Pros: Sleek look, optical technology eliminates maintenance, comfortable, LED lasts 100,000 hours, ambidextrous use
Cons: Has a slight learning curve
The Bottom Line: Microsoft's IntelliMouse Optical certainly makes using a computer much easier than a conventional mouse and makes web browsing faster with the ingenious dual side buttons and scroll wheel.
babyeddy7's Full Review: Microsoft Intelli Optical (D58-00026) Mouse
Introduction to Optical Technology
I'm sure many people have heard of or own an optical mouse; they are getting very popular in schools and in the workplace because people would often steal the balls from conventional mice. Optical technology is the first huge innovation of the peripheral to come in decades. Instead of the conventional ball, there is a digital camera situated on the base of the mouse. It is able to take 1,500 pictures per second of the surface under the mouse. This high scan-rate allows the device to precisely determine where the cursor should move on screen with unsurpassed accuracy, performance, and control. Since all components are sealed in the interior of the device, it also eliminates any maintenance that would be necessary with a “ball” mouse due to the buildup of dirt, dust, or grime. Optical mice are able to operate on virtually every imaginable surface excluding glass, mirrors, or other highly glossy material. Microsoft was the first to pioneer this new technology and now their optical mice are all best-selling peripherals.
Features
As with all new mice, the IntelliMouse Optical is equipped with a scroll wheel designed to speed up the use of web-browsers and word-processing software. Instead of clicking on the up and down arrows on the right side of a window, the user only needs to scroll the wheel up or down to reach the desired position on a page. The wheel of the IntelliMouse Optical is better than that of most other mice because it is not too stiff and not too loose. It certainly makes everyday use of the Internet less tedious.
Like other optical mice, the IntelliMouse Optical has a red light emitting diode (LED) on the underside of the device. In addition to adding to the overall appearance of the mouse, this also illuminates the surface thereby allowing the digital sensor to translate movement. According to the official Microsoft website, the LED is built to last 100,000 hours—that is approximately 11 years of continual illumination and around 55 years of lighting with typical five-hour daily use. Need I say more about the durability of this product?
Exclusive to the IntelliMouse Optical are dual side buttons (Please see picture above; they are silver in color). The two buttons make web browsing much quicker; instead of going to the page back button or page forward button in the browser, all the user needs to due is click these buttons to achieve the desired operation. This saves a lot of time in everyday use and makes surfing the Internet less wearisome. The only downside is the accidental click of the side buttons causing an undesirable procedure. However, after a few minutes of use, the user will get fully accustomed with the mouse and avoid this problem.
Since Microsoft designed this mouse for ambidextrous use, both left- and right-handed users can comfortably experience the amazing performance of the IntelliMouse Optical. Its top surface has a comfortable convex shape that snugly fits the hand of all users—no matter the size.
The mouse has a Universal Serial Bus (USB) input which connects it to the PC or Mac. There is no software to install because this device is plug and play. Also, there is an included adaptor for computers that do not have USB output.
Appearance
The Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical is the most visually impressive mouse I have ever seen (Please see above picture). It has a translucent, red underside plate that shows all of the circuitry and computer chips of the device. This does not add to the performance—it just makes the mouse more visually appealing. IntelliMouse Optical also features silver detailing and Microsoft's signature glowing red underside and taillight.
Overall
This mouse is perfect for everybody; it looks visually appealing, it’s full of exclusive features, and it’s equipped with the best in optical mouse technology. Although the $50 price tag may seem a little high, it is certainly worth every dollar.
The more efficient way to work. The IntelliMouse lets you browse the Web without using toolbars or the keyboard. Simply use either side button to goMore at TigerDirect.com
"Work on any surface while you easily navigate documents, Web pages, and spreadsheets with the convenient scroll wheel and Internet navigation buttons...More at Microsoft
Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical is one of Microsoft s best-selling optical mice, featuring a versatile ambidextrous design and supercharged with Micros...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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