Microsoft B75-00001 IntelliMouse Explorer

by Microsoft

Product Details

Product Manual [167kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 9.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002JXBI
• Item model number: B75-00001
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (249 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

From MacAddict -- Subscribe now!

Microsoft's new USB mouse, the IntelliMouse Explorer, is what we've recently come to expect from Micro-soft: It's a needlessly complex but otherwise terrific product. The IntelliMouse works like a traditional mouse, but without a mouse ball. These new rodents are optical, not mechanical; they determine motion by repeatedly imaging the surface they're sliding along and comparing successive frames. This fly-by-sight feature keeps the IntelliMouse from getting clogged the way mechanical mice do - there's no ball constantly shoving mousepad detritus up into the innards of the device.

The IntelliPoint control panel is extremely well built. You can program all five buttons painlessly. The control panel cleverly assigns a straightforward click function to at least one button at all times, preventing users from painting themselves into a corner. Users can either go with the speed assigned in the Mouse control panel, or use the IntelliPoint slider to reach the supersonic speeds Windows types favor.

The IntelliMouse's only problems stem from Microsoft's near-insatiable urge to include more features than you could want. Though the three primary buttons are well positioned and easy to use, the thumb buttons are easy to click by mistake but difficult to click by design. The ergonomic shape may appeal to right-handed users, but effectively prevents left-handed mousers from using the device. Still, once you learn to avoid the thumb buttons (or simply turn them off), the IntelliMouse is one of the best mice we've seen. -- Ian Sammis

Good News: Well-designed control panel. No mouse ball to gunk up.

Bad News: From Microsoft. It's easy to trigger fourth and fifth mouse buttons by mistake. Strictly for right-handed use.

©1999 MacAddict

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

142 of 150 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Did Microsoft really build a better mousetrap?, November 26, 1999

By 

Howard Levy (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft B75-00001 IntelliMouse Explorer (Personal Computers)

Here are a few quick reasons to purchase this mouse: 1) No cleaning of the ball and rollers. 2) 4 Buttons provide little reason to move the mouse to move back and forth when web surfing. 3) Excellent ergonomics. 4) No need for a mouse pad. 5) Intellimouse software is easy to configure and adds important extras. 6) Included USB Support will allow you to use the mouse when the PS/2 port diappears from future computer platforms. 7) Dark grey cord and mouse body helps to keep things looking clean. 8) Scroll button allows for double clicking as well as scrolling long web pages and other long documents and spreadsheets. 9) The red glow eminating from the underside of the mouse will impress all who view it. 10) Macintosh support allows you to use the mouse in a "mixed PC/Mac environment". There is no comparison. This is the best mouse available.

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A winning technology w/ a questionable package., December 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft B75-00001 IntelliMouse Explorer (Personal Computers)

I've been using this product for about 2 months now, with no problems. It works capably on every flat surface on my desk. No problem tracking when running off the mouse pad and on to the desk. I would have prefered more weight (one of the best attributes of the classic Microsoft mouse). I could have done without the glitzy, unneccesary red light too. The shape is also a bit of a departure. It's longer and flatter so the hand is more streched out over the mouse. The adjustments to this product have been minor when compaired with its flawless tracking ability. Will it be my last mouse? Probably not. But this product has real potential to far exceed the useful lifespan of my last 5 mouses, which were all retired because the trackball became un-cleanable. There is another incarnation in the more classic package, but without the side buttons, which have proved very useful, esp for browsing. Note.. a PS-2 to serial adapter will not work.

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It works, but..., December 17, 1999

By 

Systems_Consultant (Eden Prairie, Mn United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft B75-00001 IntelliMouse Explorer (Personal Computers)

The new optical tracking mechanism in this mouse is nothing short of awsome. It will track on almost any surface short of a mirror. Dark, light, doesn't matter. Just needs a little texture or color variation.

But the shape is another matter. I find it akward to hold and don't like the flared-out base. It's tiring to lift and set down if you are accustomed to using your mouse in a confined area and need to reposition the mouse once you reach the bounds of your mousepad. It's also too large for small hands and the programmable buttons on the left side are too easy to accidentally trip. So don't buy this one for your kids.

I returned mine in exchange for the Microsoft 673-00248 IntelliMouse with IntelliEye (PS2/USB). Same outstanding optical tracking technology in the familiar and (to me) confortable IntelleMouse form factor. It has a heavier, more substantial feel to. And it's cheaper. If you can live without the programmable buttons, the 673-00248 is the 5-star choice.