Mouse mat
I use greaseproof/baking paper personally. You can get big sheets, when it gets gunky you replace it for penny a piece (the tape probably costs more) and it cuts down on the wear on the mouse's "feet".
Plain paper works fine, but grinds the feet off.
As far as mice go, I like MadCatz, on account of having long hands.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
