A computer mouse is one device that has always been integral to the PC or the Personal Computer. Operating a desktop-based computer is quite impossible without having a mouse at your disposal. Ever since laptops became popular, a lot of people stopped investing in a mouse. On a device like that, the touchpad enables you to do most of the things that a mouse can do. However, if we go by the surveys done in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of people who work on laptops and would like to have a mouse that can be connected to the laptops.
The reason behind this is quite simple. A touchpad doesn’t offer the kind of flexibility and ease of use a mouse provides. Also, if you are an avid gamer and spend hours playing high-end games on your laptop, buying a good-quality mouse is a must. Often, when people switch from a personal computer to a desktop, they feel quite uncomfortable about not having a mouse to work with. Apart from the fact that it is a device that can be connected to both your desktop computer and laptop easily, a mouse is also very small in size and can be put in a bag and carried around to different places.
Is a Mouse an Input Device or an Output Device?
When it comes to the mouse, this question is often posed about its identity. The mouse is an Input device. Before we get into the details of why a mouse is an input device, it is important to understand what an input and output device is.
Input Devices vs Output Devices
An input device is any hardware component that helps in providing control signals and data to an information processing system like a computer. Simply put, the user can provide instructions and data to a computer with the help of an input device. An output device, on the other hand, is a type of hardware component that uses received information from an input device and the computer to carry out a task.
Based on the aforementioned details, you now have an idea about the functions of an input and an output device. Some of the most commonly used input devices are keyboards and touch screen. Output devices include hardware components like speakers, monitor and printers.
So, what is a mouse then? As you would have guessed by now, the mouse is an input device as it is used to provide data or instructions to the computer. There are different kinds of computer mice available in the market. Hence, under no circumstance can a mouse be categorized as an output device.
What are the Different Types of Computer Mice?
There are different kinds of computer mice available in the market today. If you are slightly old-fashioned, you might want to use a wired mouse. For the technologically advanced, there is the USB or wireless mouse which is very convenient to use and eliminates the need for a wire. Then, you also have the option of investing in ergonomic mice which are designed in such a way that they fit into your hand/s perfectly and eliminate the strain involved in using a mouse.
What are the Advantages of Using a Mouse?
Here are some of the benefits associated with using a mouse.
- Good Accessory While Gaming
These days, you get dedicated laptops for playing games. These are called ‘gaming laptops’ and have the kind of hardware that enables the user to play high-end games for hours at a stretch. If you are using a gaming laptop, it becomes imperative to buy a good-quality mouse along with other components that are necessary for you to play different kinds of games on the laptop. Even if you play games on a standard laptop, having a mouse is quite important. It would help you move your character in the game and carry out other actions in a smooth manner.
- Ergonomic Mouse Eases Pain
If you wish to use the mouse but are not using one at the moment as you believe it causes strain in your hand/s after a point, then here is something you must know. Using a regular mouse might not be the most comfortable option for everyone; especially for those suffering from physical conditions like arthritis, but using an ergonomic mouse doesn’t prove to be as strenuous. An ergonomic mouse is designed to fit your hand and won’t cause any pain or strain even after using it for several hours.
- Makes the Inputting Process Easier
The mouse is an input device that helps in providing data and information to the computer system. A lot of people who own a laptop find the keyboard and the touchpad sufficient for doing the needful. However, those who connect a mouse to their laptop while working will vouch for the fact that it makes the process of inputting data much more convenient and easier. Not to mention, you finish your work much faster.
- Carry It Anywhere
Unlike several other hardware components which are bigger or heavier in size, a mouse is very easy to carry around. A mouse is a portable device that you can carry along with you wherever you go. Whether you own a wired or a wireless mouse, it won’t be difficult for you to carry it anywhere. You can simply put it in your bag along with your laptop and use it on the go.
Best Computer Mice Available Online
1. VicTsing Wireless Mouse with Mouse Pad
This mouse features a USB receiver and there is no wire involved here. Based on the kind of activity you are doing at a point in time, you can adjust the cursor sensitivity very easily. It features two polling rates, 125Hz and 250Hz. On the rear end of the mouse, you will find a nano receiver. What makes it a convenient device to use is the fact that you don’t need to install a driver to run it.
The mouse has gone through an extensive keystroke test and that assures its durability. Apart from featuring a built-in chip, it boasts of 2.4GHz wireless technology. Therefore, even your mouse is at a fairly large distance from your laptop, it will work just fine. Another important aspect of this mouse is that consumes very little power. For instance, when you don’t use it for eight minutes, it goes into sleep mode. It offers a fairly long battery life of 15 months.
If you are looking for a great deal online that will enable you to buy a mouse pad along with a mouse, look no further. Sometimes, after you buy a mouse, you spend a couple of hours looking for a pad that will go well along with it. When you order this mouse by VicTsing, you wouldn’t have to make the effort as you get a mouse pad free with it. This mouse would work very well for those who have been using a wired mouse for a very long time and need a break from it.
Pros
- Features 6 buttons and 5 DPI levels
- Comes with a mouse pad
- Very durable
Cons
- Slightly pricey
2. TeckNet Ergonomic Mobile Mouse
If you are on a budget but wouldn’t like to settle down for an inferior quality mouse, here is a mouse you might want to try out. Priced at less than $10 (after discount), this wireless mouse by TeckNet is very easy to use and is suitable for those who do light or moderate work on their computer. This mouse doesn’t necessitate the installation of a driver. You can just plug the USB into the system and start using it. The blue-colored USB receiver can be traced in the battery compartment.
The 2.4GHz wireless mouse offers a good working distance and it is compatible with a wide range of devices/operating systems. One of the biggest selling points of the mouse, however, is the fact that it offers a battery life of 30 months. The user, therefore, wouldn’t have to be worried about changing batteries at regular intervals. A high rate of power consumption is also assured by the smart auto-sleep mode. While the mouse has a battery level indicator, you have to buy batteries separately.
If you have a large number of devices like a desktop computer, laptop, Chromebook, Macbook and others, then this is a good mouse to have. What’s more, it also happens to be compatible with smartphones and tablets. One thing to be noted here is that the side buttons on the mouse have some compatibility problems with Mac OS devices. The other buttons on the device work absolutely fine. The scroll wheel is quite durable and very smooth to use.
Pros
- Available at a very good discount
- Compatible with a large number of devices
- Offers good working distance
Cons
- Side buttons not compatible with Mac OS
