Mouse buying advice needed

Can someone who actually knows their way around peripherals give me a hand?

I’m looking to pick up a mouse for around $45

It needs to be wireless—ideally something compact for a laptop

And I definitely need extra buttons that I can program myself

I mainly need it for work in Excel and similar software

I don't play games at all..

Thanks

I'm using this thread so I don't clutter things up with a new one.



I've held onto this same mouse for over seven years. The sides are completely worn down by now, and the left click died ages ago—I just deal with it by aiming better and using the touchpad instead. But now the scroll wheel is acting up too. It’s officially time for an upgrade.

I hit up three different stores today and couldn't find a single thing that fits the bill. My requirements are simple: it needs to be a decent size because I can't stand those tiny, cramped mice, and it absolutely must have those side back/forward buttons near the scroll wheel. They're incredibly useful and I'm used to them. Not a single model I saw had them!

Anyone got a solid recommendation?

If you can track down the exact mouse model you're looking for, maybe try searching for it on eBay first.

Since I don't want to clutter things up with a new thread, here is my "holy trinity":

http://www.geniusnet.com/wSite/ct?xI...tNode=105&mp=1 (Best Buy, $39)

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/prod....aspx?pid=3679 (Walmart, $44)

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/prod....aspx?pid=3821 (Walmart, $64)

Are laser mice actually better than optical ones? What’s the real difference?

Laser sensors are basically more sensitive and precise—meaning the higher the DPI, the less you actually have to move your mouse to cover the same distance on your screen. It really just comes down to how much that matters to you. Anyway, that Gigabyte one from $44 only has two buttons, whereas the other model has four—do you actually need those extra buttons? Also, the Genius one uses Bluetooth instead of a standard wireless connection; Bluetooth usually offers a slightly more stable link and better range, though you’ll need to make sure your PC actually has a Bluetooth port since there isn't a USB dongle included.

I'm currently stuck using an Apple Mighty Mouse (wired, USB). It’s got four buttons and a tiny trackball, but the cable is fraying and the trackball is basically dead—scrolling has become a total mission impossible. I'm not looking to drop a fortune on some high-end mouse, but I spotted an Apple Bluetooth model at a great price, so that's what I'll be picking up. My Apple iMac already has Bluetooth built-in anyway. Thanks for clearing that up. 🙂