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Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Author: Joe Di Figlia
Provided By: None
Page: 1 of 1
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Today's computer users have traveled far from the good ol' days when computers were run by cards and mice were caught in traps. Today we have a "slew" of products to navigate through our everyday computing. Until the day that computers will recognize eye movements for navigation for everyone, not just rich people, most of us will be stuck using cumbersome products like mice or trackballs. Some are functional, some are practical, some are out there, and some are Microsoft.
In front of me, I have the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, by no means an average mouse, but by no means revolutionary. This mouse's predecessor, the Intellimouse Explorer, was one of the first iterations of mice to break away from the traditional "beige box" design. Its internal components are encased in an attractive mix of grey and red, the optical sensor captures data at up to 6,000 frames per second, it's form fitted for a right handed person, features USB connectivity (with included ps/2 adapter), and boasts programmable buttons.
Whats in the box?
The very attractive box this mouse is packaged in includes:
Installation CD (important)
Manual (worthless)
Mouse (it should be right?)
PS/2 Adapter (wish they would get rid of PS/2 Products)
Misc. ads and registration cards (losem... Save the trees, or print them on HEMP paper)
Software
The included software is not necessary if you are looking for just basic functionality within windows. But, if you have a wide selection of different things you want to do with a mouse, the software comes in very handy. A great example of this is gaming. When I game I have the two side buttons programmed for certain functions within games. With out the included software, most games have no idea that those buttons even exist. The biggest feature with this software, if you look carefully at the image, you will notice is the "Enable program-specific button settings." This is the best gift Microsoft could have given the gamer. Because I play Tactical Ops: AOT doesn't mean that I want those button settings to be standard across the board with other games. Configuring it is simple as well, just click settings, and select the program and how you want the buttons set up.
Conclusion
Now, so far you are thinking that this mouse is a good mouse, well; first off its not. I use it, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I think it's a good product. I use it because it's what I have become used to and because it's comfortable. I have some major issues with this mouse though. My first qualm about this mouse is its price. It has been on the market for a LONG time and still costs (suggested retail) over $50.00. That's a bit extreme. Also when you factor in the aspect that this is the fourth one that Microsoft has sent me due to an ADMITTED problem with them (tech support) you are looking at a product that is NOT WORTH BUYING, even for $10.00. Save yourself some aggravation and go buy the Logitech MX-700.
Side Note: I do have to admit that Microsoft's Tech Support is very good. I had no problems with them replacing my mouse after a brief phone call. I was also charged NO shipping costs. However, the average person might not fuss with the phone calls and settle for purchasing another mouse. If you have this mouse, feel free to give them a call if you are having problems with it. They are VERY helpful.
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