Computer mice suppliers will tell you that you don’t have to spend outside of your budget to get a great computer mouse. When you go to buy computer mice, you will find that there are many more types of mice on the market today than there used to be. The good news is that the advances in technology don’t necessarily mean advances in the pricing and costs of computer mice.

The first thing to do when you want to look into computer mice for sale is to decide which type of mouse you want. Think about these different types:

1. Look to wireless computer mice for low-cost convenience.

2. Try optical computer mice and you will be sure to find one in your price range.

3. Use ergonomic computer mice to save your joints -- and money.

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Find great deals on wireless computer mice for sale

Wireless computer mice are a great way to get out from behind the tangles of cords that have gathered around your desk. The prices vary on these computer mice and depend on a number of different factors, such as the complexity of the mouse and what type of technology connects the mouse to the computer. Most wireless mice require batteries so that is a continuing cost you will have to endure if you buy this type of computer mouse.

I recommend: Directron.com has a large selection of wireless computer mice that range in price from about $13 all the way up to $100. Geeks.com carry the right mice that will fit your budget. Prices range from around $8 up to about $65.

Consider optical computer mice for a low-cost option

Optical computer mice have no moving parts. Instead, this mouse uses a light emitting diode to detect the movement of the mouse. This is one of the most popular types of computer mice offered by computer mice suppliers and they tend to have the largest variations in prices.

I recommend: Be the envy of the office without breaking the bank with one of these hip optical mice from Xoxide. They cost from around $7.50 up to about $85. Cables4computer.com has optical mice to fit all needs and budgets. These particular optical mice range in price from around $10 up to around $45.

Scroll in comfort with a reasonably priced ergonomic computer mouse

Another type made by computer mouse manufacturers is the trackball mouse. This accessory looks like an upside down standard mouse with the rolling ball on the top. These are ergonomic computer mice, as they require less wrist and arm movement. Trackball mice used to be some of the most expensive computer mice for sale, but have since come down in price due to the introduction of the many different types of computer mice.

I recommend: The ErgoKomfort website sells this Ergonomic Trackball mouse for around $35. Fentek Industries has similar trackball mice for prices that range from about $50 up to about $70.

Tips & Tactics for Best Use of Computer Mice

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you purchase computer mice in bulk, many suppliers will give you quantity discounts. This is a great option to take advantage of if you plan on outfitting your entire office in the latest in computer mice technology.

It seems like ancient history, but not too many years ago the biggest challenge in computing was making it accessible to ordinary people, not just programmers. Part of the solution was graphical-user interface -- the icons and menus common on Windows, Apple and other popular operating systems.

Once you commit to graphical interface, though, you need a way to "touch" those icons and make them work. Thus, famously, the computer mouse was born. Early PC mice versions were wooden, but the first mass-produced computer mice are not much different that the ones in use today: a plastlic, palm-shaped shell with a wheel on bottom. Move the shell, and an arrow on-screen moves with it. Click a button on the mouse, and the arrow reacts.

Inside, though, they have changed a lot. In this guide, you'll learn:

1. The basics of how a computer mouse works, and the range of computer mice on the market
2. How to buy an ergonomic mouse, and why ergonomic mice are a good choice for some tasks and professions
3. Some cutting-edge technology for computer mice, like wireless, optical, and bluetooth computer mice
4. PC mice alternatives, such as computer touchpads

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Computer mouse basics, from simple computer mice through multi-tasking

The standard computer mouse comes with a ball or sensor on the bottom and two buttons, left and right. Increasingly, a scrolling track-wheel between the buttons is standard as well. A left-button click will allow the user to select or drag items onscreen, a right-button click triggers a quick menu for other actions.

I recommend: Basic computer mice are quite inexpensive and easy to buy, while industry standards like USB and common drivers make PC mice functional on nearly any updated computer system, even laptops with computer touchpads built in. Retailers of standard computer mice include office stores like Staples and Office Depot. Check for bulk suppliers of mouse pads at Business.com.

Clicking like crazy? Consider buying an ergonomic mouse

'Ergonomics,' the science of human-machine interaction, is a big deal these days, particularly for corporations with legions of technical, sales and support staff. An ergonomic mouse (like computer touchpads explained below) allows a computer user to do more repetitive PC mice tasks, like filling in sales data, with less risk of repetitive strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. A bit more expensive, but often worthwhile.

I recommend: Here the choices are numerous, but most ergonomic mouse models involve moving the shell less or optimizing the ease of clicking. Take a look at vendor Safe Computing and see more choices for an ergonomic mouse at the Business.com directory on ergonomic mice. Consider computer touchpads, also in this guide.

Computer mice needn't be another boring tool on your desk

With each new computer application, a generation of fun, funky or just plain useful computer mice is born. Gaming PC mice come with rapid-fire buttons and high-tech shapes, while portable and executive PC mice are small, discreet and highly functional.

I recommend: See a selection of computer mice online at Microsoft and Dell. See gaming mice, too, at Razer.

PC mice have evolved from the days of cords and balls

If the computer mouse you are using right now has a cord, you probably have had to unwrap it once or twice from other junk on your desk. Consider moving to a wireless or Bluetooth mouse. Both PC mice use short-range radio signals to communicate with your computer instead of a cable. Likewise, the days of rubber balls and dirty, faulty contacts at the bottom of PC mice are long gone. An optical mouse uses an infrared light (they actually glow red) to image your desk's surface and calculate movements. Extremely response, and the lack of moving parts makes them nearly indestructible.

I recommend: Take a look at wireless and optical mice choices from peripheral manufacturer Logitech.

Computer touchpads off an alternative to computer mice

If moving a computer mouse around all day isn't an option for your employees, one strong alternative is to buy them computer touchpads. Commonly seen on laptop computers, computer touchpads allow the user to move their finger along a small flat screen in order to move the arrow onscreen, then tap for action. A tablet-style PC, too, allows users to literally touch the computer screen, no PC mice needed.

I recommend: See computer touchpads at Datavision Ergonomics and ErgoDirect. See more on computer touchpads at the Business.com directory page on computer touchpads.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A useful computer mouse is a usable computer mouse. If the base is too big (or too small) for your hand, consider a different model.
• •  Consider carefully how many buttons you really need. A designer, gamer or engineer might like having a half-dozen mini-buttons under every digit. A business user will likely spend a lot of time undoing unintentional clicks.
• •  If you buy a corded computer mouse, make sure there's enough slack in the cord to make it reach your work position. Leaning forward to accommodate will lead to neck and back pain. If space is a problem, a wireless computer mouse would be a better choice.

When choosing computer mice to sell, to use for business computing or to give your employees to use with other computer accessories, gathering information on computer mice and computer mouse manufacturers is the key to obtaining reliable equipment. Reviews from reputable sources can guide you to the proper computer mouse to suit your application, ergonomic wish list or customer demands.

Gather information on different types of computer mice from websites and publications that provide side-by-side comparisons, feature and price analysis or actual consumer reviews to get the big picture. Obtain this advice on computer mice suppliers or specific types of computer mice by:

1. Checking product review websites that compare the features and prices of items like wireless computer mice and ergonomic computer mice.
2. Reading about computer mice providers and get breakdowns of specific computer mice for sale through computer and electronic magazines and websites.
3. Getting first-hand testimonials before you buy computer mice by studying websites that feature numerous user product recommendations, critiques and discussions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover objective computer mice information on sites that focus on product reviews

When planning to purchase computer mice or checking out a specific computer mouse manufacturer, review publications and websites that provide an accurate and comprehensive comparison of the brands currently available.

I recommend: Find the best computer mice in different categories such as the best mouse for general use or the best ergonomic computer mouse through ConsumerSearch, a site that compiles and ranks an assortment of product reviews. Check out the ratings and features of popular computer mice for business or personal use through The Office Guide.

Seek expert technical opinions on computer mice from computer magazines and sites

If you're looking for computer mouse selection advice or reviews that cover the technical features of different models, study publications and websites that cater to computer businesses and users.

I recommend: PC Magazine provides reviews and technical data on popular computer mouse models for Macs and personal computers. The site features both user and editor reviews and ratings. Discover new computer mice recommended for use with desktop computers through the Wired website.

Check user reviews for first-person accounts of computer mouse performance

Hear about the way products offered by different computer mice providers stack up after real use by finding sites that allow consumers to review and rate various models. Look for reviews that discuss situations similar to the way you or your customers will use the computer mouse. For example, if your customers primarily seek equipment to play video games, look for user reviews from avid gamers to ensure the product you sell will satisfy your clientele.

I recommend: Test Freaks lets computer users recommend, review and discuss price comparisons for specific models or an individual computer mice supplier. Get product analysis from the people who purchase and use computer mice on a regular basis through the website Buzzillions.