IntelliMouse Optical....Stop Mousing Around with a Ball!

Since buying the computer that I own now, which was back in early December of 99, in the mouse department, I have been through 5 standard wheel sorts. I live in the back woods and it is necessary to drive over 3 miles of dirt road to get here. The dust is extremely bad and has a very negative effect on all my electronic equipment. I have even built filtering systems inside my tower to help catch the dust that the fans draw in. I know that you can buy those things but I have never been able to find any that will fit my (built from scratch) system, so I have used very thin foam (see through nearly).

In 1834, when Eng.mathematician Charles Babbage invented the principle of the "analytical engine" and 1984 when Apple Macintosh launched it's microcomputer with the mouse, we have continued searching for new and better ways to surf the internet and ease the drudgery of operating the computer. I believe the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical is a fine example of advanced technology in mousing. For now anyway.

The Microsoft IntelliMouse uses no wheels. What it does have is an optical sensor on the bottom side of the mouse. What that does is eliminate skipping and jamming as you will usually experience with a mouse that has a ball. With an optical sensor you get smooth and precise movement and since there are no ball or other moving parts involved it tends to be more reliable and will last much longer. How long I do not know, for I have only been using mine for a little over a month now. I can tell you this and I feel that this is a very good indicator about it's workmanship and lasting ability, it carries a 5 year limited hardware warranty and the Microsoft 30 day money back guarantee. That tells me that it should do well for at least 3 years under normal circumstances and over 5 years if treated with the upmost respect in it's handling and care.

Some of the functions that this mouse has is the page back and page forward ability with virtually eliminates the need for the use of your tool bar or keyboard in this specific area. It has the center wheel which can be used as a scroller by rolling it up or down or you may press it like a button and scroll the page by just moving the mouse and not the wheel button or scroll bar. You can also program the buttons to do many of your other routine duties on some of your favorite programs.

The IntelliMouse Optical eye sensor tracks movement 1,500 times per second, unlike the traditional ball mouse. This makes for a smooth ride! Remember my mentioning the dirt problem at my home? Well, the IntelliMouse's optical sensor is sealed in and keeps out the dirt and lint. So that means no jamming and or skipping. All is clean with my mouse now.

Now here is the really cool part. You have no need for a mouse pad if you so choose. I myself still use one with a gel pad but this is not necessary. The IntelliMouse works on many other surfaces. The package says it will even work on your jeans. Folks, I am here to tell you that they are not lying about that. I have tried it on my jeans and it really does work just fine on them. It will work on hundreds of surfaces it says, but there are some things that it does not work well on, one of those being glass, mirrors, glossy surfaces and it will also have trouble on repetitive patterns as with some printed photos from magazines or newspapers. But it does well on wood, such as your desk, cloth, plastic, etc. It will not function unless it is on something with visible detail. Glass for example does not have a visible detail. Unless you are looking in it. A little humor there.

This mouse is sure pretty at night! When the lights are off and all that you can see is your computer screen, you will also see the pretty red light that the IntelliMouse produces from it's optical eye. Lights up the entire bottom of the mouse. Very pretty.

Your IntelliMouse will include the IntelliPoint 3.1 mouse software necessary to install and take full advantage of its many features. It is multi-language capable and will work with systems Windows 200o pro, NT workstation 4.0, and 98. It does also work with Mac. It does not matter if you are right handed or a south-paw it is ambidextrous and will conform to your needs.

Let me tell you how this mouse feels to the touch and how it fits your hand. I think that Microsoft made the IntelliMouse Optical specifically for me! Really now, the mouse feels wonderful. I have small hands and it fits like a glove. Almost seems to mold to fit the cup I form when holding the mouse. My husband has large hands and it fits him the very same way. Holds true with my 7 year old also. So it seems to me that the mouse in topic is made for everyone. The buttons are very quiet and click oh so smoothly. The shell of the mouse is slightly unsmooth and the buttons are smooth like silk. A pleasure to hold this one.

As far as pricing goes, I purchased this one for only $49.97. I have seen this online for at least $59.00 though. So be sure to shop around for the best price to suit your budget.

I absolutely would highly recommend the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical to any of you who demand accuracy and lasting power. It is a good buy for your money.

Thank you for reading and rating ~†~ God Bless

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