Introduction

After it quieter walked with us in terms of mouse tests lately, we have taken us five Microsoft mice to the chest and tested it for their everyday usability and. In particular, the IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0 with and without cable are this, the wireless optical mouse 2.0, the new optical mouse designed by star designer Philippe Starck and to compare the already somewhat in the years come IntelliMouse Optical 2.0. It should be noted that – with the exception of the older IntelliMouse Optical 2.0 – all the mice in different colours or designs, represented in the article are available so that any interested party can make his personal favorite.

Scope of delivery

The mice are passed in a secure package to the new owner.

In addition to the mouse that is connected to the computer in all cases via USB port, there are just a PS2 adapter for connection to older computers. Continue to be settled in a small user’s Guide, which provides guidance on the installation, warranty, etc., as well as the Microsoft IntelliPoint mouse software version 5.0. The current version 5.2 can be downloaded for free at Microsoft. In the case of a wireless mouse in addition of course the transmitter and practical are also equal to two batteries this way.

Before we get started, we have the prices, cable lengths and – for those interested – yet the weight of the various mice tabular faced, to us in this respect an overview to give. It should be noted that the length of the receiver was measured in the cordless mice and the weight of the batteries from 50 grams to comes.

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The older IntelliMouse Optical 2.0 is by far the cheapest mouse in the test. The others are with 35 Euro at a single level, where for the wireless version of the IntelliMouse Explorer in addition seven euros must be berappt. Interesting way to get the cheapest mouse the longest cable, but also 1.90 meters or 1.85 meters are not just short. As a whole should the cable normally sufficiently long and have a little leeway.

In the wireless mice, the maximum range to the receiver is 1.80 metres, due to monitor radiation, etc a distance of 20 cm is recommended to the mouse and disturbing devices, so that it also should be at LAN-parties not complications with other mice, as other monitors in addition again weaken the signal.

Software

The Microsoft IntelliPoint 5.2 mouse software supports the user to adapt the mouse to the individual needs. It is quickly and easily installed and should be easy for anyone to use. In addition to the traditional, integrated in Windows mouse settings like mouse speed, pointer properties, etc., can be here each key assign a special function or a special key combination is.

Also can be here, of course the speed for the mouse wheel in the vertical direction.

These can be general or valid only for certain applications such as games or Office applications. Normally, the default of the buttons however should be the probably most appropriate assignment.

This is graphically appealing way by an image of selected and connected mouse on the button to edit at the moment is extra marked, shows.

As a special gimmick you can in Cordless mice still the quality of the signal and the battery itself, was very slow is updated the quality of the signal and displays the battery status despite not built-in batteries as “good”.

Total, the Otto-normal user probably even without the software comes from, especially since the software is only an extension of the options already included with Windows.

Product review

The various mice how good are now in daily use in Office applications and gaming? The following pages are to be resolved. First is still noted in the cordless mice, for example, in games earlier sometimes occurred not to disadvantage with respect to the delay that we have seen, so that it is in this regard so need not worry and now overtaken earlier experiences are.

IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0

The IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0 is visually very well managed and has a total a left, a right and two mouse buttons attached to the left. It is also the mouse with a modern 4-way wheel, which not only up and down, but also on the side can scroll, which is probably less likely to occur in the browser, can be very useful in larger spreadsheets.

The mouse has nine buttons four or with wheel. For full occupancy of the wheel you could put a total 9 features in games on the mouse, with really effective use will fall here certainly very difficult. Still is the mouse very well in the hand and is easy to move or glides easily been so that you are very quickly has become used to the new mouse.

Negative reveals however immediately, that the mouse wheel very stiff or very difficult to move. Since required already a long period of practice, so to use the wheel, as it is used. One reason for the binding of mouse wheel could be the rubber on the wheel by the it even can happen at high heat and corresponding welding flow one slips over the wheel, what is happening not so easily on a pure plastic wheel. Because the mouse wheel is just as hard, it can ever happen that you accidentally press the wheel button, rather than to turn the wheel. In addition it can happen depending on the position of the mouse that one the side buttons by folded of Daumes can achieve or even extremely difficult to catch the rear side key. Unfortunately, both side buttons are relatively small, which you can push in the heat of battle schonmal, in addition, where this is Übungssache and is related to the General position of the mouse. Due to the shape of the mouse is way more logical only suitable for right-handers.

Wireless IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0

In the wireless variant of this mouse, basically no differences to the cable are to determine. Despite the additional weight of the batteries, the mouse is easy to move.

In addition, the long battery life in the wireless version, which is specified with up to six months is very impressive. This is achieved, among other things by, that really only then intensively is scanned, it also moves the mouse. The remaining time, the mouse in a booth is by mode. Continue to send the mouse in the location on two different frequencies or to receive, i.e. in case of emergency can be dodged on another frequency. Generally should be the case this is only extremely rarely.

Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0

Compared to the IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0 is the wireless forth something simple optical mouse 2.0 design, but by no means bad. The wireless optical mouse 2.0 has a left and a right mouse button, and is equipped with a 4-way wheel.

More keys on the sides are unfortunately not present, so that this mouse has seven mouse buttons only with two or with the wheel buttons. You well in your hand and is easy to move and to control well. The mouse wheel is normal here in the usual way to easily movable and is no reason for complaint. Due to the symmetric form is the mouse for left and right-handed both.

In hectic and very common use of the mouse, it may be that in rare cases the right button of the mouse squeaks – why always. In contrast to the IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0, this mouse only on a channel or a frequency can send / receive, so that it happen in extremely unlikely cases could be, that sender and receiver is no longer able to communicate.

Optical mouse by Starck

The mouse by star designer is her simply of the form and that is still (why?), a real eye catcher. The transparent Strip is stylishly lit in the operation. The mouse buttons are part of the casing and not shown thus on photos.

More buttons on the page do not exist. “Fixed holding land” are for this on the pages for the thumb and little finger. The optical mouse is by Starck also easy to move, but not on a 4-way scroll wheel, but only through a conventional mouse wheel to the high- and runterscrollen. Also this mouse such as the MS Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 is suitable both for left and right-handed due to the shape.

IntelliMouse Optical 2.0

The Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical is the mouse, most commonly found at LAN-parties at the moment. The form is very similar to the the wireless optical mouse. Accordingly, she also for right or left-handers is suitable. The mouse wheel seems to be identical with the said mouse and is simple and can be precisely controlled.

In contrast to the wireless optical mouse is however on each side a large compared to the (wireless) IntelliMouse Explorer mouse installed, so that the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical, not like the wireless optical mouse has only two, but four mouse buttons.

Conclusion

Total worked all the mice – their price range accordingly – technically very mature in us and gave itself no serious reason for complaint. However, the overall implementation of the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical Explorer 4.0 (with and without cable) could not complete our picture, in particular the heavy common mouse wheel and the size and arrangement of the side mouse buttons worked which is why we as a whole rather advise against this mouse on us improperly, because 35 or 42 euro for the visited are not exactly a bargain.

The basically only shortcoming with the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 (without cable) and the Microsoft optical mouse by Starck (with cable) is in both cases, that there are only two mouse buttons. Therefore we see here the Anwendungsbreich closer to Office applications, because especially in multiplayer games such as counter-strike or Doom3 is a third or fourth mouse button often needed. This may be true less for strategy games such as Warcraft or StarCraft. When the designer mouse the integrated mouse buttons may not for everyone. Total Office users as well as strategy and casual gamers however can access here without concerns, with the choice between the mice can be taken according to taste. At a price of 35 euros you can look for alternatives but quiet before.

The vulnerability of the wireless optical mouse 2.0 and the Microsoft optical mouse by Starck can ausbügeln the IntelliMouse Optical 2.0 through the side mouse buttons. The price is more than attractive in this older mouse with 19 euros for the visited compared to other mice, but not a four way mouse wheel. Overall everyone without should be accessible in mice.

In the near future we will take 1000 also the new MX Logitech more closely scrutinized. It will scan as first the world with the help of a laser mouse and thus possibly enter into new dimensions. Auch Microsoft has announced new mice will be soon available on the market.