When it comes to choosing between fun and function for a mouse pad, always choose function first. And consider ergonomics. After that you can narrow your remaining mouse pad choices to the most fun one.

When Do You Need a Mouse Pad or Mousing Accessory - You need a mouse pad when...

...you don't get optimal performance from your mouse without one.

...you don't get any performance from your mouse without one (e.g. it's required with that particular mouse).

...it'll help you with office ergonomics, such as raising the mouse up to the right height for you. Or when using a mouse accessory will give your hand more support.

...you want a cute peripheral accessory for you desktop (but not too cute---you still work in a professional environment.).

Consider what type of mouse you use at the office. If you're using the old-fashioned mechanical mouse with the hard tracking ball on the underside, using a mouse pad might give it some better resistance and thus a smoother movement experience. It may also keep the track ball and mouse insides cleaner. You won't be rolling the mouse around the desktop over all those snack crumbs and dust remnants that can get inside by the track ball (and require you to open it up and clean it because it's acting goofy.).

An optical mouse will work fine on a clean desktop. However, if you're looking for some more precision, you may want a performance mousing surface like game players use. You'll find some mouse pads specifically labeled as made for optical mice. Now I'm not saying you should be an overzealous gamer on your break-time at work. But gamers aren't the only ones who need precision. So do users doing graphic design. It's a thought if you do a lot of graphic design work.

Material - The surface material of a mouse pad should give you traction and a smooth rolling experience. Frankly, all mouse pads should do this; otherwise they're just a junky piece of  material. Of course, the backing should be a non-slip design, often rubber. It's not much use if it keeps falling onto the floor (which is why improvising a mouse pad versus buying the real thing doesn't always work).

Size- A thicker cushion on the mouse pad might be useful if you're trying to bring the mouse up higher (to be more even with your keyboard). Or you could stack another mouse pad on top to achieve the same effect. You also could buy a Mouse Booster (same concept).

In regard to size, maybe you want a wider mousing surface because you keep scrolling off the edge of the mouse pad (though you can just pick the mouse up and move it back, which is an option probably for everyone except gamers in competition). Then again, maybe you want a smaller mouse pad that fits better on your desk area.

Wrist Rest/Pillow Option - You can get built-in gel wrist rest or palm support with your mousing surface. If you're not using a mouse pad for your mouse, you can still buy a separate wrist rest/palm support (without the mousing surface part). These support your hand or your palm and offer protection to your wrist and related nerve while you're using the mouse.

Adjustable Mouse Platform Option -A mouse platform might enable you to put the mouse over the numeric keypad on your keyboard. Actually, this might more correctly be referred to as a Mouse Bridge. Or you might just use a mouse platform (that sits adjacent to your keyboard) to adjust the angle of your mousing experience.

Comfort -Some mousing accessories, such as wrist/palm supports, are ventilated for a cooler feel, literally. Angle and height, mentioned earlier, can be important ergonomically to help customize your mousing experience.

Style -This is the "fun" part of choosing a mouse pad. Some mouse pads come with slots so you can customize them by sliding in your photographs. The ready-made mouse pads include every color imaginable. And then there are patterns and decorative designs such as geometrics, caricatures and soothing prints.

And of course, there are the boring mouse pads with the company logos that many businesses and vendors often give you for free. Anything that's new puts a smile on your face for a while, but do you want to look at that boring business logo every day (even if it's your own employer's logo)? Buy a mouse pad that's inspiring but tasteful for the office. The choices are endless these days.

Price -Mousing accessories range from free to $50 on average. Free would be a simple mouse pad a business gives as a premium gift to their customers. The higher $50 range might be a mouse pad or mousing surface with a built-in ergonomically correct wrist/palm rest.

(c) Karen Porter