Microsoft Explorer Mouse(Desktop version) Bluetrack- Review

The title should read BLUEtrack not Blacktrack


I just purchased this mouse last night after comparing it to the Logitech MX1100. Here is a Short review of my experiences so far.

The packaging is quite simple and does not show everything included.



The mouse comes with a Rechargeable battery, The charger Dock ,driver CD,USB tranciever,And the mouse itself.

What's unique about this new mouse is the Bluetrack technology which can supposidly Track on any surface (excluding Glass and mirror). So i put this to the test. I first tried the mouse on my rug ..



I then tried it on my Bedsheet (From 20 feet away)



On both surfaces it performed flawlessly. Now obviously these surfaces are a bit extreme however if it performs well on these it will obviously be fine on more common uses like outside tables/Kitchen cables etc. Do remember it will not perform on Glass or Mirror however.


The Design of the mouse itself is very different let me say this is a PALMERS mouse it's meant to be palmed like a basketball, if you are more the wrist flicking type with lighter mice this mouse is not for you. This mouse is also very very heavy. My G5 Fully weighted with all gaming weights is a feather weight compared to this beast (It's not hard to slide across a mouse pad by any means) but if your the kind that lifts the mouse off the pad at all this is something worth noting.

Mouse design from the Side..




Other side





Bottom


The USB dongle attaches underneath the mouse for easy storage. The Two metal pegs are where the mouse attaches to the very small charger




All in all i'm very pleased with this mouse though a bit pricey i paid 80$ at Staples you can likely get it for less online. I chose this mouse over the MX1100 because of the rechargable battery/new surface technology and i liked the overall design alot better. I would reccomend this mouse to people who tend to Palm there mice alot. The slight heft to the mouse allows for good accuracy in games, i tested Crysis and noticed zero input lag as well as very very smooth aiming. If there is anything else you'd like to know about the mouse or camera angles you would like, please post here and i will do my best to accomidate you. To sum things up

Pros:
Rechargable

Small Recharge cradle

Small USB reciever (about 60% of the size of a SMALL usb flash drive)

Way improved Looks over previous Microsoft mice

Feels solid and well built

Very comfortable for people who Palm mice

Scroll wheel is very familiar to whose who like the feel of the MX revolution

Since the Battery is a rechargable AA You can also use a Normal AA in a pinch if You don't have time to recharge.

Rechargable battery is user replaceable


Cons:
Price

A bit heavy for some users

Battery has to be recharged every 2-3 weeks

Lack of buttons compared to average Logitech mouse

Wish the Blue ring around the mouse Stayed on (It however turns off once the mouse has been on for 2 seconds, Though to some this is not a con since it is a big battery saver.)

Right handed users ONLY

A recharge from a TOTAL dead battery can take 2-3 hours


Overall i would rate this Mouse a 4/5 And would reccomend it to most Large hand,Right handed users.

 

You did a nice review & provided good pictures of the Bluetrack mouse, thanks!

This will be very informative to those perusing a potential purchase.
I had been wondering about this mouse, and now I know a bit more about it thanks to you!

It will be a nice mouse for those *right handers*

+Rep for a good job!

Cin

 

great review!

but your carpet need some cleaning

thanks

 

A 114lb Golden lab and 2 cats will tend to have that effect =p

 

Side note. New surface idea! Dogs back!

 

just ordered mine on ebay! 25! cant beat it! I remember when these first came out.. the mini costed 80bucks!

 

Small update. From a dead battery to complete charge it took 3 hours.