Another excellent piece of hardware from Microsoft For a product that tries to show off cutting edge technology and succeeds, it's surprising that Microsoft didn't add one extra feature to this mouse or at least make it an option. There are cordless mice and cordless keyboards. Why not a cordless optical mouse?

Onto the features now:

Intellieye Optical Technology

This is Microsoft's new optical sensor technology that eliminates the need for balls and rollers. As such, you can use the mouse on most surfaces without the need for a mouse pad for proper traction. The only surfaces where this does not work are reflective surfaces such as mirrors or glass. Since this mouse has no moving parts, you don't have to worry about removing trapped dirt from the rollers or cleaning the mouse ball.

Using a soft red light on the underside, the mouse is able to precisely track its movement roughly 1500 times per second. This provides smooth and extraordinary precise movement. Your mouse pointer is now truly an extension of your hand so if you play a lot of first person shooter games, this mouse may give you that extra edge you need to win.

Ergonomics

Like the Microsoft Natural Keyboard (see my other review), this mouse has been designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind. What is even more impressive about the design is that it's ergonomic for both left and right handed users so for lefthanded people that feel forgotten in a right-dominated world, this mouse will feel great.

Features/Installation/Software

Plugs into either a USB port or the older PS/2 port (with included adaptor)

Installation of the software was quick, easy, and problem-free. The Intellimouse software allows you to customize your mouse in almost anyway to allow maximum productivity. You can program the function of each of the five buttons (the wheel can be used as the fifth one).

Here's how I configure my mouse for quick and easy websurfing. I use the wheel to effortlessly scroll through pages of articles while using the left side and right side buttons for the Back and Forward commands. With this configuration, I rarely have to move my mouse at all.

In review, this is a great mouse that I would highly recommend. It is rather expensive for "only" a mouse but considering how much/often you use it, a really good one will significantly improve your computing experience.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 50