I am looking for a good wireless mouse that;

1) Doesn't eat batteries (I'd prefer not to get a rechargeable one).

2) Has descent range (3 metres).

3) Has at least 2 programmable buttons (page back/forward for IE).

4) Under $75.

My son bought me one that meets all your requirements + more. It was purchased at Best Buy. It's a Kensington brand. I can't vouch for the battery life but it comes with batteries and the info sheet saud they should last 9 months.

The only recommendation I can make That I know of that will
definatety Work at your 3M requirement Is the Logitech Media Mouse
Its a discontinued Product now but there are still lots around has a 10ft Range.

Mines been on its original set of batteries 11 months as of now.

I have a Logitech Media Mouse. It has 10 (count em:)) buttons and a four way wheel. Quite happy with it. Got it on sale from FS for $20. The first set of AA alkaline batteries lasted about 2-3 months. Now I am using rechargeable NiMH and an external charger. The chargers with batteries are about $20-$30 at hardware and department stores.

I also have a Gyration mouse. It is great for HTPC, is rechargeable and is available in a 30' and 100' version. The rechargeable 30' version has an MSRP of US$80. I got mine, with matching keyboard, on sale at FS for $100.

FS has the Logitech G7 on sale for $80.

It only has 1 navigation button, but I'm always going backwards anyway. :)

I have 30 days to see how it flies.

This G7 right-out-of-the-box works great ! Plug and play.

It glides like a greased pig !

I didn't have to install any software... and the battery packs WERE charged.

I'm impressed so far.

One warning about the Gyration products as I have sadly discovered after two years of ownership and needing a new battery for the mouse as it would no longer hold a charge properly.

They offer zero support to customers in Canada seeking to buy replacement parts. The website will not take Canadian addresses for orders, attempting to call the # on the website will not work from Canada and when contacted by email you get referred to RCA.com's customer service number who in turn refer you to a Canadian number that has no idea what a Gyration Mouse even is!

I ended up buying an Adesso mini keyboard with a trackpad built in and shoved the dying Gyration back in its box, which is a shame because I really like the mouse and the mini keyboard it had :(

NefCanuck

After almost 2 weeks I must comment on the Logitech G7.

It is the smoothest, most accurate mouse I've ever used !

A battery pack will last up to a week (with moderate) non-extensive gaming use and a fresh pack is always ready for a 10 second replacement.

It is comfortable and it glides easily.

The one 'back' button is more than enough for my needs and the finger tip sensitivity adjustment is very handy.

Range is far beyond my expectations, my guess is well over 15'... I can't see the cursor from the next room :).

Full price is extraordinary, but at $80 it's a serious piece of hardware. I think BB has it for $80 this week.

I just picked up a Belkin cordless, rechargeable, optical mouse for $20. Can't say it's a great mouse but it's Ok for $20 (was $50.) I like the Logitech multimedia mouse better (also $20.) Both mice are a bit heavy though. I wonder when they will start using AAA or lighter batteries. My search for the perfect cordless mouse continues. (IMHO, the older style Gyration cordless mouse and MS Intellimouse corded mouse are the best.) There were some other mice designs I liked but they are long discontinued. :(

IMHO, mice are the worst device for causing wrist and other repetitive strain injuries. They are much worse than keyboards, which are probably not a major factor for most people.