kinsiderby's Full Review: Microsoft Wheel Optical (D66-00021) Mouse
I've had this mouse for 8 months; it still works like new. I purchased it for $25 Canadian at Futureshop.
It uses optical technology so dirt won't jam and impede movement like a conventional mouse. This allows for consistently smooth tracking, which is especially important on things like photo editing, where a clump of dirt can make it irritating to work at fine details.
Technically you could not use a mouse pad, but I still do, because not using one wears down the finish on my desk. I always use it on a smooth surface like a mouse pad, which will reduce the likelihood of premature failure from something damaging the optical sensor. Most people who have early problems with optical mice use them on beds, carpets, etc. Even though an optical mouse won't jam, it is still important to clean the mouse pad from time to time.
The included drivers are essentially useless. They take a lot of space (20MB) but without increasing functionality. Standard drivers work just as well. Programming the buttons is not worth 20MB. The scroll wheel still works and the so does everything else without the special drivers. Since there are no extra programmable buttons like more expensive Microsoft mice, there is no real need for the drivers. The documentation is the only useful thing out of installing the drivers, and they aren't worth 20MB.
There is choice in interface between USB and PS/2. This makes the mouse real flexible. It will work on old PCs (assuming they have PS/2 slots) or on a new Macintosh or PC. I use the PS/2 interface to keep USB slots open for other things. Plus it allows me to use my mouse in DOS mode. The USB may appear to run smoother, but after downloading Ps2rate:
http://www.students.tut.fi/~zibbo/other/
and changing it to the maximum speed, it works just as well. In fact, this program will work on any PS/2 mouse, even a cheap conventional mouse.
The mouse is comfortable to use, and is symmetrical, so it works well with left or right handed users.
As for the buttons, they all work. The scroll feature when clicking the scroll wheel isn't an amazing invention; it is just what any middle mouse button does.
The only real problem is if you move the mouse real fast, it won't be able to track, but that is faster than most people move a mouse.
Overall this mouse impresses me, it is a small investment that improves the quality of mouse.
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Update Feb 28 2004
It's been more than 2 years since I bought this mouse. It is still working flawlessly but I'm still careful with the cord to ensure it doesn't bend or twist, to hopefully ensure a long life of the mouse.
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