Product Survey: Mice : Microsoft Explorer Mouse
4. Microsoft Explorer Mouse
BlueTrack vs Laser
When laser mice were introduced to the mainstream several years ago, there was universal acclaim from manufacturers for the new technology that allowed you to use your mouse on virtually any surface--unlike red LEDs that go crazy if you take them off the mouse pad.
While laser sensors work exceptionally well, BlueTrack works on even more surfaces, with the only exception now being clear glass and mirrors. We tried it on marble, and it does indeed work--but there is certainly some marketing hype going on here. How many people really need the guarantee that their mouse works on marble?
Microsoft has launched a new sensor technology called BlueTrack, which the company claims will work on virtually any surface, including granite, carpet and rough-grain wood. The idea behind this is that many people don't use their computer at a desk any more. In a time where laptops are consistently outselling desktops, you’re just as likely to be writing an e-mail or listening to music sitting on the sofa or in bed as you are at your desk.
- Blue Track Explorer...
Those who work away from a traditional office need a mouse that works anywhere. That's what the new BlueTrack technology promises, and it manages to edge out laser mice, which are already very versatile.
The Explorer Mouse 2008 is the first one to boast this blue sensor, and Microsoft makes sure you know about it. A blue LED glares when the mouse goes into action, lighting the room around you a vibrant electric blue. Thankfully this bright light only lasts for about ten seconds.
The Explorer mouse is both long and tall, which means your hand can rest on it completely without touching the desk, which is more comfortable, even though it can be an unusual experience at first for those used to smaller mice.
The asymmetric shape means you can only use it with your right hand. It has two buttons at thumb level and a tilting scroll wheel. Underneath the mouse are two connectors that allow you to dock the mouse in a charging station.
You can't change the resolution on the fly to gain precision in gaming, and with its bulky shape, this really is a mouse that aims at maximum comfort rather than high-end gaming.
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This new Microsoft mouse looks more and more like a Logitech model. While the competition is concentrating on a smarter scrollwheel, the emphasis here is on the new BlueTrack sensor which works on virtually any surface.
Tom’s hardware this article seems more focused on budget consumers, however you also included the steelseries MMO mouse which is expensive. So why no Microsoft Sidewinder X8, Logitech G9x(most recent and not be confused with the G9 however very much the same), and Razer Mamba. Would love to see a review on those mice and others like them. I mean you did mention gaming a lot and didn’t include mice geared mainly toward gaming. Why not even throw in there the VisionTek XG6 if it was budget based, and for it just being really odd.
I think the the Logitech G9 should be on this list as well along side with the MX Revolution. But I do like how on the side of each mouse they explain some more into the different tech specs and what they mean.
While not a perfect article, this is a major improvement from some of the crap that I've seen from Digital Versus previous to this article.
I have tried several different brands and styles over the years. I always go back to my old favorite I have had for years. It's a Microsoft IntelliEye.
The article omits a discussion and comparison of a profound aspect of mouses, the sampling rate.
Nothing beats gaming like my optical MX510
Nothing beats gaming like my optical MX510
I just bought a MX620 for 20 bucks (they had a instant 15 off and 25 bucks off ontop of that) I am very happy, so happy that I bought a second one for my mac.
Nothing beats my Logitech Click!
Why?
-Light, comfortable, smooth.
-I have had this mouse for over three years now.
-I have long fingers, and they fit comfortably on the mouse.
-The mouse is decently light. I've used lighter, but too light can cause issues. (not durable enogh for example. I have thrown this mouse many times yet it works like a champ)
-Wired (I do prefer wired. I have two wireless mice, but the batteries die too fast, and the batteries make it too heavy. Plus not having extra batteries around when they die is horrible... Even more important, they're easy to lose. Someone like me is better with a wired product. I lose my wireless products frequently. It's not a big loss)
-Comfort. I never have a proper stance while typing. Both my hands, even when one is on the mouse, are resting on the surface if possible. My mouse pad is about 9 years old. I think one of my brothers got it in a parade. Best mousepad EVER. So soft, so smooth. ~1/8 foam with a soft and smooth matertial on top. Extremely durable. It has held out for 9 years. Has had countless drinks spilled on it and a endless amount of oil. Has been brutalized with knives several times, yet the material holds. I currently have this actually stationary at my desk, with 3 nails and 1 screw. Because my wrist is always dragging on it, my wirst has built extra callious skin, which is actually useful. I have never found a mousepad superior to this (actually I don't even know if this is actually a mouse pad to be honest), all being uncomfortable and undurable plastic or crappy foam. /end rant on mousepad
-Infrared. I understand that newer mopdels are superior to what surfaces they can be used on, but regardless, I have used this on my bed, carpet, wglossy wooden table, couch etc. It works like a charm.
-Sexy. Something must be said to the ones that look simple yet elegant. Some of us want something that will look good foir years to come, not just for a month or so. The Logitech Click! Plus (wireless version) is actually less visually appealing in my opinion.
-800 dpi. Even when running a dual screen setup, with one wrist movement, I can get from end to end easily. The mouse is just right for me.
I paid $60 (well, someone else did with my money...) and I haven't regret it since. Nice to know they're like $15 now.
I don't like those fancy super modern mice.
Firstly, expensive.
Secondly, I don't need 20 damned extra buttons. I rarely even use the extra 1 button I have.
Thirdly, design. I am no fan of super modern mice. To me, they look like a gross attempt to show off. Like adding nothing but a bolt-on body kit, spoiler, cheap window tint, and wannabe spinning rims. Excess in a unproductive way.
It's like excessive "gaming keyboards".
The things are damned large, damned heavy, and damned expensive. My keyboard is as basic as it gets. Durable (I like to play with fire...), thin (but structuraly 100% stable), light (but not too light, so it doesn't constantly fly off my desk if I try to move it around), small (while retaining a full size keyboard, by having bottom and side edges less tham a centimetre), wired (I have a wireless keyboard, I even lose that), only the hotkeys I need (1 key I didn't, so I just removed the key), and can be picked up new for less than $5. Heres what it looks like: http://www.geeks.com/imageshare/5/ [...] 2-unit.gif
I have a $100 wireless gaming keyboard. This is a HP cheapo keyboard that I bought with a $600 debranded HP computer. After only a couple hours of use, I never used my heavy, large, wireless (battery wasting), grotesque looking keyboard. It's extremely simple, and works like a charm. The Apple aluminum keyboard interests me. Extremely basic and light, it just needs to have a magnesium option over aluminum (for strength), and to be a lot cheaper...
I want those exact same features in my mouse.
Who can offer that?
/end all rants
I just bought a MX620 for 20 bucks (they had a instant 15 off and 25 bucks off ontop of that) I am very happy, so happy that I bought a second one for my mac.
Good deal.
A actually sexy mouse.
I don't like the sharp tip to it, or that it looks like it's built for small hands, but it's better than anything in this article.
I still like my G5. My old one died (the trigger button started to lag just enough so I was missing a decent amount of kills when sniping). I'm on my second G5 and probably would get another until they stop selling. Imo, the G5 is one of the best mice(mouse?) ever made. The G9 and others are technologically much better, but I don't like the feel of the G9,etc.
Also, the review should have included at least 1-2 track ball mouse as quite a bit of designers (vid editors,CAD,etc) use them.
Mouses!
(mice are animals)