May Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX700 Cordless Optical Mouse

Cost: $52
Months on list: 4
Price Change: +$3

The Logitech MX700 is a top choice here at SE, so it should come as no surprise that we're recommending it again this month. The MX700 is a wireless unit, which features an 800dpi resolution, and a 4.7 Megapixel per second sensor for maximum accuracy. The MX700 also has a built in rechargeable battery, and the unit can be left it the included receiver/docking bay when not in use. The MX700 is also the perfect size for our hands making it one of the most comfortable gaming mice we have ever used.

Make sure you choose an appropriate mousing surface when using any optical mouse, as these work best on dark non-solid color surfaces. Some of the best mouse pads currently on the market are those from fUnc, Ratpadz, and Everglide, and any serious gamer will want to take a look at those pads for one that might fit your tastes.

Keyboard: Microsoft Multimedia Natural Keyboard OEM

Cost: $20
Months on list: 4
Price Change: $0

For years we have been using split design keyboards as it greatly reduces the amount of strain on our wrists, especially after hours of typing. The Microsoft Multimedia Natural Keyboard is a solid, and economical, split design keyboard that is not only comfortable to use but also can be found in an OEM version for about $20. You can't go wrong with this keyboard, and at $20 it certainly won't break the bank.

The Multimedia version of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard offers a number of additional, and sometimes useful, multimedia function keys. These are used for accessing and controlling tasks such as windows media player and audio volume, along with launching mail, web and instant messaging programs.

For those of you who would rather use a standard keyboard, we recommend the basic Microsoft Multimedia keyboard. It has all the same functions and features as the Natural keyboard and offers the same durability that we love about the Microsoft keyboards.

Gamepad: Saitek P3000 Wireless Pad & Docking Station

Cost: $39
Months on list: 4
Price Change: $0

A basic game controller can be easily overlooked, especially if racing or sports games are not your cup of tea. Many of today's PC controllers look like cheap knockoffs of the Playstation's uber popular controller, with little innovation to be found. However, a company renowned for their flight sticks has gone the extra mile and created the Saitek P3000 Wireless Pad wireless controller. This controller allows the freedom and performance that we'd expect from a good wireless pad, is very comfortable to hold, and has a wide array of options and buttons. The pad comes with two battery packs, and much like the Logitech MX700 mouse we recommended this month, has a convenient docking station that actually doubles as a recharging station when the pad is not in use.