IntelliMouse Explorer Score: 95% Developer: Microsoft Device Type: Controller

Function: Used as a mouse, the optical sensors replace the standard rubber ball for a smooth feel on your desktop. Believe it or not, this Microsoft product actually supports the competitor. The IntelliMouse Explorer fully supports Macintosh computers that fit the requirements below.

Performance: This mouse is incredible!!! Its optical sensors scan your desktop at 1500 times per second for a perfect feel. Never seen an optical mouse? Well, basically a laser on the bottom replaces the standard ball that we have all come to know, but not necessarily love. This means that there are no more problems associated with a dirty mouse ball (like slipping and sticking), as well as no need to clean the mouse ever again! In fact, the laser on the bottom means that you can use the mouse anywhere, without a mouse pad ... even on your leg ... with pinpoint accuracy. The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer also includes two extra buttons. The addition of the extra buttons is quite nice for many games like Unreal Tournament that offer customization of controls, allowing you added one-touch control for those hair-raising situations! Running on my Windows-based PC, I had all kinds of trouble trying to get the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer to connect via the USB port. For some reason, my computer did not realize that the devise connected to the USB port was a mouse, even after disconnecting my standard mouse. Fortunately, a USB-to-PS/2 (round port) adapter was included, and when I plugged the mouse in this way, it was up and running within minutes of installing the included software.

Features: Optical sensors replace standard rubber ball Allows for incredibly smooth pointing device Can be used almost anywhere Scroll Wheel (which is also a button) and four other buttons, all fully programmable

Drawbacks & Problems:: The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer is one mean piece of hardware. The only real drawback I found was that for some reason, I was unable to connect the mouse via the USB port (the only reason for not giving a perfect score). Thankfully, an adapter was included to hook the mouse up via the round PS/2 port. From there on, the mouse was perfect in every way. This optical technology is so impressive that I would encourage everyone to consider it. You won?t be sorry.

-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele

Minimum System Requirements: PC: Windows-based PC. To use the scroll wheel and all programmable buttons, you need: IntelliPoint software (included), either Windows3.1/95/98/2000/NT 3.51/NT 4.0, 29MB of Hard Drive space, Round mouse port (PS/2-compatible) or USB port (must have Win98 for USB support), CD-ROM drive MAC: To use the scroll wheel and all programmable buttons, you need: IntelliPoint for Macintosh software (included), Macintosh OS 8.5.1 or later (iMac also requires iMac update 1.1), 15MB of Hard Drive space, USB port, CD-ROM drive   Test System: Pentium II 400MHz CPU, Windows 98 (upgrade version), 256MB 100MHz SDRAM, Quantum?s Raven 16MB 3D-Accellerator AGP Video Card, Ensoniq AudioPCI sound card, DirectX 7.0a, using Hewlett Packard CD-Writer Plus 9100 (reads 32X, writes 8X, rewrites 4X) as main CD-ROM, 1 gameport, 2 USB ports, Saitek?s P2000 Tilt Pad (USB/gameport connection), Microsoft?s IntelliMouse Explorer (optical mouse), 56K Modem