In the battle of the laser mouse versus optical mouse the laser technology wins because of its surface tracking capability which is 20 times more, compared to the optical mouse.
Microsoft enhanced this feature by using a new technology called BlueTrack, which enables laser mice tracking on virtually any surface. Based on this innovation, the upcoming mice will be the most advanced models ever created, because they combine the width and power of optical technology with the precision of laser tracking, so you’ll be able to use these gadgets even on granite kitchen countertops and carpets.

“Research shows that people aren’t sitting at a desk all day, but they’ve gone mobile. In fact, 72 percent of PCs sold are notebook PCs, and consumers need a mouse that can go with them anywhere,” said Mark DePue, platforms engineering manager at Microsoft and co-inventor of BlueTrack Technology. “BlueTrack Technology excels in areas where optical and laser technologies were falling short. Laser mice, for example, have a difficult time working on some common home surfaces, including granite and
marble.”

“Laser technology is also sensitive to dust and dirt accumulation during travel, which can lead to poor tracking performance,” added David Bohn, senior engineering architect at Microsoft and BlueTrack Technology co-inventor. “With BlueTrack Technology you can rest easier about where your mouse will or won’t track - it works just about everywhere, just like you.”

How does this technology work? – BlueTrack uses a large and blue beam, which is no less than 4 times larger as the standard laser beams, and specular optics architecture, combined with an image sensor designed by Microsoft and proprietary pixel geometry, in order to create a high-contrast image of the surface beneath the mouse.

I’m happy to announce you that the upcoming mice featuring this new technology will be available in November at Best Buy stores. To find them you should search for the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse, first model coming at a price of $99.95, while the notebook companion having a price set at $79.95.

Now let’s see their features!
Microsoft Explorer Mouse and the Mini version sport a chrome finish and blue lights at the bottom and are wireless, using the 2.4GHz technology, which allows you to use them from up to 30 feet away from the micro receiver.

Microsoft Explorer has a battery status indicator and charging base, while the Mini powers from 2 AA batteries. One full charge keeps the mouse operating for up to 3 weeks, but the Microsoft Explorer Mini has a battery life of up to 6 months.
The Tilt Wheel Technology provides 4-way scrolling, while other features include customizable buttons,

Both computer mouses bring with a 3-year warranty available Worldwide.

One of the most stylish and ergonomic computer mice on the market comes from Microsoft, a company known not only for the most world’s popular operating system, but also for it’s high-end computer peripherals provided. Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a rechargeable model designed for the use with your right hand only, and works wirelessly from up to 30-foot distance, based on the 2.4 GHz technology, via a Mini USB receiver. It has a full charging time of up to 7 hours to operate continuously for up to 3 weeks at a single charge.
It is a high-definition laser mouse working based on Microsoft’s proprietary technology, featuring a status indicator that flashes when batteries are low. When this happens you have to place it on the charging pad in the horizontal position.

Laser mice use an invisible laser beam that reflects from the surface reaching the sensor, which sends the images to the digital signal processor. The processor detects image patterns changes and establishes the distance the mouse has moved since the last change. These coordinates are then sent to the computer to be translated into the cursor movement on the monitor. It provides higher image resolution on more types of surfaces, than optical mice, even on tricky polished or wood-grain surfaces, glazed ceramic tile, untextured plastic, metal surfaces, photo paper, laminate countertops, and opaque glass, while enabling 20 times more surface tracking power compared to the optical sensor.

Featuring the Windows Flip 3D Key, the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 allows you to access this mode, specific to Windows Vista operating system, which shows all the open windows in a cool three-dimensional view. In addition, you can use the Magnifier feature to enlarge and edit page fragments, or the 4-way directional button based on the Tilt Wheel Technology, to scroll pages horizontally and vertically and see all the details. Microsoft High Definition Technology promises increased precision, high responsiveness and smoother tracking, while specifications highlight 6,000 frames per second tracking system, 1,000 points per inch resolution, and a tracking speed of up to 15 inches per second.

System requirements include the Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Mac operating system, 100MB hard drive space to install the software, and a free USB port.

The mouse measures 4.77 x 3.23 x 1.66 inches at a weight of 3.7 ounces, powers from one AAA 1000 mAh Ni-Mh battery type, and is available at a retail price of $70 with a 3-year warranty.

It combines two devices in one: a remote optimized for PowerPoint presentations, and a computer laser mouse.
Penta Sport remote control mouse doesn’t benefit from an attractive marketing campaign but it looks cool enough for you to have the chance to take a look at it.

Available at around $80, it uses the 2.4GHz wireless technology at up to 60 foot range and provides the following features: slide advance buttons, omni-directional mini joystick, joystick clicker, mouse buttons, an ergonomic design, compact construction, rubber finish, laser pointer, laser button, USB, plug&play, zipper carrying case accessory, low battery consumption, multiple channel selection, power from 3 AAA batteries, LED light indicator, and an On/Off switch.
The Penta Sport remote control mouse mouse is developed by Penper, a company that designs and manufactures unique computer products marketed online.
The mouse’ specifications include a switch life of 1,000,000 cycles, compatibility with all Windows operating system versions and Mac.

This is the Penta Sport laser mouse presentation:

Maybe you can’t stand wireless mice because they are a bit less responsive than the wired ones, but if you need a clean and organized office desk you might want to try what Targus has to offer in the wireless range.

Take for example the Wireless Stow-N-Go Rechargeable Mouse, which is said to be the only 27MHz mouse in the Stow-N-Go Mouse product line from Targus. This wireless mouse integrates a 800-dpi high-tracking resolution laser sensor which provides extremely precise cursor movements (as I said, good for the office stuff only). The design of this new mouse is highly portable and includes a small, thumb-size USB receiver that doubles as an on/off switch when stored. Moreover, the receiver tucks on the underside of the mouse for easy travel. Although it seems too round to provide a comfortable use, Targus ensures us that it’s specifically designed for laptop users and people on the go.

The Wireless Stow-N-Go charges via the USB port even when you’re using it, so no more dead batteries to give you headaches. What makes it simpler to use than most of the wireless mice out there is the fact that it requires no drivers or software.

You can find this one online for $49.99.

Ready for some more notebook rodent extravaganza? First of all, let me say that I’m no fan of little things. I don’t like smallish cellphones, I totally dis the minute iShuffle, and can’t understand why people need tiny mice for their laptops when they can use the best wireless laser mice with any kind of computer. Speaking of tiny laptop mice, Logitech has recently released a new model, and its name says it all from me.

The V450 Nano cordless laser mouse is meant for notebook users, but it could be used as a desktop mouse too, they say. Now, why would I use something that small with my desktop PC? Does it come with some out of the ordinary features, at least? Let’s see…Logitech’s exclusive Plug-and-Forget Nano-receiver, featuring a USB receiver that is so small, you’ll forget about it in no time once it is plugged in, letting the mouse always be ready for use. Mmmno, nothing special here. Next!

The battery inside the V450 Nano is claimed to last for an entire year before a replacement is required, but that figure clearly depends on just how long you intend to use the mouse for each day. Hmmm, that might be a good feature, but since a do some gaming, I wonder if this can really last longer than my current cordless solution, whose batteries last for about 5 months no matter what I do with it.

Since it’s wireless, the tiny thing integrates a 2.4GHz wireless transmitter that comes with the standard 10m range. The V450 Nano is scheduled to hit the US market later this month, while Europe receives it later, in July. Another hateable thing about smallish technology is the price. Would you pay $49.99 for this mouse?