I get about 3-4 months usage on my microsoft wireless mouse using using standard Duracell batteries (50+ hours a week usage). Hope this helps.

I only had one battery operated mouse and the batteries only lasted about three weeks. It just got too annoying as it always seemed to chuck it when I was in the middle of something really important. I decided that there was no real advantage in this so I went back to a corded mouse.

I have two wireless laser mice, both take AA batteries.

In the beginning I bought 8 rechargeable AA batteries and a charger tht charges 4 at a time. Investment of about $30.

That was over a year and a half ago and I'm still on the initial set.

I maybe "swap" batteries once every 1-2 months. When they die, it's less then two minutes downtime (if I'm fumbling, most of the time its less than a minute).

When they die, it's less then two minutes downtime

Yes but two minutes is a long time when an important task has been interrupted. :(

I just can't see the point of this. I have tried both and I now opted for a corded mouse. It is really not a problem.

I get 2-4 months out of a set on my Logitech MX610 Left-Handed Mouse.

Keep in mind that conventional batteries will last longer in a low-drain device (most mice) than rechargeable ones. Most rechargeable batteries suffer from "shelf drain", (that is, they discharge just sitting there with no use) and you won't likely get over a month's use no matter how little juice the device uses.

I generally get close to 4 months per set of batteries in my Microsoft laser mouse and I've never had it just die in the middle of something.

I'll start getting warnings well ahead of time that the batteries are low.

What about the carbon footprint? ;)

Logitech V200. This mouse must be made out of magic. I've been using the same set of batteries for a year. Doesn't get used everyday though.

I have tried both and I now opted for a corded mouse. It is really not a problem.

I hate wires, especially on my mouse so a corded alternative is not an option.

Keep in mind that conventional batteries will last longer in a low-drain device (most mice) than rechargeable ones.

This must be true as my rechargeable only seems to last a week at most. It is never a problem though because it has a battery indicator and when it gets to the second bar I just recharge it overnight when I am sleeping.

The problem with my rechargeable is it is not as portable as I would like, as the recharger also acts as the receiver.

I see there are also now bluetooth mice but they still seem to be in their infancy. Would be nice though, and that would at least free up an additional usb port.

I think I will give a battery operated a go and see how it goes.

Thanks to all for the replies.

I threw my laser mice away, one corded, one cordless. THe cordless was worse. To jumpy and skippy and with a minute delay. I'm happy with my corded optical mouse.