April Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech MX1000 Cordless Optical Mouse

Cost: $55
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$10

Interacting with your computer is one of the most important components of the PC gaming experience. We place a lot of emphasis on our input devices here at SE, which is why we are again recommending the Logitech MX1000, a mouse with an all-new laser tracking system that has a much finer precision (20x) than conventional optical mice. The MX1000 combines everything we liked about the MX700, and improves upon it in most every way. In addition to the new laser sensor, the MX1000 also has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, additional buttons, and a more comfortable design. Logitech seems to have another winner on their hands, and although the MX1000 is priced at $55, it is worth every penny.

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: 7
Price Change: -$2

Split design keyboard have been used here at SE for the past few years as these greatly reduce 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 put too much of a dent in our $4,000 budget.

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 loath split keyboards and would rather use a standard one, we recommend the updated Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard. It has all the same functions and features as the basic Microsoft Multimedia keyboard it replaced, but adds a few new wrinkles such as a zoom slider, additional customizable buttons and an eye-catching design. It's only a few bucks more expensive than the Multimedia Natural Keyboard, and a real value for those with more conventional tastes.

Gamepad: Saitek P3000 Wireless Pad & Docking Station

Cost: $32
Months on list: 7
Price Change: +$1

While many hardcore PC gamers find little use for a game controller, we find that it can come in very handy for the odd racing or sports game. While the current PC controller market is quite poor, there are still a still a few gems that really stand out. Take for instance the Saitek P3000, which has been included in this guide for the past seven months. The controller allows for unprecedented wireless freedom, and has performance that can match the best of the console world, not to mention it is extremely comfy in your hands.

The P3000 Wireless ships with two battery packs, and much like the Logitech MX1000 mouse, has its own docking station that recharges it when not in use. Currently you can find this controller online for about $32, not a bad price to pay, even if you only use it for the occasional racing game.