PREFACE:
The pointing device or mouse is the secondary tactile interface to your computer. Mice come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and technology.
PS/2 VERSUS SERIAL:
The mouse connects to your computer through either a serial port or a PS/2 port. Before you buy your pointing device, make sure your computer has a serial port or PS/2 mouse port. Do not confuse PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports, although they use the same connector, the support from the motherboard side is not the same. The old AT form factor motherboards only provided a 5pin DIN connector for the keyboard. Some of the old AT form factor motherboards provided stake pins for externally mounted connectors. Some had PS/2 and serial, some only had serial. The new ATX form factor motherboards provide PS/2 connectors for both a keyboard and a mouse as well as USB.
USB:
There are also USB mice. These work very well and don't require a PS/2 or serial port.
ERGONOMICS:
As stated for keyboards, the mouse style can affect your health. Try a bunch of different ones and choose the one that "feels" best to you.
TECHNOLOGY:
The pointing device technologies include track balls, 3D wireless infrared mice, a 3D ball, touch pads, and the good 'ol mouse and mouse pad.
BUTTONS:
Two buttons suffice for most users, special software can make use of a third.
MECHANICAL OR OPTICAL:
The mouse encoder technology used to today is usually optical, which is good, they don't wear out as fast. But if you buy a $2.00 cheapy, beware, it may use mechanical encoders and will eventually wear out, sooner than you think too. A mechanical encoder uses metal fingers that "wipe" across metallic stripes on the wheels. Eventually this "wiping" wears the material on the wheels. Optical encoders use photo-transistor pairs and notched wheels that will last forever.
QUALITY AND CLEANING:
Some products are just plain built better and with better materials. Computer magazines routinely rate mice products. I use a que-tip and alcohol to clean the ball and steel rollers on mine.
