for mousepads you should just get a good cotton pad, they are better than hard plastic ones imo.

when it comes to a mouse I prefer simple forms with 2 buttons + wheel + wheelbutton. All others are unnecessary fluff - mind you, thats from my RTS perspective as I almost exclusively play RTS. I prefer very light mice as your hands never get tired even if you play or work long with them and they allow for quicker reactions.

I currently use a KTEC-6500 which weighs about 70 grams and cost 20 Euro (+15 Euro shipping cost ^^) and its the best mouse I've had so far. Fits well into the hand, has very good buttons, very good reaction time and has a good precision. Just the mouse wheel isn't that good but I got used to it. The Logitech G1 my brother uses (25 Euro, but isn't produced anymore I think but you still can get some) is another lightweight which fits very nice into our small hands.

Next mouse I'll try will be the Logitech Optical Mini for 10 Euro.

P.S: if you want a really responsive mouse you should get one with a cord (I haven't been following the mouse development a lot in the last years but a cordless mouse used to be a lot less responsive)

wireless hmm, arent really any pro game mice out there that are wireless.

Anyhow you would need to go to a pc parts store and try some mice out for weight and height, size.

I myself always recommend a wired mouse for gaming and a good mousepad.

I like the Logitech G9 it has two buttons at your thumb a sleeved cable, a great scroll wheel and dpi settings at your fingertips.

You can also change weight and shape on it for personalization, as it comes with 2 shells and weights.

Then again when it comes to mice im a logitech guy the quality and shape are just superior imo.

If you want a lowprofile gaming mouse check out the Razer collection most of them are really low.

If you want a light mouse check out MS gaming mice's they are often very light.

Do go for a laser mouse, the precision is better.

Most wireless mice is very heavy because of their batteries this isnt that good and in a long gaming session tires your hand out somewhat im my exp, but a mouse needs some weight for fine precision.

For mousepad, the Steelseries QCK pad is excellent, nice size and really thin 3mm.

I have to agree about the Logitech G9.  Simple Design + modern technology = Awesome reponse times.

As for a "mousepad", I use the extremely thin RAZER EXACTMAT.  It is quite large so you don't "fall off the edge".  You can't even tell there is a difference in height off the desk, and each side is of different texture (1 side for speed of movement, LIKE GLASS)(the other side smoothly textured for precise movement).

Combine this mouse with this mousepad and you have a combo that's hard to beat.

  Happy Fraggin'

Thanks for all the good options. I will look at all of them but most likely will go Logitech since I'm a big fan of them as well.

I may consider wired but only as a last resort.

I got a G5 on sale for 30 bucks and its great. Its essentially a G7 only its corded so it is much lighter. If you go that route make sure you get the newer versions of the g5 and 7, IIRC the old version only has one thumb button.

Do your best to try out the mouse before you buy. I used the G5 in a store once and it fight my hand great so I didn't look any farther.

Just be careful when you're cleaning it. If the rubber grippy coating starts to peel it can easily be mistaken for crud.

Yeah, YMMV. Since I work from home mine probably sees a lot more use

Just confirming it.......... yes you are...

let's just face it...you're an oddball that likes to use the trackball.   LOL!! 

Nope, I use that at work and on my desktop at home.  I love it.  The G7 I use on my laptop.  That's where the games are...

not completely.........depending on the game..........I sometimes use a trackman marble.

Logitech G5, pinpoint accuracy and adjustable weight cartridge, once you use one there is no going back...

Proper setting of mouse sensitivity gives you full screen range without moving your arm.   I occasionally pick it up during gaming, but I never even move my arm typically, it's all in the wrist and fingers, from top to bottom of the screen is achieved by arching my hand, from left to right by rotating my wrist, when running dual monitors I get all the way across them still.