Turn any desktop into a bright vibrant space. Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue offers a fun design with a wider clear scroll wheel and a signature red optical glow. Roll and scroll in style!
Comes with a three-year warranty!Unique Clear Scroll WheelHave fun using the one-of-a-kind, wider scroll wheel to move through documents quickly without a scroll bar.
Go With the Optical GlowThe glowing red base signifies Microsoft optical technology for a smooth and accurate experience. No mouse ball!
Comfort for Either HandComfortably shaped for the left or right hand.
Dazzling DesignBright astral blue top with silver metallic accents add sparkle to your desktop.
The Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue is a well-designed, stylish, and efficient mouse that makes a worthy addition to any desktop. This mouse is shaped for ambidextrous use, fitting comfortably in either hand. It features two buttons and a central scroll wheel, and its silver and blue two-tone finish is complemented by the signature red glow characteristic of the Microsoft optical family.
The mouse connects via USB, though a PS/2 converter is also supplied. The package comes with IntelliPoint 4.1 software, which is straightforward to install. It works with Windows 98 and all later versions of Windows, and is also compatible with Mac OS 8.6, 9x, and 10.1. Unlike traditional mice, the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue doesn't contain a ball, but instead uses a high-intensity LED and optical sensor to detect movement. This negates the need for regular cleaning, as with a mouse ball, and also provides greater precision.
During testing, the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue performed well. It's comfortable to use, and precise. The buttons and wheel are responsive and accurate. Combine this with its durable construction, and you have a mouse that is well worth the investment. --Jason Weston, Amazon.co.uk
1 Works with my KVM.
Appearance/Aesthetic: The mouse is a neutral-ish blue and grey that fits well in a cozy home office. Good fit for a comfortable workstation with a layed-back atmosphere. Not a good fit for a LAN party, someone who likes sexy high-tech looking toys, or a workstation with an ultra-contemporary style.
When the mouse is not moving, a barely-noticeable red glow emerges from its underside. The mouse responds to movement by substantially brightening this glow. Yes, this mouse is equipped with ground effects. I don't understand it either. There is a small "bull's-eye" logo that glows in red on the tail end of the mouse.
If you like the reddish glow emerging from beneath the mouse, you may be more pleased with the Logitech 3-button optical mouse (B0000659A7). The bottom and both sides of this Logitech mouse glow bright red. If you prefer _no_ light emerging from beneath the mouse, consider the Logitech MX310 (B0000A1GOF). The MX310 side panels have no transparency, and none of the underside light is visible unless the mouse is raised off the mousing surface.
Ergonomic/Functional: The mouse is not as light as the el-cheapo bargain basement mice, but not as heavy as a "performance" mouse (you know the kind; it has 15 buttons and looks like the remote control to the BattleStar Gallactica).
The click pressure on the first and second buttons is moderate.
The scroll wheel movement is _very_ light, which makes pressing down on the scroll wheel (actuating the middle button) slightly awkward. The scroll wheel material is hard plastic with a corrugated surface for traction (I found the smooth surface of Logitech's "rubbery" scroll wheel to be more comfortable).
As the shape of your hand is a huge ergonomic factor, the best check of this is a trip to your local CompUSA/Office Depot/Best Buy/Whatever to test drive the floor models.
Pros:
Works with my KVM (Iogear MiniView Plus 2 port PS/2 + audio: ASIN B0000512HI).
Overall impression of quality is high. The mouse isn't as light as the bargain-basement optical mice.
Cons:
Doesn't glide as easily as I prefer (the four corner-positioned glide pads seem a bit on the sticky side).
The packaged "Getting Started" card suggests using PS/2 over the USB connection, but offers no explanatory details. While this cryptic comment isn't a direct criticism of the mouse, it does make you wonder why Microsoft suggests the PS/2 connection superior.
2 Simplicity is elegance
The light, no-frills profile of this mouse along with its small size makes it a nice mouse to pair with a laptop on the go. Sometimes it has a plasticky feel to it and seems cheap for a $20 when for a little more one can get a well featured mouse (say Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 or Logitech MX700..love them all), but it's still a solid deal.
Having gone through several mice over the years (not because they're not durable...my favourite,the IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0, is still going strong as the mouse on my primary system) going with Microsoft or Logitech will do you no wrong. Why would you spend $10 on a generic mouse when for a little more you can get a brand-name one that is more solidly built? Think about it. $10. Two meals at Carl's Jr. Two packs of cigarettes. A bottle of cheap wine. 100 miles worth of gasoline...so on.
Microsoft's technical support and warranty replacement are by far the most superior in the industry (Logitech's is great too). Microsoft will ship you a replacement of your broken mouse within the one-year warranty period if you faxed/mailed an xerox copy of the bottom of your mouse and the purchase receipt (sometimes even optional), then within the week DHL delivers a mouse straight from their fulfillment centre, free of charge, NIB, just like an early Christmas. I don't know if Microsoft still does it anymore due to abuse, and please, people: DO NOT ABUSE MICROSOFT'S WARRANTY REPLACEMENT POLICY - EVERYBODY LOSES IN THE END. Logitech's is also the same - call them up with the serial number of your mouse for RMA, they'll fill a case on your defect, then ship you a replacement...
There's a reason Microsoft is still in the business of making computer hardware, especially mice. They rock.
3 It's great- until it breaks
I don't know what I did to deserve this. This mouse was comfortable, scrolled well, and worked very well in video games. Just yesterday, however, the wheel started acting funny- when I scrolled down, it would scroll up, then down, then random text would be highlighted. Now, it's worse- Even a left click will mean that the arrow is stuck to some scrollbar somewhere, more text gets highlighted, icons are flying across the screen because the button release isn't registered properly. I guess I do exaggerate a bit, but seriously, folks, this mouse, after half a year, has ceased to be functional in a normal sense. For the record, I have never abused this mouse. I am certain that the problem was not software related, as it does the same thing on my other computer. Both the USB and PS/2 adapter do the same thing.
I do not recommend this mouse to the mentally unstable.
4 Subpar
In a word, my friends, this product is subpar. Even my modest expectations were left hangin'. In my forthcoming polemic, Better Living Through Brand Preferences, the Gnome wants Logitech.
While there is nothing wrong with the mouse, the Gnome maintains that it just ain't up to par.
5 Best. Mouse. Ever.
This is the best mouse I have ever used. I also own the wireless version of this mouse and it is equally as good. (This one is better for transport though.) The design fits perfectly in my hand, the software is useful and easy to install, and it is amazingly smooth for computer drawing/modeling. I have used logitech mice and other more expensive microsoft mice (elite and pro) and I still like this one the best. Its simplicity, good looks and excellent design make it the only mouse i'll ever use again.
6 For those people with a high-arched mouse.
Well yes, I've found alot of the Microsoft mice to have a higher arch to them then most, now for some people this is uncomfortable. I would suggest for those people to either get a Wrist pad, to help your wrist and to have it higher off the table then usual so the high-arched mouse doesn't cause you pain, now you get the Wrist-Pad from Everglide.com or you could get a mouse pad, with a wrist-pad built into it already. Kingston and few other companys make em, should beable to find em just about anywhere, BestBuy, CompUSA, OfficeDepot and Amazon.com
7 ok but flawed
Liked the mouse for about a month, then the cheap quality material started to decay...The main problem is with the battery compartment, the spring connection for the battery circuit will twist and become unusable...was constantly having to adjust the batteries to get it to work...so I took a hammer to it and bought a Logitech MX 700 which is FANTASTIC...made with very good quality material and also operates with a rechargeable battery. Microsoft needs to stick to memory hogging operating systems with tons of security flaws and leave the PC accessories to other companies...
8 Mouse
This is my first optical mouse i have ever had. I have had this mouse about a year and it is great for websurfing but not photo editing because every now and then the pointer jumps around the screen. The mouse has gone out a few times on me but that is because the ps/2 addapter does not connect tight and can get loose. Also the mouse is good for traveling because it is nice and light weight. Finally, i bought this mouse because i knew dirt would not show up on it like my old white mouse did. I would give this optical mouse a 4 out of 5.
9 Suffers From Opitcal Jitter
This was my first optical mouse. Unfortunately, I soon learned about optical "jitter". I was unable to get smooth curser movements for small hand movements involving editing of digital photos, etc. Small movements cause noticeable curser jitter on the screen. Do an internet search using "optical mouse jitter" and you will see this is a common problem for optical mice.
I've since replaced it a Logitech MX310, which has no such problem. The Logitech moves across the screen smoothly - and seems to glide across the mouse pad easier. Of course the MX310 is more expensive - but worth it.
If you don't do a lot of precise/fine work - then I suppose the "optical mouse blue" is OK.
10 Works fine with my iMac
I bought this mouse because I was sick of having a one button mouse, but I didn't want to spend exorbitant amounts of money on a mouse. This mouse works just fine. There are no problems with the scroll wheel, and tracking is nice and smooth. All I had to do and my iMac recognized it (it's running 10.3.3). If there is one complaint I have is that it feels cheap. In terms of use, that is no problem, but if you lift it up and shake it a little it feels like it was made out of some cheap plastic (which of course, it was). This complaint is minor, because the product still works fine.
11 I love it but . . .
I love this mouse, but, it goes thru batteries quickly.
12 Solves one problem, introduces another
I bought the Microsoft optical mouse because the ball mouse skipped and stuck sometimes, especially after it got used for a few months. My XP system found and used the new mouse without any user interface required. It's smooth and soft to use. The shape fits my hand well. The one problem is location stability. Every now and then the pointer jumps to some far corner of your screen (or to the other screen if you have two). That's especially irritting when you thought you were going to click on one place and you click on something you had no intention of clicking. Random clicks are bad enough on web sites, but in a word processing applciation they can delete your last ten minutes work. You end up being watchful before clicking to make sure the pointer is where you left it. I give it 4 stars because otherwise it works well and is priced reasonable.
13 Works Fine
What more can I say than it works just fine. Truly plug and play under XP home. I will have to get used to the scroll wheel, it moves very easily compared to others that I have owned.
14 Excellent value
This is my first optical mouse and I decided to go for this one after having read most of the user reviews here. My previous mouse was a Microsoft Intellimouse with a ball and it outperformed most mice I had in time. I got it 4 years ago from a friend and it still works flawlessly despite the age. I expect the same or even more from my new blue mouse. The grip is excellent and movements are tracked exceptionally fine. More over, it is backed up by a 5-year guarantee here in Romania so I rest assured that I have a good mouse even if I paid double the price of a noname optical mouse. I'd say this mouse is definitely worth the price.
15 Works ok with Intellipoint 5.0
Works fine after I downloaded the latest 5.0 intellipoint MS utility and replaced the delaminating mat.
16 Works fine!
I've had this mouse for about 9 months now and it's been great. Very comfortable (I have big hands - Logitech mice are a bit small) and precise. I game about two hours a day with it and have had no problems with any of my games. The non-stop glowing red base (even when the PC is shutdown) is the only drawback to it. Recommended!
17 Worst Mouse I've Ever Used
This mouse never worked right. It was sluggish compared to even older microsoft intellipoints. It sticks all of the time in Counter Strike, the mod for half life. And if it sticks in Counter Strike, you can only imagine what kind of problems it has with Warcraft III, UT23K and other high end games. On my particular model, the left click button stopped working. The mouse wheel is easily jammed. Not worth the trouble. Go for a logitech
18 Simple and Works Perfectly! ^_^
I bought this to replace my Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer for my art projects. The accuracy for this mouse is far better than the wireless mouse I use for surfing the net! It's very simple to use and for someone with large or small hands, it's comfortable for both. I have small hands but my dad has larger hands, we both use the same computer (unfortunately...=P) and have no problems.
The scroll-wheel is GREAT! Unlike the wireless mouse, the grip texture is easier and gel-like. It's very comfortable to scroll up and down with.
The glowing red bottom, is a neat feature. I don't pay too much attention to it as I still use my black gel-mouse pad to support my wrist. You do not need to have a mouse for optical mouses as they do not have that ball inside but old habits die hard. =P If you are worried that the red-light will both you, do not worry because it is very discrete.
19 Easy to use and incredibly comfortable.
This mouse requires no installation unless you want to program the 3 buttons, and if you want to install it, it only takes 5 minutes. The mouse is very ergonomical, and works on almost any surface because on the laser light instead of the tracking ball. Scrolling is easy to do, and the mouse has never broken in the year that I've owned it.
20 Good solid mouse!
I purchased this mouse to replace my standard Dell mouse. Very accurate tracking. I love not having to clean the ball every few days. Only complaint is the LED that is always lit on the butt end. What is that all about??
21 best mouse i have had yet
top 10 things about this mouse are:
1. doesnt stick
2. scrolls quickly
3. the scroll has a bit of a cushion to it
4. its light
5. it moves smoothly
6. easy to clean
7. when airs or dust get into it, it still works great.
8. the red light is not to bright
9. forms to your hand nicely
10. has a nice look to it
22 Scroll wheel doesn't light up
Microsoft makes it look like the scroll wheel lights up, but it doesn't. They sure try to make it look like it does. Other than that, It's a nice-looking mouse that works fine.
23 A good solid no frills mouse
I like this mouse. It replaced my factory Dell mouse that kept screwing up. It feels pretty nice, the buttons have a nice feel to them and the scroll wheel has a got a nice movement to it. It also has an attractive appearance. Most importantly, the mouse moves the pointer where I want it to go without any hassle. Probably not the absolute best mouse out there, but if you just want a good solid reliable mouse for a reasonable price and that's a little nicer looking than appliance white I'd get this one.
24 Just an okay mouse... I can't recommend it
After using it at work for a few hours, my hand began to hurt a bit. I have medium (men's) hands, but not sure if hand size matters. I think the high arch is the cause of the discomfort. Note that I also own the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse Blue, and it does NOT have the same problem - I can actually recommend that one.
The mouse feels cheaper than other Logitech and Microsoft mice I've owned, but is certainly sturdy enough to last. Also, the scroll wheel is too loose making it easy to scroll accidentally while trying to only press the wheel (center) button. Most people probably won't care about that feature (I happen to need the middle mouse button for my Unix applications at work).
I've been using the mouse as a travel mouse and it does it's job. This mouse is still better than any non-optical mouse since I can use it on any surface (I don't need to carry around a mouse pad).
25 Poor design
Although I like the feel of the buttons and especially the wheel, the mouse does not sit comfortably in my hand for longer periods. It is too narrow in the middle (as well as to high), forcing the thumb and ring finger to hold it in an unnatural and strained way. Instead, I recommend a wider and flatter mouse, such as Logitech's optical mouse (which is also cheaper).
26 Can't go wrong... But could be better....
Just got this one today... My first impression is that it's constructed rather poorly... It's light and it rattles.... It just doesn't feel solid...
Up until now, I've beem using another Microsoft optical mouse, Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical and even though it's less expensive than this one, that one feels more solid.
I just don't see the advantage of this mouse over the Wheel Mouse Optical that I am replacing now... (well, this one is colorful, which is the exact reason why I bought this one).
Other than the construction issue, they both work flawlessly...
Can't really go wrong, but I would still go for the amazingly cheap Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical....
27 Purchased for a Mac TiBook
I got this as an alternative to my Mac's touchpad. Plugged it into the USB port on the back and it worked without incident. The mouse flawlessly works on my desk, couch, kitchen counter and jeans. The MS mice have good action on the wheel which is why I chose it over the logitech one.
28 Smooth as a Baby?s Bare Bottom!
Stick and move, stick and move, stick and move; this action describes not the butterfly like movements of a great boxer, but the movement of the aging ball mouse across my spouses computer screen. I undertook all of the regular remedies for this type of bad behavior; I removed the ball and cleaned it with alcohol, I removed the dirt and dust from all surfaces, I prayed the to mouse gods for smooth and silky cursor operations, all to no avail. Finally, the spouse, who is usually the more frugal of the two of us, asked me to procure her a new optical mouse.
I am in love optical mice! I think they are one of the pivotal advances in computer hardware technology in the last decade. No more stick and move, stick and move, stick and move. Fluid motion and precision are the optical mouse' watch words, its clarion call to the computer geek.
I love the feel and movement of my Microsoft Optical IntelliMouse w/ Intellieye, but wanted an updated version for the spouse; I chose the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue.
The Essentials:
Shaped somewhat differently than the Microsoft Ball IntelliMouse which became famous in the late 1990's, the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue fits more neatly in the hand, be it right or left. Of course the same innovative track wheel for easy scrolling of web pages and web-enabled documents that made the IntelliMouse so desirable is maintained here.
All the benefits of an optical mouse are present in the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue; for instance a mouse pad is no longer needed because the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue will work on almost any flat surface, and will also work if lifted two or three inches above said flat surface. However, like all optical mice the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue will not work on a reflective surface such as glass or varnished wood, or any other surface with a glossy finish. The mouse may also have difficulty tracking on magazine covers, photographs, or newspapers.
The Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue is distinguished from other optical mice by its red glow, which imamates from under neither its base and from a small symbol at the back of the mouse. This is cool, especially in a dark room. As far as I can tell the light serves no other purpose other then esthetics, and the "gee-whiz" factor. The actual optical light that controls the movement of the cursor is much smaller and is situated in the center of the base of the mouse.
Installation:
The Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue can utilize either the traditional round 9-pin DIN connection, via an included USB/9 pin DIN adapter, or a USB port to connect to the computer; I chose the USB port.
I originally installed this mouse under Windows 98 Me, where it of course worked flawlessly. I later upgrade the spouses' computer to Windows XP Home Edition and the OS recognized the mouse in true plug-n-play fashion. The Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue work fine without the software Microsoft ships with it; Intellipoint Version 4.1, but the software offers a wide range of control options for the mouse which allow you to control the assignment of the buttons, and scroll wheel, and control the actions, look and "feel" of the cursor.
The spouse has been using the Microsoft Optical Mouse Blue for almost three months and she loves it. She couldn't be happier with the mouse' performance and operation and does not miss her old IntelliMouse a bit. She still uses a mouse pad, however this does not present a problem; the mouse glides smoothly over the surface. Cursor movement is equally as fluid and precise, and I love the feel of the mouse buttons and even the clicking sound they make.
This one gets two thumbs up from me...
29 Optical Blue by Microsoft
This is the best computer mouse I have ever purchased. It has a nice feel and the scroll wheel is extremely easy to roll, with the perfect amount of resistance. I replaced my older Microsoft optical mouse, it still work well but wanted a change. It was well worth it, I am buying another one just like it for my other computer.
If you are in the market for a new mouse, buy this you will not be disappointed and the software works great to!
30 Comfy and accurate
This is my second go with the Microsoft Optical Blue line of mice. The first time out, I tried the wireless version, which ended up being extremely erratic. I liked the shape and look of the mouse, so I decided to try the tethered model. I'm glad I did. This mouse feels comfortable in my hand, and the accuracy is second to none. I'm a graphics designer, so my mice have to be as precise as possible. This mouse really does the job well.
If I can find a few flaws, the first would have to be the clackyness of the mouse buttons. They feel nice, but they emit a louder "clack" noise than I'm used to when depressing the buttons. Also, I wish Microsoft would ditch the extra LED they put in the tail of the mouse. What purpose does it serve to have it glow red 24/7? Considering the second LED is superfluous, the least they could have done is make it the same color as the mouse shell, and use a cool blue one like Sony does on the front of PlayStation2.
Aside from those minor flaws, this is a solid performer. I recommend it.
