By David Wallace

Despite notebooks with built-in touchpads, arrow keys or other options, many travelers still pack a computer mouse. Choices abound: optical or mechanical, retractable cord or cordless, multiple brands—and you still risk losing it, breaking it or worse. Like your car or shoes, your mouse says a lot about you...

For those who prefer style over function—leather wrapped cases for limited-edition computers and such—a click to Mouse Envy delivers 'bling on a string'—a luxo-mouse in a range of shapes, colors, accented with crystals, or gold and silver.

Technauts who choose a USB model for cordless performance may turn to Logitech with its ingenious VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse. It claims the world's smallest USB antenna (about the size of a nickel) that can be inserted permanently in the notebook and still let it slide into a computer sleeve or bag. The VX Nano is just another leap forward for incredible shrinking technology.

Accident-prone or forgetful types might prefer the sub-$20 travel mouse with retractable cord for an Old School approach that won't cost much to replace. And bleeding edge gadgeteers can have a "Think Outside" brand Bluetooth mouse, compatible with nearly any Bluetooth computer, PDA or phone.

A mouse with no sight but a keen sense of touch comes from Japanese brand, Buffalo, with a lightweight USB cord attached to a mouse that uses a scrollwheel similar to the iPod. Available in the U.S. only through gadget sites such as Dynamism, the tiny 8mm design fits in your palm and your thumb does the work.