When a person builds a new computer, a commonly overlooked consideration is the mouse. With keyboard and mouse duos becoming more and more common, most people tend to overlook the lone mice and keyboards sitting with their respective kin on the store shelves. Other people, who don't want to shell out the $60-$100 that the average keyboard and mouse duo costs will consider purchasing the keyboard and mouse separately. In most cases, it really doesn't matter to most people what kind of keyboard they get-their core design hasn't changed since the Stone Age. On the other hand, what kind of computer mouse to get is another story entirely.
There are many types of mouse available to the consumer. The old ball mouse is a relic of old times, and is not responsive enough for today's intensive gaming environments, and is virtually out of the question. So, the trendy, responsive, and durable optical mouse is now king. However, just like all products, their prices and qualities range from $5-$90 and from amazing to worthless. There is no doubt that the current king of mice is the Logitech MX-700. It is extremely responsive, feels comfortable in your hands, wireless, and costs as more than a DVD player. Most people just aren't willing to pay that kind of money for a single computer mouse. So what do you get when you are looking for a good price/performance contender?
Enter the Logitech Mx300. With a recommended price of $30, it sounds like quite a bargain compared to the Mx700, coming in at $70-and even more so to the Bluetooth Mx900, coming in at $100 each! Even though the suggested retail price is $30, many computer and electronic stores tend to sell it for far less. Fry's Electronics™ sells this mouse at $20.

As you can see, the mouse arrives in a smart looking package, which shows off the mouse quite well. Once the packaging comes off, the mouse itself is revealed.

The mouse itself is actually quite attractive.
So we know it is cheap, so how good is it? In my opinion, it is an absolutely wonderful device. It is lightweight and very responsive. It keeps tracks of hand movements quite accurately, and fits in your palm quite nicely. As with most optical mice, it is a USB device. However, just in case you don't have available USB ports, Logitech provided a USB to PS/2 adapter. In addition to the defacto left click, right click and scroll wheel, there is a button located below, which is programmable with a wide range of options. I made mine open the RUN command window. No worries about inadvertantly clicking it either; it is necessary to place your entire finger over the button to activiate it.
This mouse is very playable and responsive, as I have found playing Unreal Tournament 2004. The Logitech Mx300 is a very good bargain, providing excellent performance in an attractive package at a low price. If you are a wireless freak who is concerned about cables, you will likely be turned off by the cord. For those who don't mind, it is more than long enough to reach the back of the case underneath your desk.
In the end, for gamers on a budget, this mouse is a great choice.