The advanced ergonomic design of the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer gives you easy comfort and the very latest look for your desktop. The Tilt Wheel lets you navigate quickly through documents, and optical technology gives you the most accurate tracking available.
1 Mighty mouse
My local Office Depot was blowing these out for $14.02, so I bought two - one for my computer and one for my wife's. Since our desks stand back to back, I worried about signal interference. It's not a problem.
Installation was a little troublesome until I went to the Microsoft website and downloaded the current version of the software. No problems after that. We both have Windows XP/SP2.
I'm not surprised to see another reviewer mention that they had problems using the mouse with Windows 2000. Jeez, NOTHING works with Windows 2000.
2 NOT compatible with Windows ME!!!
Included software - IntelliPoint 5.0 - is not compatible with Windows ME. IntelliPoint 4.12 from Microsoft web site IS compatilbe with ME but it's not written for Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0 hardware - it was written for v1.0. Microsoft, get your act together - how hard can a mouse driver be? The way it's set up in my system now - IntelliPoint 4.12 with this IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0 - is not acceptable - first, no side tilt is recognized with old driver, second, PS/2 port connection makes the mouse jump around sideways, no problem in USB connection but still it moves sideways somewhat slower than up and down. I just can't believe MS is selling this mouse without older Windows support. What a shame.
3 Best Wireless Mouse Available Today
First off, wireless isn't perfect, so you have to know that going into purchasing a mouse. That being said, this is the best optical wireless mouse I have used (and I have used a few). For the person complaining about having problems using it with a Mac, that's what you get for using a Mac ;p
4 Nice hardware, lousy software
I've been using Microsoft mice for years now. I recently "upgraded" from a regular wired optical Intellimouse to the wireless Intellimouse Explorer. I'm very disappointed and am considering switching back.
As one reviewer had mentioned, the mouse is very heavy and will take some getting used to in that respect. The optical sensor is not in the same location and the mouses response to movement will differ slightly until you learn to adjust. The wheel is very stiff and hard to use. The wheel button is also VERY hard to click.
The big issue I have with the mouse is the horrible driver software. The buttons are programmable, but only with a very limited set of options. You can't assign your own key strokes. The real deal killer for me is that the wheel button can't be programmed as a middle mouse button. What were they THINKING!?!. I'm considering returning the mouse and buying a Logitech or perhaps just use my old wired mouse.
*** Update ***
After downloading updated driver software from Micro$oft, the middle button works as it should. It's still very hard to click though.
I do like the tilt wheel function. It's makes scrolling from side to side a lot easier.
5 Downsides...
Using the computer all day, I am very picky, so this review may not be for everyone. The wireless portion seems to work well - only a slight lag. The mouse is very heavy, and after moving it around constantly you being to feel it in a an hour or so. Lastly, who doesn't snack while they work. The matte black finish on the mouse stains immediately - potato chips being the worse culprit.
6 Quite nice.
I work as a sales associate at an office supply store. I had a chance to demo this model recently; and all I have to say about it is "Wow". My expectation for comfort was exceeded, thanks to the carefully executed ergonomic design. The optical technology used in this mouse allows for more precise cursor movement. And I just love that I can scroll left & right.
