If you're willing to pay the price, you'll get superior tracking on just about any surface (other than mirrored ones or glass) with the Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse ($80 street), which uses the same new BlueTrack technology as it's bigger relative, the $100 Explorer. I got good results when I tested the device on marble, a rug, and walls. The rodent was a tad sluggish, but the resolution was pretty much equal to that of most non-gaming mice.

I was pleasantly surprised by the tracking accuracy, and the cursor movement was smoother than that of rival products based on any other technology. The small size and snap-in transceiver make this a great input device for travelers, but the design is strictly for right-handed users. And, as you might suspect, because of its compactness, the mouse isn't all that ergonomic for those who don't have small hands. Unlike its larger family member, the Mini isn't rechargeable, but the battery life is decent. Assuming the cost doesn't scare you away, this will be a good traveling companion.

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