After seeing one on her desktop, I bought a mouserug years ago from a gal who's husband was a sales rep here in Portland. That was in 1998. Aside from it's great looks and the fact that it's by far the smoothest mousing surface anywhere, since that purchase, I've not had to clean my mouse mechanisms even ONCE! In 1999, I bought one as a gift for my mother who didn't believe my claim, and now she insists she'll never buy another mousepad. The one I bought in 1998 still looks GREAT (heavy use gives it a character all it's own!), yet the materials show absolutely NO sign of wear anywhere!! I'm getting this one for the office, and continue to give them as gifts! Truly an amazing mousepad, and one of those rare products that lives up to it's claims and reputation! Thanks!