And, for the most part, the
iFeel Mouse is an absolute dream. If it weren't for one nagging problem, the scrollwheel, this mouse would be pretty near perfect. As it is, it's still a solid device, but it can be frustrating in games where precision wheeling is necessary.
First of all, though, let's talk about the basic performance of the mouse. It's USB, so when your computer boots, the pointer may jump more than you'd like as your software loads. USB runs on a higher level than a PS/2 or serial mouse, so you lose some responsiveness in that situation. After the boot, however, it's smooth sailing.
Only adding to this is the fact that the mouse is optical. I've heard complaints about the lack of precision of an optical mouse, and I'd love to know what sorts of crappy mouse those people were using, because the iFeel is just as accurate [if not moreso] than my hallowed Microsoft Mouse. I needed zero time to get used to the feel of the device -- it was as perky and responsive as any balled mouse I've ever used. [Mind you, I've never played with the Boomslang, so your mileage may vary.] I also loved the fact that the mouse doesn't much care what surface you use, as traction is no longer a consideration when choosing a surface. I've always hated mousepads, and now they are needless. I'd suggest using one still to keep the bottom of the mouse from getting too scratched, but that's just a personal foible. As a test, I just placed the mouse against the screen of the computer, and sure enough, it works like a charm. Impressive, that.
Even more impressive is the touch-feedback technology. Packaged with the mouse is Immersion TouchSense software, which is a snap to use. It makes the mouse give a little 'umph' every time you move over an icon, or a file in Explorer, or whatever. The coolest feel in my opinion is the way that scrollbars feel when you drag them around. It gives a sense of tension, as if you were really moving a slider up and down. You can also change the amount of 'oomph' that the mouse gives, and the feel. While I prefer the default one, the somewhat slimy metallic one is cool too, and the spongy is just disturbing. It's hard to describe, really.
There are games that also support the touch feedback. The only one I have at the moment is Black and White, but there's something to be said about the feel of a spell as you cast it or the bristle of a tree. It's a very unique experience.
But then there is the Bad Point of the iFeel -- the scrollwheel. It seems that the wheel just isn't aligned properly, or the sizes of the cogs are wrong. You'll click it down, and it'll scroll down -- most of the time. About one out of every five times, it won't register at all. While this isn't as important in basic applications, like web-browsing and whatnot, in games like Serious Sam and Unreal Tournament that use the mousewheel for weapon selection, a 1:1 ratio of clicks to moves is key in getting the right weapon for the job without having to think about it.
That would almost be enough to make me not want to use the mouse, but the other nice features made me get over that problem. It's still a serious issue, though.
