January Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX500 Optical Mouse

Cost: $37
Months on list: 3
Price Change: $0

Without much movement in the peripheral market, the Logitech MX500 Optical mouse makes another return to the Extreme guide. There is plenty reason why, as it is an excellent corded optical mouse utilizing Logitech's new "MX" technology for optical mice. It has an 800 dpi sample rate, which scans movement quicker, and more often, than before. The MX-500 is also a sleek, very comfortable mouse to work with. It has two standard left and right buttons, as well as two scroll buttons on top, a scroll wheel, quick switch program selection button, and two thumb buttons to flip back and forth between web pages. Its reaction time is instantaneous, making the MX-500 an instant winner for players of FPS games. Combine all of these features with the fact that it is an optical mouse that never requires maintenance, and it's once again this month's Extreme mouse of choice.

For about $30 more, the Logitech MX700 mouse could be substituted into the system, the MX700 is essentially the same thing except that it is cordless, with a desktop charger (no more dead batteries!). This is a personal choice, though we like the corded version for heavy-duty gaming use.

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard

Cost: $50
Months on list: 3
Price Change: $0

In the world of keyboards, there are basically two formats: the standard type, or the ergonomic (split) keyboards. This is Microsoft's improved and more attractive version of their previous ergonomic keyboards. It features the same build quality as their predecessors, but has a more eye catching stylistic design with enhanced F Keys, as well as a media control center with volume control, play/pause, forward/backward etc. There are also hot keys that provide instant access to Messenger, Mail, Internet, Calculator and more. For those with more conventional tastes, Microsoft also offers the standard Multimedia Keyboard.

Game pad: Logitech Wingman Rumblepad

Cost: $24
Months on list: 7
Price Change: $0

The Logitech Wingman Rumblepad is getting long in the tooth, but this product is still very good, and every gamer should have a game pad, especially for those sports gamers out there. Very few game pads offer such a nice balance of ergonomic feel, excellent button placement, and quality, or at a better price point, than the Logitech Wingman Rumblepad. As the name suggests, the device can function in rumble mode, and will support force feedback in certain games. The game pad has 6 buttons on top, two trigger buttons, two analogue sticks, a digital d-pad, and a throttle switch. This feature packed controller will definitely satisfy the needs of an Extreme gamer.