Can someone explain to me the difference between optical & wireless mice? Is it just that the wireless mouse wouldn't be directly connected to my iMac?

Thanks.

Wireless (actually "cordless") mice communicate either through IR or RF with a receiver that hooks up to the computer (via USB, PS/2 or ADB). "Optical" mice differ from standard mice in that there is no ball/oller mechanism by which movement is transmitted to the computer. These mice have an internal laser/receptor assembly which translates movement via reflected light. You can have a cordless mouse that is also optical.

And it goes without saying, they use batteries... but I just said it anyway, so...
I'm not sure how fast they go through them, but I imagine that would be a concern. I didn't think optical wireless mice were available yet... hadn't seen any anyway...

Cipher13

I have a cordless Logitech mouse at work (connected to a PC). The batteries does not last very long. I use rechargeable batteries and they don't last more than like two weeks or so. Also, I think Logitech's got a cordless optical mouse, don't know it it's availiable with Mac-drivers. Btw, I can't understand why anyone would wan't a cordless mouse.

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iMac DVSE 400 MHz/128 Mb/13 Gb/9.0.4
Kristjan.Revelj.com

I can tell you why anyone with kids wouldn't want a cordless mouse....

Continuing with what Spiny said, I'd avoid cordless too... I had a cordless Logitech a few years back, and, in a fit of frustration after Mac OS 7.5 crashed for the 10th time that day, I threw it against the wall. It didn't survive.

From my own experience I'd say Logitech's Mac drivers suck...

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iMac DVSE 400 MHz/128 Mb/13 Gb/9.0.4/X
Kristjan.Revelj.com