Are looks everything?

[Tarthen]

I've been having a debate with my friends about the look of hardware.

I own a Logitech G9, which is a wonderful mouse, but they discount it's awesomeness because it's not good looking. They both own Razer *cough*they'resellouts*cough* mice. One is the Deathadder, the other the costly Mamba. However, neither of them are anywhere near as good functionality wise. They have regular scrolls, while the G9 has the toggleable frictionless scroll mode. The G9 can replace it's grip, depending on how you like your mouse to feel (I have a small hand, so the small grip is perfect for me). The Mamba is a struggle to do what it says on the box - the "on the fly DPI" is at the top left of the left mouse button, easily hittable, and the advertised wireless to wired and vice versa is a pain to switch. The Deathadder has no on-the-fly DPI nor customizable grips (Neither does the Mamba - my friends say the customizable grips suck because Logitech are apparently idiots and the G9 "doesn't know what it wants to be" - funny thing, the Deathadder and Mamba are both the exact same shape). However, both their mice are "superior" to mine because of the "fact" that they look "better" (as in, a glowy logo and a more conventional shape).

So, what do you guys think? Is it functionality or looks that score points with you? Of course, I think you guys would be more into the former - the shell looks bad but is a godsend, isn't it?

[rokytnji]

Function over form is what I always go by in everything. It is a plus if I can make it look good also.

[oz]

When I first saw a G9 mouse, it looked to me like it could never be comfortable in the hand, but after using one for a few hours, I was totally hooked. It's the best mouse I've ever used so I bought another one that's still new in the box and on my computer parts shelf, in reserve, in case I should ever wear out the presently used G9. I've actually grown rather fond of its looks, as well.

[Tarthen]

When I first saw a G9 mouse, it looked to me like it could never be comfortable in the hand, but after using one for a few hours, I was totally hooked. It's the best mouse I've ever used so I bought another one that's still new in the box and on my computer parts shelf, in reserve, in case I should ever wear out the presently used G9. I've actually grown rather fond of its looks, as well.

I wish I could get one for work... HP mice annoy the hell out of me. It's hard switching between the two.

And a backup is a good idea... Apparently the cord frays where it connects to the mouse easily. Also, is your cable still got the bends in it? Mine does :P .

[oz]

I've read about those fraying cord issues but haven't experienced it myself. This mouse is expensive enough and good enough that if it were to happen to me, I'd try to take the mouse apart, cut off the damaged cord, reconnect the cord, and put it all back together. Hopefully that will work should it ever become necessary.

Mine only has bends in it at the point where I've purposely left it bundled, with the twist tie around it.

[Tarthen]

I've read about those fraying cord issues but haven't experienced it myself. This mouse is expensive enough and good enough that if it were to happen to me, I'd try to take the mouse apart, cut off the damaged cord, reconnect the cord, and put it all back together. Hopefully that will work should it ever become necessary.

Mine only has bends in it at the point where I've purposely left it bundled, with the twist tie around it.

I need the full cable length... If I didn't, I would cable tie it too, as I have enough wires as it is!

[techieMoe]

I generally go for functionality over style, but if I can get both I'll pay a little extra for it. My work mouse is the epitome of unstylish.

[oz]

I need the full cable length... If I didn't, I would cable tie it too, as I have enough wires as it is!

I've experimented with dozens of different mice and keyboards, so I keep a short USB cable for each running from the connector on the back of the computer toward the front of my disk. Doing this allows me to employ another mouse or keyboard easily, while also allowing me to keep the actual product cord bundled, somewhat. In some cases (especially with keyboards), I don't unbundle the product cord at all. If I didn't experiment with them so much, I'd need the entire cord unbundled as well.

[Bemk]

I will go for quality instead of looks, though, yet again, if it looks good and is also doing its job as I want it to, I'll pay a little extra.

[Freston]

Form follows function

There is beauty in something that is purely designed to be functional. The last thing I want is a mouse with racing stripes.