The tech industry is undergoing a concerted drive towards making wireless devices ubiquitous . From wireless charging to wireless computer mice, and wireless earphones , this is basically the new frontier. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Case in point: consumers initially protested Apple’s bid to do away with the audio jack slot in favor of wireless earphones. Unsuccessfully, I might add. As device manufacturers get on board, the novelty is wearing off pretty fast. While devices are getting slimmer and slimmer, wired devices like the computer mouse are continuing to take up PC real estate which they obviously can’t afford. That said, the wired mouse doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. With the demise of the mechanical mouse, let’s have a look at the case of RF (Wifi)/Bluetooth mouse versus the wired laser/optical variant we are used to.
Wired USB Computer Mouse: Optical versus Laser Mouse
The wired USB optical mouse is still the more popular of the lot. Even this, though, comes in two categories: Laser and Optical. The technology behind both is so similar to make them indistinguishable. Of the two, the Laser mouse is the newer technology, but don’t be deceived. The Optical mouse is still just as good, if not better in some respects.
Let’s get this straight: Optical and Laser mice are not restricted to just wired but also ship for wireless mice. Optical mice are prevalent in the market, especially for everyday tasks such as home and office use. Optical mice use an infrared LED light, usually red, as a light source. Laser mice on their part use an invisible infrared Laser source.
Related: Choosing the best Computer Keyboard: Wireless (RF vs Bluetooth) vs Wired USB Keyboard
An optical mouse has about 2 buttons minimum and about 5 buttons maximum. A laser mouse, on the other hand, is more advanced and can have as many as 12 programmable buttons. These work in concert with the wheel to allow you navigate your computer.
While it’s disputable by some, the optical sensors are considered the superior of the two. They are supposedly more reliable and precise and have higher perfect control speeds and higher malfunction speeds. Optical mice are said not to fair that well with highly reflective surfaces.
It is said that laser mice can work perfectly on practically any given hard surface. Unfortunately, on soft surfaces with more depth, they pick up a lot of information leading to discrepancies with how they track your movements.
Wired versus Wireless USB Computer Mouse: Pros and Cons
- Lag/Responsiveness : This is where the Wired USB Mouse shines. The responsiveness of the wired mouse is undisputed compared to their tailless cousins. Being connected to the computer hardware apparently gives it an advantage that translates to better pointer speed, mouse acceleration, control/malfunction speed. The new breed of wireless mice, however, upped their responsiveness game to a whole new level. The difference is marginal, if you can feel it, that is.
- Cost : Unless you’re looking for high-end mice, the wired USB mouse is cheaper than the wireless USB mouse. They also don’t need charging or buying new batteries periodically. In the long run, a one-time investment in a wired mouse beats having to incur extra costs and the inconvenience of owning a wireless mouse. However, these days, wired and wireless mice are more or less the same asking price. The rest is dependent on brand, quality, and other market forces. More to that, rechargeable batteries cut back on costs.
- Interference : Wired Mice, unlike Bluetooth and Wifi Mice, don’t create any interference. Multiple Bluetooth devices might once in a while cross wires and turn off for a little while. The same goes for RF Mice which can mess up your Wifi connection. On the plus side, this isn’t something that often happens, but it might, just so you know.
- Power usage/Battery : Another thing not to worry about with wired mice is a power source. With a wired mouse drawing its power from the PC, it edges out its rivals which depend on batteries, rechargeable and otherwise. In that regard, Laser mice consume less power than their Optical cousins. Also, note that standard mice will consume less power, by having fewer features.
- USB Ports : On the downside, a wired mouse calls first dibs on your USB port. Same goes for RF mice and their WiFi receivers. In the process, this takes one port out of commission at any given time. Newer laptops and slim notebooks usually have ever fewer USB ports, to begin with. It can be quite the inconvenience to have to unplug the mouse whenever you need an extra port. A major brand, Logitech’s Unifying Technology lets you pair multiple devices using just one USB receiver. It would save you the extra USB ports. Unfortunately, you will have to buy only Logitech devices, if you don’t mind it.
- Workspace Clutter/Mobility : Some people take offence at having excess wires crisscrossing a workstation. Also, you often need to create some space for a mouse pad. Unlike the wireless mouse, you don’t have the luxury of placing the mouse pad somewhere out-of-the-way. On top of which, the wire can only stretch so far. All in all, we feel this messes up with the ergonomics of the device.
Verdict:4.5/1
Winner: Wired USB Mouse
Wireless Computer Mouse
Like the Wired Mouse, the Wireless Computer Mouse also comes in both Laser and Optical variants. Both operate at 2.4 GHz frequency and a range of about 30 feet. Although one would wonder why anyone would wish to use a mouse from across the room, but who are we to judge? Being wireless, these mice require batteries (Usually AAA or AA rechargeable and otherwise) to operate.
To further break down the categorization, we also have the Bluetooth and RF (Wifi) computer mouse.
RF/Wifi versus Bluetooth Mouse
The RF wireless mouse uses a radio frequency (RF) to connect to a computer. It works in concert with a Nano/USB Receiver/RF transmitter which plugs into a USB port. The setup is basically Plug and Play. At the bottom of the mouse, there’s a small On/Off switch. Use this to power down the mouse when not in use and then back on when the need arises. While this might appear to be common sense, we would also like to clarify that the USB receiver has to remain plugged in when the RF mouse is in use. Lose/misplace this USB receiver, and the mouse is practically useless. And no, you can’t get a replacement receiver.
The Bluetooth Mouse differs only slightly in how it connects to your computer. Connecting to a computer shouldn’t be a problem if you have any experience pairing a Bluetooth device. This is something most of us have done at some point in the past. A Bluetooth mouse would be perfect if you have few USB ports. Similarly, an RF mouse is a lifesaver if your computer doesn’t support Bluetooth, or when your Bluetooth drivers are acting up. Bluetooth works wonders when you have multiple devices and prefer to use one mouse for all. Or if you have few USB ports to dedicate to a mouse.
Wifi/RF Mouse versus Bluetooth Mouse: Pros and Cons
- Lag/Responsiveness: On boot up, a Bluetooth Mouse will take a few seconds longer to start up compared to an RF mouse. The same happens when coming out of sleep. It’s also a general belief that an RF mouse offers better responsiveness. Users have also commented that once in a while Bluetooth mice disconnect abruptly. However, this is debatable and an even split among users.
- USB Ports : The RF mouse requires a dedicated USB port for the USB receiver/Transmitter. If you have few USB ports, this might become an issue. The Bluetooth mouse doesn’t require extra peripherals and hence takes this round hands down.
- Power usage/Battery: RF and Bluetooth mice use AA and AAA batteries. Much as it’s a nuisance to purchase non-rechargeable batteries, it’s still an option. Battery duration for both mostly depends on usage and the extra functionalities of extra buttons. Some users believe that as Bluetooth requires two-way communication, a Bluetooth mouse has to stay ON for longer spells to maintain a connection. Otherwise, it would take precious seconds to reconnect. This consumes more battery power than its RF counterpart. Newer Bluetooth standards i.e Bluetooth 4 have low emission designed for low energy and latency. This evens the playing field by providing much-needed battery efficiency.
- Cost: Proprietary Bluetooth SIG qualification costs drive the price of Bluetooth devices upward. This is coupled with other various costs of materials, which isn’t the case with RF mice. This might have played a hand in the scarcity of Bluetooth mice on the market. However, recent years have seen the emergence of affordable computer mice at par with its RF counterparts.
- Interoperability : A limitation to the RF computer mouse is that it can only connect to one device at a time. It also translates only devices with USB ports. Bluetooth, on the other hand, provides interoperability with multiple devices. The same Bluetooth mouse will work with devices implementing the HID profile. e.g Wireless mouse, keyboard, smartphone, tablet, computer, e.t.c.
- Interference: As stated earlier, both Bluetooth and RF mice operate within the 2.4 GHz spectrum. At some point, frequency congestion is bound to occur. It will be evident from reduced Internet speeds, erratic wireless device behavior, e.t.c. But even so, this shouldn’t be the norm, much less with Bluetooth devices. If it does happen, you might have to get do some tinkering. You can change the port for your USB receiver and/or change the channel of your router.
Verdict: 3/3
Winner: Tie!
Mouse user reviews
Computer Mouse users are split half and half in their opinions. Get ready to read fervent endorsements and ruthless diatribe: optical versus laser, wired versus, wireless and Bluetooth versus RF. There’s talk of DPI/CPI (Dots Per Inch/Count Per Inch), Polling rate and all that mumbo-jumbo. At the end of the day, the info dump will drive you crazy. Our best advice is to create your own user experience. Try them all out and see what works for you. User reviews are simply personal opinions. The best we can do is show you all angles as then let you make the final decision. Happy hunting!
Maximum effort!
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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