Conclusion

Many gamers counted on this mouse for every frag they made and that continues well into the now. Well known auction sites have seen these mice go for as much as $60 for a USED one. This goes to show that people are willing to pay an incredible amount for the legendary reputation that precedes this mouse. However, Microsoft has deemed fit to keep the price at a lovely $39.99. We live in a time where proclaimed "performance" mice can cost an upwards of $80. What defines these "performance" mice and sets them apart from the pack are new technologies such as laser, and skyrocketing DPIs. The truth behind it all is that this mouse is a fine example of how ridiculously blown out of proportion today's specifications are. We all know that many marketing schemes are employed by every company in the world to convince the consumer that their product is light years ahead of the competitor. However, these outrageous specifications such as 1600 DPI, tracking at 100Gs, and accuracy at even 70 MPH still have an effect on today's consumers. It should be noted that you will never find yourself in a situation where you will be using a mouse at anywhere near a G force above 25 or speeds exceeding the fastest animal on earth, the Cheetah. My point is that I was questioned when I called this mouse a "performance" mouse that costs half as much as some of the competitors, and I was not wrong. This is a performance mouse in every sense of the word.

Over the last few weeks, I have spent a considerable amount of time gaming and doing general work on the computer. As much as I did not want to agree with all you raving, lunatic fanboys out there, I have to. Not only is this mouse very comfortable, but I actually enjoy gaming with it more than any of the other mice I have used. Keep in mind that every mouse we have reviewed here at GotFrag Hardware, I have had a chance to try. So when I say this mouse is better than any of the other mice I have used, I am talking about a number of mice across the spectrum in terms of size, shape, coatings, laser or optical, and brands. Microsoft made a very smart choice by not only re-releasing such a legendary mouse, but not changing much more than the drivers and the color. All in all, to be able to hold such a legend at such a price point, I have no choice but to award this mouse GotFrag Hardware's prestigious Editor's Choice Award.

Pros

+ Fantastic price!
+ Very litle was changed physically, stick with its original, successful design.
+ Small enhancements such as Teflon feet, slick new color, slightly rubberized plastic grip on sides.
+ Updated drivers have several features for those that enjoy modern features like adjustable DPI
+ It's the IME 3.0.... nuff said!
Cons
- Scroll wheel is kind of loud
Rating
9.9 out of 10

Extra Reading:
- GotFrag Hardware's Scoring Criteria
- IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 Promotion Site - http://ri53aga1n.com
- Original IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 Review