Prepoia's Full Review: Microsoft Intelli Optical (D58-00046) Mouse
First, let me begin by saying that this review is geared to regular users to computers. The computer gifted will be bored by what I have to say. But, for others, like me, who are somewhat technically challenged, it may be helpful. In fact, to say that I am “technically challenged” would be a compliment for me. I love spending time on my computer and I spend a lot of time on my computer. But, the truth is, I need uncomplicated and simple in all that I do.
Therefore, I have always used the easiest and cheapest Mouse on the market. I used the standard mouse that came with my computer from Dell for the first six months that I had my machine. I then proceeded to purchase any mouse I could find that cost about $10 (one ended up being free with a rebate) because I equated cheap with simple to use. Well, I’ve found out that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Cheap doesn’t mean simple, it means “cheap” and unreliable. During the past year I’ve owned about four different mouses (I’m pretty sure the plural is mouses and not mice) and have become a very frustrated person. Part of my frustration stems from being on AOL (of which I have a love-hate relationship) and part of my frustration stems from owning cheap mouses.
So, since I continue to use AOL even with my new cable connection, I decided to do something about purchasing a new mouse. One that wouldn’t get stuck on the screen or wouldn’t disappear from sight (and site) and which would then force me to shut down and start all over again. I decided to shop at Best Buy because they had a huge selection. I really didn’t know what kind to get and didn’t ask because I find Best Buy personnel to be knowledgeable but company bent on pushing their overstocked items rather than helping the customer find what would work for them.
I got out my reading glasses and began to peruse the godzillion different types and models of mouses. The one I liked best was the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical. This particular model is different from the regular Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical, it is the Special Edition. I believe the difference is worth the higher cost. It scans at 6,000 times per second while the original scans at 3,000; and the outside of the mouse is metallic covered which is a much more durable and attractive cover. It boasted these features on the package:
Most Powerful Optical Technology in the World! (No Mouse Ball or Mouse Pad Required) Now to be honest I couldn’t figure out how to use a mouse without a pad but I’m sure there are ways that more advanced people use.
Faster Wheel Scrolling Since I LOVE scrolling, this feature seemed to be one that I’d want. My computer at work does not have a scroll wheel and I find it much more difficult to do things quickly without one.
Five Action Buttons Now this is where my opinion of the mouse is sketchy, at best. The box also states that the IntelliMouse Optical is the weapon of choice for serious gamers” (quoted from Chris Taylor, Lead Designer Dungeon Siege). Since I’m game but not a “gamer” I cannot attest to how well this mouse performs during games. Yes, I do play online bingo, word whomp, turbo 21, and tumbebees but I don’t think those qualify to test the extra two buttons on the sides and make a judgment on how well this mouse helps my game. But, since I really like the buttons and features that I do use, I would imagine the two game buttons perform equally as well.
Comfort for either Hand I am right-handed and it is very comfortable. My mother is left-handed and I tried it out with her and she says it fits her hand fine as well.
New High Gloss Metal Finish Yes, it does have a smooth metal (gray in color) finish. I like this because it feels nice in my hand and it wipes off easily.
This mouse has “Optical Technology that accurately tracks movement by scanning your desktop 6,000 times per second-more than two times faster than any other mouse.” I don’t know how to measure that to see if it’s true but I do know that it is a fast mouse. It runs like crazy (quick as a mouse) across the mouse pad and moves very smoothly when it does so.
This mouse works with and comes with PS/2 and USB plugs. You get a 30-day money back guarantee from Microsoft. It will work either with a PC or a Mac, which is really nice. To be honest, I broke with my norm when purchasing this mouse. I was so tired of replacing mouses that I let the check out person talk me into buying an extended warranty through Best Buy. So, for the next year, if anything goes wrong with it I can return it for a new one free of charge and I don’t have to worry about mailing anything back to Microsoft.
So What Do I Think About This Mouse?
I like it! It was extremely easy to install. By merely plugging it into my port it began “mousing” around. It comes with a CD that allows you to set it up properly so that all the functions of all the buttons work. This is easy to do and the directions are clear.
One thing that happened and made me question my choice is that the arrow kept sticking. Since I no longer have a ball that’s chief purpose in life is to collect gunk and get stuck, I was beginning to get unhappy. I figured it was time to return the mouse to the store. I did, however, check with some online friends and they said they love theirs and to make sure that I have a patterned mouse pad. Patterned mouse pad? Sure enough, I switched from my plain blue pad to a patterned one that I had laying around and it just doesn’t stick anymore. I guess that the optical sensors need patterns or else it gets confused and just doesn’t move (or something much more technical than that, but that’s how it was explained to me.) Now, the only time it slows down or needs anything is when I occasionally use a Q-Tip and clean out the sensor eye on the bottom of the unit. Dust will sometimes cloud it over and the thing starts to stick. The only other sticking it does occurs when I’m using AOL and I’ve been on for a long time. It is easily taken care of by signing off and letting the AOL graphics reload and then signing back on. This is quick for me because I’m no longer a dial up modem but have a cable hook-up.
So, am I happy with my “ball less” mouse? Yes, I am. I think that you will be too if you decide to purchase this model. You may someday be tempted to say, along with me, “I think that any mouse with balls should be eliminated from society today.”
Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical is one of Microsoft's best-selling optical mice, featuring a versatile ambidextrous design and supercharged with Micros...More at eBay
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