I’m really reserved when it comes to laptops. I could use one, but then again I’m not into touchpads at all. Of course, I can get a laptop mouse. The question is which one is more suitable. We haven’t yet looked at what Microsoft has to offer.

Let’s see… Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 seems nice. It has an interesting design and some handy features. First of all it’s a transceiver-free device which relies on the Bluetooth technology that any new laptop should integrate. It’s a High Definition Laser mouse, so you know it works with your favorite games too. With the integrated battery life indicator you won’t be taken by surprise with a dead battery—the Battery Status LED Indicator glows red when the battery is running low. The battery usually lasts for about three months. Moreover, if you want to extend the battery life, you can turn the mouse off when you’re not using it.

Additional features such as the back Button give you more freedom, so you can easily navigate between folders and Web pages, or press the wheel for auto-scroll. Speaking of the scroll wheel, you also get a tilt function for it and that practically eliminates the need to deal with scroll bars on the Web pages.

I thought that this kind of mouse was supposed to cost a little less. Guess I was wrong, it’s $50 alright.

Tired of recharging that wireless mouse every time you find yourself frenzying around in your favorite videogames? Some mice out there die pretty quick; they can only store enough energy for about a couple of days to a whole week, let’s say. Some others can manage with as much as four or five months worth of energy, only by using two AA batteries. But they eventually die out and you might have forgotten to keep some batteries handy. No more batteries, that’s enough. Just get the A4Tech battery-free mouse and live happily ever after.

The package comes mouse and special mouse pad , which are standard plug and play so no fancy hardware or drivers are needed. That’s all you get. Erm, how exactly does the mouse work, then? Well, since the mouse itself does not require batteries, it has to draw power from somewhere. In this case, the mouse pad is connected via USB, and generates an electric field around the pad to power the mouse wirelessly. Nice one. But keep in mind you are forced to use the mouse pad, whether you like it or not, otherwise the mouse will be just another cool though useless collectible thingy.

Looking around for some ingenious mice, I stumble upon iBall’s presentation device. It might not be that ingenious, but it sure is weird looking. So you could use this instead of your average mouse when you have to make an impressive presentation. iBall has an interesting sense of humor, stating that this would probably be the most powerful tool an executive will ever hold.

As you can see, the device doesn’t look like any remote control you’ve seen. It’s sort of a hybrid between a mouse, a trackball device and a Star Trek phaser gun. It features cordless trackball system and a built-in laser pointer. Due to it’s gun-like ergonomic design, the device fits comfortably in your hand. You might even pull some bank robberies with the aid of this toy, and get away with it. It’s easy to set up thanks to Plug-n-play capabilities, meaning that you don’t have to bother installing special drivers and other additional software.

In case you have an older PC you can connect the trackball presenter via PS2 or you can use a USB slot. It’s got the usual 3-button configuration, but instead of an optical or laser 3G tracking device, you end up with a laser pointer and an effective range of around 10 m, exposing the sniper out of you. The digital RF receiver works with 2 AAA batteries.

We all know Microsoft tries hard (though keeping a low profile on it) to dictate the trends in the IT&C world, but every once in a while their designing teams come with some interesting looking pieces of hardware that could influence the look and functions of future hardware generations. OK, the natural keyboard wasn’t that much of a hit, but when it comes to mice, there might be some revelation among these.

Speaking of interesting designs, let’s take a look at Microsoft’s Wireless Laser 6000 Mouse. Being the pinnacle of the wireless series, it integrates Microsoft’s High Definition Laser technology for improved precision, responsiveness and smoother tracking.

The advanced 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology enables users to connect in confidence with up to 30-foot range, without interference even in crowded wireless environments. No more “Hey, turn that mouse off, you’re messing with my spreadsheet!” scenarios.

It’s a Vista-ready mouse so it’s got to have the Flip 3D button to cycle through things with a 3D twist. New to these series is the Magnifier button. Point and click to enlarge and edit detail using this shortcut button. The 4-Way Scroll Wheel lets you cover the entire screen with the hybrid scroll/tilt function.

Other features include the snap-in transceiver that can save precious battery life and the possibility to program the additional buttons. Did I mention that natural design?

You just got a new laptop but you hate that pesky touchpad that comes standard with most of these portable PCs. You sure could use a mouse instead. But when it comes to portable devices you really have to watch for power consumption. You don’t really need a power hungry rodent, now, do you? So you skip over the USB-powered stuff and get to battery powered mice. Not such a good idea, they tend to die on you in the most critical moments, and that recharging cord doesn’t cut it, either. Great, what’s next? Holographic mice?

I think you watched too much sci-fi movies. How about a flat mouse? Laptops have flat screens, why not a flat mouse? Flat as a pancake, the MoGo Mouse BT operates wirelessly via Bluetooth and docks/recharges inside your notebook’s PC Card slot. Nifty thing!

However, take a moment and consider the disadvantages, too. The MoGo lacks both a scroll wheel and a middle button, and it doesn’t come with a Bluetooth adapter for those “primitive” models that lack integrated Bluetooth. These limitations don’t scare you at all? Then fill that PCMCIA card slot up!

Also, be sure to check Newegg.com for their latest MoGo Mouse BT deal. It’s only $29.99, plus $5.58 for shipping. Hell of a deal, considering that most vendors sell it for around $70.