- The first computer mice in widespread use were mechanical; they contained a rubber ball, which caused plastic tumblers inside the mouse to roll when the mouse was moved across a surface. Mechanical mice were reliable, but inconvenient. They needed to be cleaned frequently, and would lose the friction they required to operate properly if they were used on a surface other than a mouse pad. The laser mouse was an innovation that solved these issues.
- A laser mouse operates by illuminating the service on which it is placed, using a laser (other optical mice use LEDs for this purpose). In the mouse, a photo sensor rapidly takes pictures of the lit area, comparing each one to the previous picture. If the sensor detects movement, the mouse cursor on the screen moves. This process is nearly instant because the photo sensor in a laser mouse takes and compares pictures over 1,000 times per second.
- The primary benefit of laser mice is convenience. Mechanical mice must be cleaned constantly to prevent the rollers from losing the friction required to track your movements properly. Additionally, laser mice work on nearly any surface; even your lap, if a desk isn't nearby. For most uses, the experience of using a laser mouse far surpasses that of using a mechanical one.
- Some hardcore computer gamers believe that laser mice are unable to track movement as quickly as mechanical mice do. In certain types of games, primary fast-paced, first-person shooters, extremely fast reaction times are required in order for a player to be competitive. If you are a gamer and require the best mouse available in order to feel confident in your ability to win, test a laser mouse to make sure that it will fit your needs before purchasing it. Additionally, most laser mice do not perform well when used on glass desktops.
- Although they lag far behind mice in popularity, some people prefer the trackball as an alternative to the mouse. With a trackball, rather than moving the entire unit across the surface of your desk, movements are accomplished by flicking a large ball, embedded in a stationary unit, with your thumb. It tends to take a while to get used to a trackball. If you decide to try one, use it for a few weeks before making a decision as to whether you would like to keep it.
