External Pointing Devices

The Bottom Line: The Orochi, Razer's first gaming mouse designed for notebooks, combines a small size and Bluetooth connectivity with a feature set normally seen only on larger gaming mice.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Wireless, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: Apple's new wireless Magic Mouse gets a sleek makeover and even has multitouch controls, but it's better as a portable laptop companion rather than a full-size desktop accessory. The swiping gestures add interactivity to Web browsing and media, but the awkwardly narrow single button design leaves us reaching for better mice from Logitech and others.

Specs: Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later, External, Mac, AA type, Mouse, Mouse, Wireless, Laser, Bluetooth

The Bottom Line: Multitouch in place of a mouse may not appeal to pro designers, but the Bamboo Fun Pen and Touch is an excellent choice for mobile users who want to begin dabbling with art tools.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 2540 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Stylus, Digitizer, Wired, Silver

The Bottom Line: The Anywhere Mouse MX bears Logitech's multiconnective Unifying receiver and glass-tracking Darkfield laser, but $80 is too much for a portable mouse--especially when the Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 costs half the price for almost the same features.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser

The Bottom Line: There's quite a lot to like about Logitech's new Gaming Mouse G500, but with a competing mouse from Microsoft offering its own set of features, gamers now have some choices to make. The G500 will appeal to performance-driven shooter fans. The choice is less clear for other kinds of PC gamers.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 5700 dpi, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wired, Laser

The Bottom Line: Logitech has met and surpassed Microsoft's recent mouse technology innovations by introducing the most versatile mouse sensor on the market in its new Performance Mouse MX. But even if you don't have a glass table crying out to become a workspace, this high-end input device has enough features and cushy design to make it a justifiable indulgence for anyone who takes their cursor control seriously.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser

The Bottom Line: The Wireless M505 Mouse is a good choice for anyone using Logitech's Unifying USB transceiver (which also works with its keyboards), but it's priced a bit high considering its limited button layout.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser, Red

The Bottom Line: The Wireless M505 Mouse is a good choice for anyone using Logitech's Unifying USB transceiver (which also works with its keyboards), but it's priced a bit high considering its limited button layout.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser, Black

The Bottom Line: The Wireless M505 Mouse is a good choice for anyone using Logitech's Unifying USB transceiver (which also works with its keyboards), but it's priced a bit high considering its limited button layout.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Laser, Gray

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 doesn't leave much room for complaint. Some will balk at the $40 price tag, but this mobile traveler fits comfortably in your hand and it can mouse on almost any surface, thanks to Microsoft's innovative Bluetrack technology. With a small footprint and a variety of stylish colors to choose from, this mouse makes a useful (and worthy) addition to your mobile arsenal.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Mouse, Wireless, Optical, Teal blue