March High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

Cost: $48
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$5

Although it has a limited effect on the actual budget, the mouse and keyboard hardware has the potential to make or break an otherwise prime gaming system. This represents the primary user interface (mouse, keyboard, and other controllers), and should always be as transparent as possible and not be a hindrance to performing desktop or gaming tasks. We have taken all precautions that this does not happen, and our current top choice is the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse.

This mouse controller is designed with the gamer in mind, and offers one of the top laser sensors on the market, which virtually guarantees smooth tracking and control, not matter how tense the on-screen action becomes. The Logitech G5 Laser Mouse offers a very nice 2000 DPI laser sensor, full-speed USB (12Mbps) support, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mouse feet/pads, on-the-fly sensitivity switching, and a set of adjustable weights. The adjustable weights are a very nice feature, as these allow users to custom-tune their controller weight from ultra-light (no extra weight) to very sturdy (up to 36 grams of extra weight), or anywhere in between.

For those that feel the need for a wireless model, the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse provides a compelling argument. Although the G5 Laser Mouse is our top choice, the G7 Laser Cordless Mouse offers the same 2000 DPI laser sensor, as well as a full-speed, bi-directional USB connection over 2.4 GHz wireless connection, capable of 500 reports/second. This is serious hardware, and it's backed up with an innovative "hot swappable" lithium-ion battery packs - Logitech includes two batteries, along with a recharge base station, so you'll never be left powerless again.

Also, make sure you have a proper mousing surface with an optical/laser mouse. Although the sensor improves tracking and the laser engines makes it more seamless, you will still have the best luck on darker non-solid color surfaces, especially checkered or rough patterns, and specialized mouse pads from fUnc, Ratpadz, or Everglide are still a good bet.

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Cost: $44
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

We had a few dollars left in our budget and decided that an upgrade to our keyboard selection was long overdue. We had been upgrading other components with seemingly reckless abandon, not to mention spending some serious cash on mouse controllers. But for years, we had stuck with the aging, though still functional, Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard. We still prefer the ergonomic keyboards for everyday use, and the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is one of the best mainstream keyboards we've seen in a long time.

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a very stylish unit, with its black keys and hand rests accented by grey outer shell. It is also very functional, and offers an excellent combination of performance and durability. Microsoft has also gone back to the black enamel keys with this model, which is a welcome change from the see-through jobbies on recent MS keyboards. Overall, this is a great keyboard from Microsoft, and offers the best value we could find in the $40 price range.

Some would rather use a standard keyboard, and for that, we recommend the updated Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard. It has all the same functions and features as the basic Microsoft Multimedia keyboard, but adds a few new wrinkles such as a zoom slider, additional customizable buttons and an eye-catching design. It's only priced a few dollars higher than the Multimedia Natural Keyboard, and is a solid choice for those with more conventional tastes.