Microsoft Intellimouse 1.1

Although not as popular as the 3.0, this mouse is still used by few players in top tournaments. This is the mouse that started Microsoft’s trend of naming hardware versions like they are software. I guess the Intellimouse 2.x was regarded as a buggy failure.



Looks

This is a no-frills looking mouse. It is the same size as the 3.0 but is symmetrical and whiter. To make some people feel special, Microsoft released the very cool fully black special edition. Some of us are still waiting for the rainbow version.
Mav-O-Meter 3/5




Grip

The 1.1 mouse has a different outer texture feel than the 3.0. It is a little rougher on top while the 3.0 stays smooth throughout its body. This is a symmetrical body so it might not conform as well as other mice. On the other hand, it is useable for either left or right hand.
Mav-O-Meter 4/5

Buttons

The Intellimouse 1.1 sports 4 buttons and one wheel button. This button is somewhat useless in gaming, as with any mouse, because its tension is different and scrolling on accident is very possible. I would love to see a mouse have every button be a scroll wheel. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone at Microsoft actually thought of that design. The 1.1 mouse is flanked by either side with one big button. They are very responsive and dialed in. The problem lies with the outer button (if you are right handed, the one on the right side), as it is hard to hit without having to move your grip on the mouse. This makes it hard to control the motion of the mouse as you try to hit that button, but not quite impossible to be completely useless.
Mav-O-Meter 4/5




Tracking and Glide

The glide characteristics are similar to the 3.0 as both share the same base dimensions and mouse feet configuration and quality. In-game, there is nothing that tracks better. It uses the same technology as the 3.0 and is responsive and fast.
Mav-O-Meter 5/5

Features

About as boring as the 3.0, minus the awesome red glow.
Mav-O-Meter 5/5

Availability

Lucky for you, many places still carry brand new 1.1 mice. Even GotFrag’s store has them. I don’t get a royalty for this but you should definitely stock up on these, get about fifty and give them away as presents. Your family will think you’re Mother Teresa.
Mav-O-Meter 5/5

Final Score

(NOT an average of previous scores)
The real question is how does this mouse stand up to recently released ones? In terms of pricing, this is a steal. You can’t get better tracking ability for the price. The build quality is top notch as well, as the one I reviewed is about two years old and works great. The only minor, as with the 3.0, is the side button letdowns. This is a bit trickier as this mouse was clearly designed to be both left and right hand accessible, and any button on the other side will be uncomfortable to use. In the end, I’d have to give this a good rating compared to the 3.0 because of one key factor; brand new ones are available at a cheap price while the 3.0 is much harder to find in good condition. That said, the 3.0 is the better mouse of the two.
Mav-O-Meter 4.5/5