Microsoft's optical mouse has finally shed its 'tail'. While this is a road rival peripheral maker, Logitech, has already travelled the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer creeps further down the trail with carrying Microsoft's new proprietary optical technology. This mouse is supposed to be more precise, however, would you pay more than AU$100 for a mouse-especially if you're not a gamer?
If you're an avid gamer, you'll welcome any little edge you can gain over your opponents. By getting rid of, first, mouse balls, and now mouse cords, peripheral makers have removed two hindrances to lightning-quick mouse moves. For computer users in the office, the advantages of a cordless optical mouse are rather more pragmatic. Now there's no need to interrupt work to remove "mouse droppings" collected by the ball or fret about the clutter caused by yet another cord on your desk.
All the better to see you with
With its first cordless optical mouse, Microsoft makes plenty of promises; for the most part, the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer delivers on them. The key feature of this mouse is the new IntelliEye optical technology, which Microsoft claims gives users up to four times the performance of other competing technologies. The IntelliEye sensor can capture about 6,000 pictures per second while other current optical sensors--such as those in earlier Microsoft mice--capture between 1,400 and 2,500 pictures. With a mouse that has a more precise sensor, users are less likely to have trouble navigating their cursors on the computer screen, or losing track of the cursors altogether if they happen to move the mouse too quickly.
In our tests, we saw nothing to suggest the company's claim's are exaggerated. Navigation was indeed smooth and comfortable due, partially, to the mouse's contoured natural feel. According to Microsoft, this mouse works equally well on light or dark surfaces; however, as with other optical mice, it won't perform well on highly reflective surfaces or those with little visible detail.
No details to snag you
There aren't too many details to worry about when setting up the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer. First of all, take the two AA batteries packed in the box and put them into the mouse. Next, plug in the USB RF receiver unit. Install the driver for it and the IntelliPoint software off the included CD and you're ready to go.
The IntelliPoint software lets you customise all five buttons on the mouse, assigning specific keystrokes or shortcut functions to each of them. In addition to the regular buttons on top of the mouse, there are two new ones positioned just above the groove for your thumb. In testing, we found the default Back button to be convenient but the smaller Forward button to be a little hard to reach.
After the installation process is complete, you can refer to an easy-to-follow guide to learn everything you need to know about the mouse. Meanwhile, an a secondary guide, Microsoft has taken to giving personal health tips to people who work long hours in front of the computer; fatuous little gems of information that assume IT workers are as mechanically obedient as their machines; advice like "Eat a balanced diet and get adequate rest".
This mouse communicates with your PC on a low-level radio frequency and can be used from a distance of up to 1.8 metres from the USB receiver unit. Microsoft recommends you use the mouse at least 20 centimetres from the receiver and warns that nearby devices like monitors and desktop fans may interfere with the signal. In such an event, try switching between the two radio channels available by pressing the Connect Channel button on the mouse.
Sleeping on the job
This IntelliMouse is also smarter than its predecessors; it now knows more opportunities to take "naps" which save power and improve battery life. For example, when your hand isn't on the mouse, it will go into sleep mode; slip into low-power mode when it's lifted off a surface. These features help guarantee that the two AA batteries required to power this mouse last (in an office environment) for about two or three months. Adding to that observation, people who've only ever used corded mice will find the extra weight of the batteries in this mouse a little odd.
The overall performance, comfort and ease-of-use of this product makes it one of the top mice available now. However, for many users, the Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer will take some getting used to. And, at AU$125, this mouse is a little pricey. However, It comes with a generous 5-year warranty and technical support information is available online.
Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer
Company: Microsoft
Price: AU$125
Warranty: 5 years
Distributor: Microsoft Australia
Phone: 13 2058
Tech Specs
Interface:USB
Platform support: PC and Mac
OS support: Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS 8.6 or later (excluding OS X or later)
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