Computer mice are perhaps the most personal device for your computer since you hold them. Generally, you can’t go wrong with any Bluetooth mouse from Microsoft or Logitech. I don’t normally recommend the use of non-Bluetooth wireless models that use a proprietary USB transmitter. Those take up valuable USB ports and are especially a pain to use with laptop computers. The one exception is when you have a shared monitor that others might plug a laptop into. Many monitors include a USB hub, and having one of these USB mouse transmitters means that anyone who plugs their computer in gains instant access to the mouse.
I recommend taking a mouse for a test drive at a retail store like Best Buy or Staples to see what feels best in your hand. When you do buy one, I recommend not installing any of their software unless you want to take advantage of any unique features the mouse offers. You don’t have to worry about whether the packaging says it’s Mac-compatible. If it says nothing about Mac, that just means that they may not offer software to unlock the non-standard features.
You will notice that Apple’s mice did not make my list, just their trackpad. I have never seen an Apple mouse that I like. I find their flat shape forces you to float your hand above the mouse and operate it with your fingertips, and the touch gestures are too easy to accidentally invoke, with no way to turn them off.
But here are a few good mouse models (and alternatives) to get you started.
| ModeL | Retail Price | Notes | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Logitech M100 | $9.99 | A basic, ambidextrous wired mouse for a cheap price. Great if you don’t want to worry about batteries or getting it lost. Yes, that does happen. | Best Buy |
 | Logitech M650 | $39.99 | An inexpensive Bluetooth mouse that runs on a AA battery. Available in left-handed, right-handed, and large configurations in multiple colors. It connects by Bluetooth or by USB dongle. | Best Buy (Right-handed, Left-handed, or large) |
 | Logitech MX Anywhere 3 | $79.99 | A basic USB-C rechargeable mouse. Good for people with small to medium hands. It can easily switch between three devices such as a Mac, iPad, and PC using a button on the bottom. | Best Buy |
 | Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac | $99.99 | A large mouse that feels great for most people with medium to large hands, rechargeable with USB-C. It can easily switch between three devices such as a Mac, iPad, and PC using a button on the bottom. | Best Buy |
 | Logitech Lift Vertical | $69.99 | A sideways mouse for people who find that most mice give them wrist strain. Uses a AA battery. Available in left or right-handed versions. It can easily switch between three devices such as a Mac, iPad, and PC using a button on the bottom. | Best Buy (Right-handed or Left-handed) |
 | Apple Magic Trackpad | $129 | The Apple Magic Trackpad works just like the Trackpad on a MacBook but for a desktop computer. Some people really prefer how it operates. If you do, it’s hands-down the best trackpad on the market. Though it only works on Mac and iPad. It does not work on Windows computers without third-party drivers. | Best Buy |
 | Kensington Orbit 72337 | $29.99 | A great option for those who find traditional mice problematic because of hand motor issues such as with Parkinson’s. You can click the button without accidentally moving the cursor at the same time. And there is a large surface to rest the heel of your hand while you use it. | Best Buy |
Further Help
If you are an existing customer who needs help with this or if you have other questions, or if you are in San Francisco and interested in becoming a client I invite you to book an appointment with me. Otherwise, you may wish to contact Apple Support or find a local Apple consultant.
More Tips
For more tips like this delivered directly to your inbox sign up for my email list: