb is too short to reach the buttons!)

It's simple to clean, has never given me a moment's grief, and is still going strong today. Considering it's been disconnected (*why?!?!?), I'm thinking about getting another now just as protection against the day it finally dies, I don't want to ever use anything else!

This mouse is one of the best I have ever used. With or without the scroll wheel, it is the only mouse our household (of 5 computers) has used for years. Two nights ago one of ours gave out, and I went to Staples to replace it only to discover that they discontinued them. The replacement model has serious issues - it's more compacted and has a sharp ridge down the middle, as well as having the trackball moved further up, making use painful.

If you can get your hands on one of these, do it. Logitech no longer makes a comfortable trackball with the ball on the left side.

From a person who earns his living with a mouse. I work with CAD/CAM software daily. In the old days a mouse might last 6 months - this one lasted over three years. My boss bought a TrackMan Marble one day and soon we all had them due to the comfort. No hand cramping! In CAD you constantly use your mouse pointer and this was the best of the best. Too bad they discontinued it. The replacement design was not made for the pro - it's simply a consumer mouse. Once a person becomes used to this mouse, he or she wants no other. If you considering this mouse for a try I say buy it!

Considering the price, it simply is the best mouse you can buy in the US market. It might feel too narrow and small for the people with extra big hands, but for the others, it feels pretty comfortable while providing excelent control.
If you want absolutely the best mouse in the market regardless of the price, go for the MicroSoft mouses. Their design is superve for pretty much everyone with hands in various shapes and sizes. Too bad, MS discontinued their ball mouse. Ask to any professional gamers out there. With profer care, ball mouse provide better control for hardcore gamers.

An excellent mouse with true control. Sturdy enough for lotsa game playing!

I learned a long time ago that the price of a mouse does not have anything to do with quality. This mouse outperforms the more expensive ones easilly.

This is a great mouse for anyone: gamers, businesspeople, newbies to the computer world, and the everyday computer user. It has everything you need without being expensive or over the top. It boasts a comfortable grip, a wheel button, and a high quality trackball. The wheel is essential for fast scrolling and can be used as an extra button for gamers who have mastered mouse usage. The trackball is efficient, allowing smooth cursor movements that wont get you killed in those intense FPS (first person shooters) firefights. It is easy to clean and needs to be done only on an occasional basis. The price is extremely affordable especially for businesses or home offices. It has everything an infrequent computer user needs and is cheap enough to buy in bulk for companies. I have an average to large hand and it fits quite comfortably in my hand, this mouse is perfect for my business use, however I prefer an optical mouse for my gaming. This is by the far the best mouse in terms of bang for your buck, cheap, affordable, well made, comfortable, and high quality. Everything you need in a simple mouse. The only problem I see is the possibility of it being too small for a large handed person, although that problem I'm sure I encountered with most models, unfortunate, but true. You can't go wrong for this price, you really can't.

I bought this mouse for my home computer (windows platform) and it was great but I was getting frustrated at work with all the wires getting tangled so I moved it to work (NT platform). I had no problems installing the mouse on either platform and it works just as well on both too. I truly enjoy the way the mouse conforms perfectly to my hand and the three buttons and scroll bar are great. One of the fun things is that you get to choose what each button or the wheel actually does (i.e.... side button to double click or back button on internet or internet scroll or select and click or close or whatever). You totally map your mouse to work, as you want. I've heard a lot of people comment negatively about the batteries that are required but I don't see that as a drawback. If you go into the control panel and select Mouse, you can find out the battery life in your mouse so you can monitor if you need to get new batteries. Plus the simple thought of a battery over my mouse cord getting wrapped up in my phone cord... I'll take it.

I think I bought this mouse because of how cool it seemed, and it got a lot of oohs and ahhs from a lot of people, but this is the best mouse I have ever used, and was definitely worth the $60 I paid for it. The hassle of mouse cords (okay, so it seems like a hassle now) is gone, and I can put the mouse anywhere I want. The only downside is the necessity of batteries, but I have (since buying the mouse) only had to change them once since July. My total battery usage, however, is the same due to my solar-powered universal remote (A Sony RM-V801, which I also highly recommend). The mouse also gives plenty of warning (onscreen, but basically not intrusive) when the batteries are low.

The only drawback to owning this mouse is that once you get used to it, using other computers (with traditional mice) is a bit annoying. It's easy to get used to using the two extra buttons (all four buttons are highly programmable), which for me are double-click (the thumb button) and F12, which operates my video card's zoom function (the scroller button), which is very handy with this mouse, since I'm not tied down to sitting right at my desk. I find I change how I sit and where the mousepad is a lot when I use my computer (sometimes I even use my wristrest for the mousing surface...I suppose you'd have to see my desk to understand why that makes sense, but it does), and it is made far easier by the fact that I don't have to reposition or pull on the mouse cord every time I do that. I never feel tired or cramped after using my computer, probably due to the fact that I shift around frequently.

Since it's designed primarily for the right hand (and quite well), the only real drawback to the actual usage of this mouse would be experienced by lefties, I suppose, but then again if you hold it at an angle and reset the orientation it should be pretty comfortable. Try one out in a store if you don't want to worry about possibly sending it back later.

Overall, this mouse is superb; I plan to keep it until I need to replace it with another one, which I hope is a long time off. I can't think of anything I don't like about it.

I am on my computer just about from when I wake up to when I go to sleep. I run my own website and am using my mouse constantly. I've gone through a huge selection of mouses, trying to keep my wrist from killing me, but nothing ever helped - until this mouse.

It's AMAZING how much this mouse is better than others out there. It is incredibly comfortable in your hand. Without that darn wire tugging at you when you move the mouse, the stress on your hand is much, much less. You can even use your mouse on a side tray, or on a lap-tray or anything else. You could vary your position daily to keep your wrist in shape.

I had heard from some people that cordless mice had slow response time - but I use this for everything from design work to word processing to database development to serious gaming, and it's never let me down.

I recommend this to every computer person I know. It's really, really great!

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~ ~ Between my old beloved Macintosh, and my new PC, I must have gone through 10 Mouses (Mice?).
Each one, no matter what brand, ended up getting "stuck"- the ball inside that guides the mouse's
movement, would stop rolling smoothly. I'm willing to share some of the blame, occasionally I have
nicotine fit while working, and I know the ashes spell death to the Mouse's performance. The same problem
occurs with the sticky fingers the kids sometimes have when using the computer.

~ ~ I do a lot of amateur photo-editing. (Adobe Photoshop and less expensive, Photodeluxe are great!) This
means that having a mouse with really precise and accurate tracking is absolutely vital! I was a little
skeptical about the optical mouse, but I bought this Logitech basic optical mouse on sale.
It is wonderful. I can even notice the difference in the wonderfully precise movements when I play simple
online games like "Collapse" and "Bounce Out".

~ ~ For any work that requires precise cursor movement (Photo-editing, Illustration, fast-paced Games), this
mouse is terrific. I've had it for 2 months now. A normal mouse would have required at least 2 cleanings of
the inner ball mechanism, but the Mouse hasn't let me down yet.

I highly recommend the Logitech Optical Mouse as an inexpensive investment, which will greatly improve
the way you succeed with many of your applications. This purchase was a winner!

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Update... 9 months later... It's STILL wonderful, not a single problem!!!

I have always liked Logitech's products. I own a wireless keyboard, the Trackman FX mouse alternative, Wingman Rumblepad, Extreme 3D joystick, cordless Playstation2 controller, and now, this humble little optical mouse. Every single one of those Logitech products exceeded my expectations.

I bought a used computer on ebay to add to my home network. It did not come with a mouse. So, not wanting to spend a whole lot of money, I went for this inexpensive optical mouse and ordered from Amazon, along with a KDS 17-inch monitor. I thought it would be necessary to install the included drivers to get it to work with Windows 2000 Advanced Server. However, using the USB port, the mouse immediately began to work without the need to install the drivers from the CD.

This particular computer system is in a dark part of the house. I can plainly see the red light start to glow brighter from the bottom of the unit during use. This device works on a variety of surface, so you do not need a mouse pad.

I highly recommend this Logitech mouse. It is a very good product even if you do not factor in the low price.

I will write a review of the KDS 17-inch monitor as soon as I have had a chance to evaluate it further.

i've been using it for 3 years and it still works perfectly, the only thing i don't like about it is that it seems to be a little too big and the wheel seems to make very loud noise.. guess it's cos i've been using it for so long