Optical mice don't really need mouse pads. Many people I know feel mouse pads are basically obsolete. But I still find that a mouse pad feels more comfortable except for my laptop which is on my bed most of the time. I just hate the mouse sliding on wood. My laptop mouse (MX510) at least slides on bed sheets so its smooth and there is traction. Not to mention unlimited room. For me it feels too slippery sliding across wood but I think the fact that I used mouse pads when I started using PCs makes me continue to use them. Because in reality only non-optical or non-laser mice need mouse pads. Even so, its all personal preference anyways. I still use the Duke Nukem 3D mousepad I got with the game for my PC.