Mouse cords can be a pain. Sometimes they won’t reach far enough (or worse, just enough). Sometimes the cord’s too long and gets tangled, or knocks over your coffee. Sometime they come unplugged at a critical moment, like while bidding online or trying to complete the last level of that darn video game.

A cordless computer mouse makes life at the keyboard a lot easier. But while investing in your own comfort and efficiency is a good thing, investing unwisely is not. Here are some things to look for when selecting the best cordless keyboard mouse.

• Size & Shape: This as important a factor in choosing a cordless mouse as it is a corded one; ease and comfort of use is a personal issue, so “test drive” a few.
• Batteries: Cordless mouse rechargeable batteries should be long lasting, easily to recharge, have an on/off switch and a power-saving sleep mode.
• Receivers: A cordless mouse receivers should have good range and be interference resistant; Blue-tooth Wireless mice have no receivers.
• LED: Any salesperson who offers you a mechanical “ball” style mouse is just trying to clear out old inventory; always purchase an LED cordless optical mouse.
• Customizable Features: Mapping buttons can be very handy, but make sure they don’t eat up too much drive space and are compatible with your system.

The two leading models are the Logitech Cordless Mouse and the Microsoft Cordless Mouse. Remember that you generally get what you pay for.