By: Eugene Reyes

In 1968, computer pioneer Douglas Engelbart demonstrated the first computer mouse.  This curious wooden prototype, roughly twice the size of a hockey puck, would soon become an essential peripheral, paving the way for the graphical user interface and transforming the way we use computers.  Although hardware and software have gone through countless quantum leaps in the past 30 years, today's mouse isn't much different than those manufactured decades ago.

Today, thanks to Microsoft Corporation, the mouse is finally catching up.  The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, a large, five-button (counting the wheel button) critter employs Microsoft IntelliEye in lieu of the traditional rubber ball.  Microsoft IntelliEye equips the IntelliMouse Explorer with an optical sensor and digital signal processor, helping it avoid its traditional enemies -- such as food crumbs, dust and grime -- and track movement on virtually any surface.  Because of this design, there is no need for a mouse pad and no worries about the little rodent wearing out.

IntelliEye uses an optical sensor to capture high-resolution digital snapshots at the rate of 1,500 images per second.  A built-in digital signal processor compares those images and translates changes into on-screen pointer movements.  This technique, called image correlation processing, executes 18 million instructions per second (MIPS) and results in smoother, more precise pointer movement.  Current mice execute only about 1.5 MIPS, making a mouse featuring Microsoft IntelliEye about 12 times smarter than ordinary mice.

The sleek, futuristic-looking IntelliMouse Explorer boasts a silver-and-gray design with a red "tail light" and underside that actually glows.  It sports the traditional two buttons, has two "thumb" buttons on the left side, and includes a newfangled-but-useful scroll wheel on top, which features a grooved surface for easier rolling than previous IntelliMice.  This wheel allows users to scroll and zoom through documents easily, without having to use scrollbars, menus or toolbars.

Using the IntelliPoint 3.0 driver software, you can program the IntelliMouse Explorer's two customizable function buttons.  The buttons, located on the left side of the mouse, provide Internet navigation with forward and back default settings in most browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.  The buttons can also be easily remapped to other useful program commands, such as print, copy, paste or save.

The IntelliMouse Explorer’s speedy USB interface translates to more precise aiming in action games.  Don't have USB?  Don't worry.  The IntelliMouse Explorer is just as responsive using the bundled USB to PS/2 converter.  Add to that a stylish look, a wear-free design, the benefits of extra buttons, and you’ve got one mighty mouse.  Who knew a mouse could be, y’know, cool?

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
Phone: 1-800-426-9400
Platforms: Win 9x, Win NT 4.0 SP3, Mac OS 8.5.1, iMac update 1.1, or later
Note: Connection to USB port on PCs requires Win 98 or Win 98 SE
MSRP: $74.99
Street Price: $69.99

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