July 2006 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse

Cost: $63
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

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. Overall prices have been dropping lately, and this has allowed us to upgrade to the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse.

The biggest change is the wireless functionality, but the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse is a killer gaming controller in its own right. The G7 Laser Cordless Mouse has a 2000 DPI laser sensor, as well as a full-speed, bi-directional USB connection over a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which is capable of 500 reports/second. It even has the same polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mouse feet/pads as the Logitech G5. 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.

Logitech has also expanded their G7 Laser Cordless line to include not only the standard two-tone green model, but also an attractive "carbon fiber" black mouse as well. This model has also changed the side grips to a rougher feel, and moved away from the almost-ceramic look and feel of the two-tone mouse.

For those who prefer a standard wired model, the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse offers a controller with a 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.

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: 2
Price Change: $0

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-$45 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.