How to choose a mouse for a laptop

A computer mouse seems to many to be just a small addition to a laptop, because it is already equipped with touch controls. However, it is worth noting that a correctly selected mouse greatly facilitates the user’s work on a PC and makes it more comfortable. And you can learn everything about how to make the right choice from this article.

Basic criteria for choosing mice

So, do you want to buy a new computer mouse for your laptop or replace a broken old one? Don’t rush to choose the one that seems prettier, but first think about your future purchase. In order for the expectation to correspond to reality, you must pay attention to a number of criteria for choosing a mouse:

• For what computer activities will it be used, for its intended purpose.
• Manipulator connection type, wireless or wired mouse.
• Main technical characteristics.
• Company manufacturer.
• Price.
• Material of the product body.
• Size, ergonomics.
• Positive feedback from other buyers.

Selecting a manipulator for its intended purpose

According to the functional range, three types of computer mice can be distinguished:

• Office.
• Specialized.
• Gaming.

Let's talk about each type more specifically:

1. The first group includes the familiar computer mouse with two buttons, a scroll wheel and a double-click button. This type of mouse is suitable for regular work with documents in the office or spending time on social networks. These are usually inexpensive optical LED models that can be either wired or wireless. This option is optimal for the average PC user.
2. Specialized manipulators mean those that are mainly intended for designers and programmers. Such models are additionally equipped with a small keyboard or side wheels, are characterized by increased accuracy and, as a rule, are quite expensive. If you are not an expert in the relevant fields, purchasing such a mouse is absolutely impractical.
3. Gaming mice are designed for gamers who are primarily interested in the speed of signal transmission by the manipulator and the convenience of its position in the hand. Typically these are laser models, which are more sensitive and are additionally equipped with buttons and rubberized side walls. The price of such a computer mouse is also higher than that of a regular office mouse.

ATTENTION. You should not purchase a specialized or gaming mouse unless necessary; it will not reveal all its functionality if used unprofessionally.

Ways to connect a mouse to a laptop

So, when the purpose of the computer mouse is taken into account, you need to decide on the type of connection to the laptop. In accordance with this, two groups are distinguished:

• Wired.
• Wireless.

Wired mice are also divided according to the type of connector - PS/2 and USB. However, I would like to immediately note that modern laptops are not designed to work with the first type, so almost all products are produced with a USB cable. The advantages of a wired mouse include:

• Work stability.
• Durability of use.
• No need for additional maintenance costs (purchase of batteries in the case of wireless);

But the main disadvantage is the wire itself, which connects it to a laptop or computer and causes inconvenience to the user. Wireless mice work by transmitting a signal to a laptop or computer via radio communication. Depending on this, there are mice with their own radio receiver, which is inserted into a USB port, as well as those that operate via a Bluetooth connection. The wireless mouse is powered by batteries, which periodically require replacement, and is also subject to signal transmission interference. This is its main disadvantage. But despite this, this type of manipulator has the following advantages:

• No interfering wire.
• Possibility of free movement during use.
• A fairly large signal transmission range, depending on the model and company - up to 20 meters.

This option is optimal for working with a laptop.

Now you know the important aspects that you should pay attention to when choosing a computer mouse. Guided by them, you will definitely make the right decision.