No strings attached!
Written: Dec 20 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ergonomic, Wireless, Optical...
Cons: n/a
The Bottom Line: This is a very good product in functionality, durability, and ease of use, and I recommend it to anyone considering a wireless and/or optical replacement mouse.
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| ladyk's Full Review: Microsoft Wireless Intelli Explorer (M03-00015) Mo... |
Background (Reason for purchase.)
I'm right handed and my computer tower sits on the floor to my left so I was always having problems with my mouse cord being too short or getting caught on my pen holder, scrap paper holder, or stapler. With the Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer, I no longer worry about the cord! A mouse without a tail, what a great idea!
Features
--It's ergonomic design is a lot like a track ball, and it's something I've always liked about the track ball design. My hand is small but fits comfortably on the mouse. The buttons and shape of the mouse allow for ease of movement with no discomfort. My husband who has large hands also likes the feel and comfort of the mouse.
--The mouse is not loaded down with useless buttons like some mice can be, and the buttons are placed so that it's not likely that they will be accidentally bumped. In all there are six total buttons. The usual left, right, and scroll button; but additionally there are two buttons located above the thumb. These two buttons can be programmed as keyboard shortcuts, but I like them the way they are. One functions as a "forward" button and the other as a "back" button in a web browser. I use them all the time. The sixth button is used to change the frequency of the mouse in the event it interferes with another wireless optical mouse or device in the home or office.
--The noise factor for this mouse is minimal. It has a nice "click" noise to all the buttons but it's not a loud and annoying click.
--The external material the mouse is made of seems to be three different plastics, all very durable. There's one on the base that's a clear/red hued plastic that is illuminated by the red optical eye. The other two are on the top, one being a dark grey and very comfortable for the thumb, it actually acts as a guide for your thumb to be easily placed there without looking at the mouse and the other is a more sheer plastic that covers most of the top. The scroll wheel is made of rubber or a rubber-like material.
--Of course the main feature of this mouse is being wireless. This feature also brings a slight draw back of requiring two AA batteries.
--The secondary feature is being optical, requiring no mouse ball, or mouse pad. A mouse ball and the mechanics around it constantly require cleaning to keep the mouse cursor from jumping on the screen or stopping working altogether. With the optical function of this mouse there is almost no cleaning required other than cosmetic. The only cleaning I've found I have to do is on the pads on the bottom of the mouse that make it glide easier. If used on a solid, non-porous surface, by a friend or relative who sweats and moves the mouse over that area, the mouse can become a little difficult to move smoothly due to the moisture on the pads. The easy fix is lightly scraping off the dust that accumulates and it works smoothly.
--The frequency this mouse operates on has not interfered with any electronic devices. In the event that it does, there are several channels that can be easily changed by pressing a button on the underneath of the mouse.
--Portability is strange to think about in a mouse that is typically at your keyboard's side, but there have been a few times when I need the extra room near the keyboard and the mouse is better suited on a different place on my desk. The mouse works up to 7 feet from the receiver unit that is plugged into the back of the computer without problems. At 9 feet from the receiver unit it works intermittently. It's not likely that most people will find a reason to use their mouse from this distance but it's good to know in a cubicle/office-type environment.
Drawbacks
The only drawback I've noticed that has not been a significant problem is the requirement of two AA batteries. This is something you cannot avoid if you purchase this, you will be buying batteries in order to keep the mouse functioning so factor this into your final cost and decision. I have not had any problems with the mouse using a large number of batteries, in fact I think it makes good use of the batteries and I do not find myself changing them often. (And I use the computer more than 8 hours per day.)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99.00
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Epinions.com ID:
ladyk
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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