Mouse advice for Photoshop work

Presently I'm just using the cheapy Microsoft mouse that came with my computer, but it's not great. Sometimes the mouse pointer just slides across the screen for no apparent reason, or jumps to the side of the screen while I'm using it.

I'm also using an old cheap mouse mat. Obviously I can do better.

I've seen Laser Mice, and high-resolution mice, and fancy "gaming" mouse pads, and even those trackball things. I'm lost.

Can anyone offer me some good advice? I'm prepared to spend a bit of coin on a good mouse & mousepad if there's benefit in it.

Thanks.

Note to all you "drug dealers" ... please don't push your tablets on me. I've used a Wacom in the past, and it was great, but it doesn't suit my present needs.

I bought a Razer Copperhead mouse a while ago, which is one of the few high res 'gaming' mice that is suitable for left or right handed use. It seems to give noticeably better precision in Photoshop than my previous Logitech cordless optical mouse.
I also bought a gaming mouse mat, but I'm not convinced that has made much difference. If you do get a decent mat, get the soft textured sort (rather than the hard shiny ones) as they're supposed to give better precision.

I also have a Razer copperhead, and one of the best features is that you can change the sensitivity (dpi) settings on the fly. I have mine set up so that the two side buttons on the right side change dpi up or down. This way you can have a higher setting for just general large movments like opening menus and what not and then when you want it to slow down for more precision movements you can crank the dpi down by just hitting one button, no need to open the control panel or anything else. Plus you can save multiple setting profiles to the mouse itself and cycle through them using the controls on it.

Oh and it's pretty sweet for gaming.

One thing I have been wondering about though is if you have a tablet does that completely replace your mouse or can you have both simultaneously? I've been thinking about trying a tablet for specific stuff in PS like dodge/burn and other brush functions but I don't want to give up my Razer for other general use things, it is the best mouse I have ever used.

out of all the things i've tried, i still tend to stick to my logitech mx518 + hyperglide mouse skates.

i use it on a steelpad cloth mouse pad, but i have tried my mouse on a friends icemat glass mouse pad.

the mx518 is a very accurate mouse, very durable, and when paired with the hyperglide mouse skates and icemat mouse pad, its really slick and easy to move. my only complaint when using it on photoshop is the heavy click, ive found that when i want to touch up pictures, i want a really light mouse click so i can just feather my mouse around.

No you can have both. Use your mouse and tablet back and forth with no problem.

Before I got a tablet I had a Logitech 510MX and loved it. It is an excellent mouse, but it has been replaced with a newer higher res model.

Now I use a Wacom Intuos3 tablet and love it. I use the pen for a lot of things and when I don't want to use the pen I use the included mouse on the tablet. I hate the mouse that comes with Macs so I use the included Wacom one.

+1 for any wacom tablet set. its alot better for ps than any super cool expensive mouse.

I used to go through mice like they were actually being caught. I didn't seem to be able to find the one that really did the job for me. I then got the Logitech MX518 as has been mentioned above. I really do like that mouse. I have since purchased the Wacom Cintiq 12wx tablet and am in love all over again. Makes things so much easier. I would not hesitate in recommending the Logitech mentioned above.

I use this combination with my computer: Logitech G7 Mouse and a Ratpadz mouse pad. Both combination is great and had any problem. here are the links:http://www.logitech.co​m …ards/devices/16​3&cl=us,en

mouse pad: http://www.ratpadz.com​/

Logitech MX1000... until I find anything better

Al

Thanks everyone. I'll look into what's available here.

Logitech MX Revolution. Prior mouse was the 510 I believe. Both are well built mice.

Another vote for Razer. I have the Deathadder. The on the fly sensitivity adjustment is great. I have mine configured so I press a side button and use the scroll wheel to adjust the sensitivity. I bring it way down for intricate work then bump it back up. I have a cheap mouse pad. The gaming pads are nice and have a good surface but I'm not sure you gain enough to justify the cost.

I use the Wacom Graphire 4 with my MacBook Pro. I can't use anything else. I have tried other mice and other setups. This thing is smooth and precise. I take it anywhere my laptop goes. I highly recommend it. It is weird at first, but as soon as you get used to it, you'll never wan't anything else again. Opticals were just a tad to jittery for my.

Tablet's ftw! I've been using a Wacom 8x6, and I simply can't edit with a mouse anymore. It comes with a self-powered wireless mouse too that you use on the tablet surface. I have an Adesso 12000 on the way now, which is larger and with better resolution. Keep your cheap mouse and get a tablet!