July 2004 Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX700 Cordless Optical Mouse

Cost: $46
Months on list: 5
Price Change: -$6

Considering how many mouse controllers we have gone through here at SE, it comes as a surprise that the Logitech MX700 has survived so long in our clutches. Logitech has not only built a high performance cordless mouse, but created one that can stand the test of time. The MX700 has an 800dip resolution, and 4.7 Megapixel per second sensor that ensures maximum accuracy. It also has a built in rechargeable battery, and the unit can be left it the included docking bay when not in use. Logitech put forth the extra effort to make an exceptional mouse on nearly every level right down to the most important of all, comfort.

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: $15
Months on list: 5
Price Change: -$5

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 $15. You can't go wrong with this keyboard, and at $15 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: $36
Months on list: 5
Price Change: -$3

While many hardcore PC gamers feel that a game controller is nothing more than a novelty, we can appreciate a good controller, especially for racing and sports games. The current state of PC game controllers is relatively poor, with only a few gems popping up here and there. Luckily, the Saitek P3000 is one of those rarities, and from a company renowned for their flight sticks. 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 P3000 Wireless ships with two battery packs, and just like the Logitech MX700, has its own docking station that recharges it when not in use. For less than $40 you can't go wrong with this gamepad, even if the only game you will be using it for is GTA3.