Compare/Contrast:

A mouse review is not complete without a compare and contrast of the same brand, or genre of mouse. So I decided since I had the IntelliMouse Optical and the IntelliMouse Explorer that I would tell you a little about them.

Since the release of the new IntelliEye Technology every mouse that Microsoft has developed and released will soon have the new technologies built into it.

The IntelliMouse Optical and Explorer are great mice that have been well received by the public and have been used in many applications. I see people talking about what type of mouse they have and it is usually the Optical for the people with smaller hands and lower budgets, and the Explorer for people with bigger hands, or more money to blow on a mouse of such great quality and performance. Microsoft mice's will also have refreshed models. The Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical will keep exactly the same design but will now feature the new 6000 dpi optical sensor for the best accuracy. The actual best seller; the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer will be slightly redesigned to so that it can handle the new improvements in the new IntelliEye software. Both mice will be provided with the latest IntelliPoint 4.0 driver software enabling the fast scrolling feature that'll react to how quickly you roll.

In case you are unfamiliar with the IntelliMouse Optical or Explorer, they are pictured below:

The one on the left is the Explorer, and the one on the right is the Optical. As you can see, and compare pictures of the wireless, compared to these 2, the wireless explorer has a bit more of a sleeker, and comfortable design to it.

I have used the optical for about 8 months now, using it for gaming, graphics, web development, and many other things, and I think it is a great mouse. Now if you have this mouse you will agree with me that is really pretty slick with the buttons on each side and then the scroll button and the 2 more on top for a total of 5 buttons if you count the scroll button. I have managed to do a lot with this mouse, and if you compare it to the wireless explorer I would say that the wireless explorer will beat it with its smooth design, and how it feels in your hand when you hold it. The optical is nice, but not as good as feeling as the wireless explorer in your hand.

I have only been using the Explorer for about a week, but I must say I do love it. The Explorer is a great mouse that weighs nothing, sweet design and colors, and is very similar to its new and updated cousin, the Wireless Explorer. The Explorer is a great mouse that I have found myself using it for just about everything. I have both the Wireless explorer and the Explorer plugged in at the same time, so I'm able to switch between mice when I need to. The Explorer has 2 smaller buttons on the left side, right next to where you thumb sits and then also the 2 buttons and scroll button in the same spot as the Optical, and Wireless Explorer.

Here is a chart that will give you some better knowledge of the similarities, and differences of the Explorer, Wireless Explorer, and the Optical.

Features:	Wireless Explorer	Explorer	Optical
Wireless Freedom		N/A	N/A
IntelliEye Technology
Ergonomic Design
2 Extra Buttons
Customizable Buttons
Faster Wheel Scrolling
Enhanced Grip			N/A
Left- or Right-Handed Use	N/A	N/A
Trackball Product	N/A	N/A	N/A
USB Connector
PS/2 Connector	N/A
Macintosh-Compatible

Here our some pictures to show you what the Explorer, and Wireless Explorer look like side by side.

The picture on the left is where you will see the IntelliMouse Explorer on the left side and the Wireless IntelliEye Explorer on the right. In the picture on the left you will see the Wireless IntelliEye Explorer in the background while the IntelliMouse Explorer is in the foreground.

This may be the time when you are thinking if it is really worth the upgrade to the Wireless IntelliEye Explorer. Or should I stick with my IntelliMouse Explorer or IntelliMouse Optical? Well onto the next page for some testing results.