MS SideWinder First Impressions

Figured I'd make this thread just in case anybody ever finds it useful in the slightest.

Unboxing: I've to say that this is nicely packaged. Except, when I opened it the "borders" just starting falling off lol. I didn't open it that well. I liked teh fact that I didn't have to take a knife to the packaging to open it up - good job. But I was surprised to find that it didn't come with the IntelliPoint software - I mean how hard is it to include a disc? Geez, MS.

Feel: It feels nice. I slapped on 30g as soon as I took it out of the package (yeah I like my mouse to be pretty heavy). The sides feel good, and the mouse itself looks pretty damn sturdy. Not going to do a stress test though. I don't know if I want to hate or like the feel of the clicks. I'm really liking the scroll wheel though - it feels solid, and it's not a noisy scroller. The two side buttons aren't bad, although accessing the bottom thumb button needs some getting used to. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in the position of the macro recording button - I've to wrap my hands in such an awkward position (note: what is awkward for me might not be awkward for you) to get to it. I wish it was sorta curved on the left side (similar to how it is curved on the right) - it's more ergonomic, IMO. The way it curves down is also not that great - I wish it was slightly flatter. It's probably because I'm palm grip and hence my thumb is not long enough to access the two <s>thumb buttons</s> side buttons on the left. My ideal mouse form factor is still undeniably the Logitech MX-1000.

Going on a tangent for a bit, here's a picture to demonstrate the two main "gripping styles" (WARNING: Picture of held mouse is *not* a SideWinder!. You have been warned!):



I do have to say that I like the mouse anchor - it's heavy, and it does its job real well. The weight rack in the mouse was easy to open, and dropping in the weights and taking them out is as easy as eating a slice of <s>sunshine</s> pie. I don't think the LCD is much useful - it feels it's like more of a gimmick, but I'm not complaining. It doesn't have any negative effects or any effect for that matter so I just let it be. The lighting looks awesome, and overall the whole design is really appealing.

Mouse Rating: 8/10

P.S.: I love Quick Turn! Quick Turn is where you can assign any of the five buttons (okay 2 - maybe 3 if you include the middle click/scroll wheel - are the only ones that you'd want to program. What kind of idiot sets the left and right mouse clicks to turn 180 degrees and not open fire or do alternative fire? XD) to do a quick 180 degree turn in less than half a second. Helpful for spy checks in Team Fortress 2 . (You configure it by pressing and holding the button and turning 360 degrees and then releasing it - pretty straightforward).

 

You should clarify that the picture does not display a Microsoft Sidewinder.

Just to clarify, this is the Sidewinder:



My question is how do you hit the black button on the left side without hitting the two silver ones in the process?

 

Oops, my bad Lithus =<

Well the only way I've figured out is to cup the whole mouse and hit it. I haven't programmed a macro yet and I have no clue how it operates in game. If I have to press that black button it's going to be a PITA for sure. I assume it's far easier for clawgrippers, as long as they move their fingertips to the most forward point on the mosue (your palm will be essentially resting on that small area below the sidewinder button (the silver (\) looking button at the end of that red strip down the middle of the mouse)