Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 Reviews

• Microsoft Strikes Back

  
  By ATR706NHU0N9X on 2006-10-07
  
  The two leading brands in the mouse market are undoubtly Logitech and Microsoft. But recently Microsoft's share in the market has been diminishing considerably, and I find the cause of it to be the lack of competitive models for serious gamers, especially since the market for expensive high-end mouses are growing every year.
  
  MS used to be the leading brand in the market. Yes, but it was when they had Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 on top of their product line. After discontinuing the highly popular model, they released the "improved" version of 4.0, which turned out to be the next worst thing since a cheap ball mouse.
  
  Although the two looks very similar at first glance, 4.0 is known for the chronic left-button failure issue, a very awkward position for the side buttons, and the hated Tilt-wheel technology.
  
  To explain briefly, tilt-wheel lets you scroll side-ways as well as the traditional up-and-down with your wheel, but in order to achieve the result they had to make it so that you really had to press down hard for the mouse to recognize it as a click and not the side-way scroll. Not only that, the rolling of the wheel is not "stopped" periodically, as it is in 3.0 and most other mouses, so for most people that are used to the traditional wheel, it is more of a disadvantage than a benefit.
  
  Since many people that bought 4.0 were gamers who wanted the best gear possible, the smudgy feel of the wheel was the worst thing that could have happened. One of the most important factors in gaming, the precision of the wheel, was completely nonexistent in this highly anticipated model.
  
  So while Logitech were having a blast with their new MX series, Microsoft tasted bitterness with their failure of 4.0. Years passed since then, and complaints about 4.0 never stopped. So Microsoft attempted to compete with Logitech and Razer by releasing the new "high-end" laser mouse called Laser 6000. To say the least, it wasn't any better than the dreadful 4.0.
  
  So you begin to wonder, what is the solution to this dillema?
  
  "Hey I gots an idea. Why don't I just re-release the old model?"
  
  Good idea guys, except it took you years to come up with it.
  
  So now the legendary IME 3.0 is back, and it could not have been better!
  
  First of all, because it was discontinued but still in demand, some serious gamers traded the old 3.0s at ridiculous prices. But with the re-release, the price calmed down, or better yet, the price tag of 39.99 is in fact lower than ever before!
  
  Also, while opinions vary, the appearance of the mouse is sleeker now that it is in black, with rubbery surface instead of cheap plastic, and the cord is thinner and the mouse feet are more adapt at sliding. Most importantly, the award-winning design hasn't changed one bit and the improved sensor is now scanned at a jaw-dropping rate of 9000 per second, which is even higher than that of the most expensive mouses, regardless of their brands, such as Razer Copperhead or Logitech G5 or even the soon-to-be-released Microsoft Habu.
  
  IME 3.0 is a mouse that is not to be overlooked by anyone who uses computer daily. It is reasonably cheap, has good comfortable design, and has the optical sensor that guarantees that the pointer will not skip, jump, or act in a weird way that will make you regret buying this.
  
  Forget wireless, forget laser.
  When you can get a good old wired optical mouse that works as good as the most expensive luxurious mouses at a fraction of the price, who needs to overpay, right?
  
  
  

• Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

  
  By A22VB8EGQMAC21 on 2006-10-04
  Prior to MS re-releasing this mouse I had been searching for the older x08 model online via eBay. I saw them going for $100+ sometimes for a brand new one! I had almost given up since the Laser 6000 mouse was such a flop. I was so ecstatic when they said they were going to re-release it. I saw it available a week or two ago and I bought four. Once I purchased it the next time I saw that it had been changed to pre-order. I thought that was strange but I actually received it in two days. It's the same exact mouse from prior years except for the color change. The buttons feel the same, the mouse acts the same, everything is pretty much the same. Yes, the scroll wheel has dedents so that you can know if you're switching just to the next weapon or whatever.
  
  My ONLY gripe right now is with the IntelliPoint 6.0 software. I am hoping someone else who has installed the software and has been using this mouse can confirm via the comments or their own review but basically when I use programs such as Excel, Outlook, Word, Photoshop, etc, for some odd reason or another, I can see parts of the screen refresh or redraw itself. That's the only way I can explain what is happening. You can easily see it and it's very annoying when it happens over and over again in a short time period.
  
  I narrowed it down to the IP6.0 software as once I uninstalled it, I had no more problems! A bug as big as this should not be overlooked and I only wish I knew who to contact or report it to as it's annoying as heck! If you've experienced this, please let me know!
  
  

• Could have been better

  
  By AM0QLU79O05JR on 2007-01-15
  I like the feel of this mouse quite a bit but it could be better. First it feels cheap like most Microsoft mice and keyboards. Also the two left buttons are very loose and too easy to press. The scroll button does not croll sideways which is an unusual feature to leave out of this mouse. Why Microsfot is billing it as a gaming mouse is beyond me since its dpi is pretty low. I bought a Logitech G5 instead and it has been near perfect.
  
  

• Uhh

  
  By A2PY21UDRRVQ7F on 2007-08-06
  Well the reviews were accurate, I should have not taken a chance on this one. It simply wasn't designed well enough. The scroll wheel is very loud, and provides too much resistance. The buttons are all pressed too easily for my taste and the side buttons need to be pressed in really far for them to click.
  
  The design of this mouse is there but the basic engineering of it seemed like noone ever tested it. I think that I'm going to return this one and get the equivalent logitech mx400 although that doesn't seem perfect either.
  
  What's the deal with all these new mouses, they can't even do the simple stuff well anymore.
  
  

• How could Microsoft screw this one up???

  
  By APSMTIPB7FM8E on 2007-03-30
  I currently use a Microsoft Intellimouse that I purchased about 4-5 years ago. It is the MOST COMFORTABLE mouse for medium to large sized hands. Bar none. Microsoft kept it sweet and simple and they had a winner! Why they ever took this mouse off the market, I'll never understand.
  
  After getting a new PC recently, I decided to "splurge" and get one of these ultra-ergonomic mice. I looked at the usual suspects: Logitech, Kensington, Microsoft, etc. I was disappointed as the feel and fit of the various mice I tried weren't as smooth as the Intellimouse. Then, lo and behold, I noticed that Microsoft rereleased the Intellimouse. Great, my search is over!
  
  I received the mouse today. Same design, same fit. Awesome.
  
  Only one problem you manufacturing geniuses,... the scroll wheel rattles unbelievably!!! How bad? Think of those old-fashioned New Year's Eve noisemakers that you hold by the small handle and twirl around in a circle. That's the sound it makes, I'm not kidding. The original Intellimouse scroll wheel is very quiet when in use.
  
  How could you screw this one up?! It's the same product you offered a few years ago with the color being black now! Did you somehow lose the drawings on the original Intellimouse scroll wheel? Did you need to save that extra 50 cents by having it manufactured somewhere else?
  
  What a dealbreaker. I'm sticking with my old Intellimouse until Microsoft gets a clue and fixes this oversight.
  
  
• Very pleased
  By A1XYRHHRUVW5FN on 2008-06-01
  I've had my Intellimouse Explorer since the 3.0 model was first introduced- I'm a big gamer, and when I'm not gaming I'm almost always doing something else on the computer; I often spend all day on it, even through meals. I can appreciate a solid, dependable design- especially when it lasts me through four computers and innumerable hours of pounding. It has only been in the last few months that my old unit started to conk out (the scroll wheel started registering multiple clicks when only pressed once), and I've been looking for a replacement.
  
  This thing is durable, folks- even under constant, intense use for years, the scroll wheel is the ONLY issue I've ever had with it, and that's very recent compared with the unit's lifespan. To give you some idea of just how much use the old one has had... well, it changed color over the years from all the caked-on grunge; it was silver-gray when I got it but is now a well-worn yellowish tan. I've dropped it, squished it, spilled things on it, and yet it still works. The side buttons, which people knock for being so flimsy-feeling? They really aren't; they may have a bit of extra spring but you'd have to submit them to far more abuse than I've been able to in order to break them.
  
  Cleaning the mouse is incredibly easy compared to other models; the four phillips-head screws which hold the cover on are concealed beneath the feet, which are easily pried off by a standard head or a knife. After that, the entire shell of the mouse lifts off; all the working parts are attached to the base while the upper section just houses the plastic buttons. From there, you can clean the whole assembly with a q-tip- the scroll wheel is easily detachable once the cover is off too, just in case some hair or something gets stuck in it (I have two cats in the house; this is more important than it seems). Re-assembly is just as easy; you won't have to move any wires around to clear the casing like with some other mice. Since mnay mouse problems are done away with by a good cleaning, the value of a mouse which can easily be taken apart without risking damage to the unit cannot possibly be overstated.
  
  I was very happy to discover that this model was still available, and the moment I saw that it was I ordered one. I've been so satisfied with this design in the past that I'm very tempted to buy another so that I'll have one on hand years down the road when my replacement finally dies- an event which I'm sure will be years away, as the design has changed very little since the first generation- a good thing, in my mind, since it has served me so well. This mouse is definitely one of those woefully rare examples of "got it right the first time."
  
  
• Best Mouse I've Ever Used
  By A38OCDJQOAQ2XG on 2008-09-09
  My keyboards/mice matter a lot to me since I spend 80% of my day at a computer (whether at home or at work). I've used almost all of Microsoft's Mice that come with their popular keyboards as well as the Microsoft Habu for the last few years. One reason I stopped using the Habu is that after 2-3 months of use the scroll wheel is useless.
  
  The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 is very big, if not bigger than the Habu (which is big). I have larger than average hands (6ft male) so this mouse may not be comfortable to those with smaller hands. However, this mouse is perfect for me and feels a lot better than the Habu did. Although the DPI isn't as great as the Habu, just up the mouse motion and it works great. The scroll wheel is a definite improvement over previous Microsoft Mice. The mouse buttons are a bit stiffer than the Habu but not uncomfortably so.
  
  Either way, this mouse has to be the best one I've used so far. It isn't packed with 500 buttons I'll never use. It feels well built (not like some plastic toy mice) and glides on the mouse pad without problem.
  
  Mice are pretty simple so one of the big things that I like about this mouse is how well it fits in my hand and how comfortable it feels after 4-5 hours of use. Definitely recommend!
  
  
• Highly recommended FPS and multi-task mouse
  By A12THNW2PIWZWN on 2007-05-22
  Since I started playing Counter Strike Source a little more seriously I've been looking for the perfect mouse for it.
  
  At present I have 2 versions of the Logitech G5 and a Razer Copperhead. While the G5 and Copperhead have their good points they also have bad ones some of which are inexcusable in my mind (drivers and firmware installation from Razer).
  
  The Intellimouse, in my opinion, out performs the other 2 for FPS. It has the speed of a 2000DPI laser mouse in a twitch of the wrist and the precision of a lower end dpi mouse when you track the mouse slowly without having to make minute movements when compared to the laser mice for the same effect.
  
  I've been using the G5 and Copperhead for months now. I found out which was better for myself but that mouse still didn't feel 'right'. The Intellimouse does. It has the right fit in your palm, a good all round weight and runs/tracks smoothly on all surfaces with the optical engine and new feet pads.
  
  Those of you wanting the performance of a high end laser mouse without paying the price should seriously consider this produect.
  
  Casual/hardcore gamer or photoshopper, this is the perfect mouse (for all those worried about the thumb buttons, don't, other reviewers must be REALLY picky as I found the buttons on this better than any other)
  
  You may also want to note the software should be installed BEFORE plugging in the mouse and also this software WILL NOT run parallel to Logitech's Setpoint.
  
  
• Scroll Wheel is Awful
  By A29H40I0WUH3QJ on 2007-06-10
  I purchased this on Amazon as a replacement to the Logitech mouse that came with my PC when it started acting up after four years. I use the PC at home for email, writing letters and using spreadsheets. The scroll wheel has to be smooth and consistent whether moving up or down on the screen. This scroll wheel felt so bumpy and uneven, it was like driving on a pothole ladden road. And often, the wheel would get stuck, especially when moving it forward (to scroll back up on a page). Adjusting the software settings didn't help. It was a mechanical issue. Perhaps it was just this one but I really needed a mouse ASAP. So I went to Staples and tried several in person and came home with the MicroSoft WheelMouse Optical at about one third less cost and it is great.
  
  The Intellimouse mouse may be great for gaming, but forget it for regular PC use. By the way, the two side buttons on the left were also very cheapish and there was just too much play in them. Again, perhaps it was just a defective unit.
  
  On a positive note, the dimensions of the mouse were very comfortable for my large hands. Although, my wife said it was too big for hers, but she could live with it, except for the scroll wheel. Probably better to try these things in person.
  
  Kudos to Amazon for their return policy. They are great!
  
  
• Very good mouse but unimproved...
  By A1XFHYGPSSHLVM on 2007-06-25
  [First Impressions]
  
  I was excited when they were bringing back my favorite mouse ever! This is nearly the same mouse as the old 3.0. But with a new color and stiffer/noisier detents on the scroll wheel. The actual color is different from what you see in the promo pic. It's actually dark metallic gray, not black as in promo photo. So it's a bit misleading if you wanted a black mouse to match your current computer parts.
  
  [Good Stuff]
  
  What I like is it has extremely soft and easy to press buttons [all 5!]. Probably the softest of any mouse out there--and this makes it feel highly responsive to your clicking. It has nice ergonomic shape and a cool looking red light on mouse's end.
  
  The surface of the mouse is slightly textured [non-glossy], which is great because it prevents finger/hand moisture and gunk from building up on the buttons. The slightly textured surface reduces surface contact with your skin and therefore allows more skin ventilation. This is one small detail I wish more mouse makers pay attention to.
  
  [Bad Stuff]
  
  What I don't like are the new detents on the scroll wheel, which are too stiff and noisy! It makes scrolling feel less smooth and adds more resistance. Soft/quiet detents in the old 3.0 was better. So the new stiffer detents are inconsistent with the soft buttons on the rest of the mouse. Microsoft is better off leaving the detents unchanged from the original 3.0!
  
  I bought 2 of this mouse at the same time. I had to return one for replacement because it wouldn't track well on my semi-smooth surface [Wacome Intuous 3 tablet drawing surface]. So this mouse might be prone to tracking quality inconsistencies depending on what you get.
  
  Another bad thing is this mouse is a bit heavier than my Logitech MX 510 mouse--which is of similar size and function. Everyone prefers a light weight mouse.
  
  
• Not as good as the original
  By AW6D7DRLYGVQE on 2007-10-28
  I bought one of these last year to replace the MS Intellimouse Explorer that I had been using since the year 2000. As is well-known, the new MS Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 has a much clunkier scrollwheel (that got a little smoother after a few months), but was not as nice as the one on the original. The new mouse is also felt smaller in my hands (not as good). After only 9 1/2 months the mouse developed the problem of frequently interpreting a single click as a double click. This is ridiculously frustrating. The mouse is supposed to have a 5 year warrantee but, perhaps not surprisingly, Microsoft doesn't appear to want to make it easy to use it. For instance, warranty information did not even come in or appear on the box/package. I decided to just give up on the Microsoft mouse. I just purchased a Logitech G5 (even though I am not a gamer) and it seems pretty nice. It too is a little small, but it seems to work well so far. I would NOT recommend the MS Intellimouse Explorer 3.0.
  
  
• The last Great Gaming Mouse on this Planet
  By A18BZRJTVJ1SYH on 2008-02-09
  After shopping for a new mouse for online Gaming,I found that the new ones
  no longer have detents in there scrolling wheels which I needed for changing weapons and customizable buttions are to hard to press rapidly. This mouse is hard wired to my PC which means lighter,no batteries,solid signal and never has to be reset like the wireless ones.Optical means no mouse ball to collect lint and screw up your movement. This mouse feels good in your hand, very well built and programming ability of 5 customizable buttions is far superior then other ones which always have
  limitations in what you can do. This is the best gaming mouse ever made and cheaper than all the rest on this site. The people designing mice and the stores selling mice today clearly do not have gamers in mind,Frankly with all the products on the shelf,why couldnt they make one with us in mind. I wish micosoft would keep this one on the shelf because they had a good thing going
  
  
• Major Flaw That Causes Gaming Errors
  By A3T3OSRNXHRA0D on 2008-08-28
  After using the explorer 3.0 for over a month I discovered a MAJOR FLAW. If you have a tendency when relocating the mouse on the pad (like when you've gone all the way to one side of the pad but need the pointer to go over even further) if you drop the mouse just a little too harshly, I'm not even talking about hard, it will cause the middle scroll wheel button to activate (it doesn't click but it still activates). This matters if you've reassigned the wheel button to be a certain weapon or some action in a game it will cause the action to happen. I thought I had just abused the mouse so I got new one but it does the same thing. I can not believe nobody else has noticed this issue but I am now sick of this mouse and now need to get something else. I kind of noticed the issue at first but it took me a really long time to realize it wasn't me, it was the mouse causing it every time.
  
  
• Probably the best wired optical mouse
  By A3G3A28WCPCUKE on 2006-10-07
  This mouse is great for gamers. It's original version was very, very good with perfect response, nicely tactile buttons in perfect positions and light weight. The new version is as good as the original in most ways and adds several great features to an already wonderful design. First, the new electronics inside this mouse triple the accuracy with 9000 samples per second (compared to the originals very respectable 3000). It moves even better because Microsoft changed the feet on the bottom to a very slick material and used a thinner, more flexible wire. I know these sound like little things, but they actually do make the mouse "feel" nicer. Speaking of feel, the mouse is now covered in a soft, rubbery material. One of the few gripes I had with the original was the cheap plastic construction, corrected very elegantly in this new iteration.
  
  I know the temptation is strong to go for an expensive laser or wireless mouse. I actually placed an order for a $90 mouse first then canceled it when I found this one. Laser technology is only better than optical if you use the mouse on rough surfaces because laser can track over cracks and small holes. Wireless is good if you want to play games from the couch. However, for at-your-desk gaming, nothing can beat the instantaneous response of high-quality optical coupled to a wire.
  
  Finally, if you would like a matching keyboard, this new IntelliMouse 3.0 fits the aesthetics of the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000, also available from Amazon at the time of this writing.
  
  
• Best mouse ever
  By A1EJ2RXMOD3RF7 on 2007-01-04
  When this mouse first came out a few years ago, myself and my friends all used it, we're avid gamers and it quite simply is the best for gaming, it feels perfect in your hand.
  
  It's light, the scroll wheel is precise and it's cheaper than those overpriced laser mice which I've owned (don't listen to the non-gamers reviewing this mouse as they were not the intended target for the re-release of this mouse). I got rid of my logitech G5 and got the IE3.0 instead.
  
  If you are hesitating to get this mouse, DON'T. I just hope they don't stop selling it.
  
  
• Awesome mouse, but highly unreliable.
  By A1ZUKN5HBOLP6S on 2007-01-25
  The Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer is without a doubt the best mouse you can buy, until it starts acting up, which every one of them seems to do. I've owned two of them, and each has started malfunctioning after about a year and a half, which is after the warranty is up. Both had the same problem -- the buttons (or the switches underneath them) start becoming intermittent. Every button will lose its' accuracy: the forward and backward buttons will start moving multiple pages, the LMB will make it nearly impossible to click-and-drag or highlight-and-copy text, and the RMB will make it very frustrating to try to simply pop up the RMB box and keep it there. This also causes additional annoying (and potentially dangerous) side effects, such as accidentally closing multiple windows when trying to just close the top one. My mouse wheel is also now totally useless, since if i push it down (as a center mouse button) it sticks in and won't come back out unless I pry it up with a screwdriver. Granted, I use the mouse for several hours almost every day, so it does take quite a beating. Spending $50 on one of these mice is something I will reluctantly not do again, since Microsoft decided to use cheap pushbutton switches that oxidize and act up. If they hadn't, they just may have created the perfect mouse.
  
  
• Having problems with the scrollwheel waking the neighbors
  By AJZB5LXYE2A6K on 2007-06-30
  I don't know if it's just a defective unit, but the scroll wheel on mine is about 20 times louder than all other mice I've used! IT'S HORRIBLE!
  
  Another annoying thing about the wheel: when pressing the middle click, it travels about 2mm with very little resistance, at which point it finally comes in contact with something solid, THEN clicks. The loose wheel may also be why the scrolling is so rattly.
  
  I'll try to test the wheel on a demo unit the next time I'm at the store.
  
  
• BEST MOUSE EVER
  By A21L77SJRJTBU4 on 2008-01-24
  hey, just wanted to share with you, if you are a looking for an awesome or should i say the best mouse for all purpose, including gaming, you should buy this!..... this is by far the best mouse ive had ( among logitech 518's, 310's, 510's) and all that... it has an awesome shape... in the beginning you will find it big, but after a couple of days it will become "normal"..... this is my point of view and i really recommend it. the tracking is really good too.
  
  
• Just Perfect
  By A1CU4K9BR4CA0Q on 2008-06-01
  Definately the best mouse for your money. Fits my hand perfectly even if you have medium sized hands. The side buttons do not get in the way and are easy to program for office work or FPS (first person shooters) and MMORPGS. The wheel does make a somewhat loud clacking noise when scrolling but unless you're really paying any attention to it you really won't notice it especially if you're a gamer. The best feature of this mouse is that it eliminates the necessity of having a mouse pad. You can use it on any surface and the pointer will not skip around. So far I've experienced no ghost moving (cord making the mouse move) infact I say the cord for this mouse is perfect. The cord does not make the mouse move on it's own if it's idle.
  
  I would actually give this mouse 4 1/2 stars only because of the clacking mouse wheel but overall I'm very happy with this mouse and I highly recommend this to anyone :)
  
  
• It really boils down to user preference
  By A24D1J0AEJ60HR on 2007-01-03
  I purchased this mouse based on the glowing reviews, good feature set and because it looked comfortable. However, my biggest mistake was not trying it first. As a bit of background, I am an Asian and have relatively small hands. For me, this mouse is heavy, and too large to hold comfortably. Particularly, the way that it is slanted means that my index finger doesn't rest naturally on the left mouse button and I have to reach to left-click. The strong resistance with the scroll wheel detents also causes me discomfort more than any advantage from the tactile feedback.
  
  For others like me, I would strongly suggest that instead of this mouse, you get the Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000 which is cheaper, lighter and more comfortable, or my own personal favourite (although an older model and probably hard to come by), the Microsoft Intellimouse Optical (the one with side buttons on both left and right sides of the mouse) - mainly because of their lower / flatter profiles and lighter weight.
  
  But for accuracy and features, there's no doubt that this is an excellent mouse. So if you have larger hands, I guess you would be less troubled by the things I have mentioned above.
  
  
• The only product worth my time for writing a review.
  By AZPLFJFOUVNKF on 2007-01-22
  This is the best mouse EVER by FAR . I owned the original one and it worked flawlessly for over 5 years(and if someone hadn't cut the cord I would still be using it today). As a responce to the users that are less than absolutly satisfied; I will agree looking at their perspective. Smaller hands may find that pressing the two side buttons by accident is as easy as pressing them intentionally, and the scroll wheel is notched deeper than most. Both of these features are intentional. This is not by any means a particularly big mouse but it may be a good idea to go into a local retail store just to make sure that you are comfortable holding it. If your thumb does not naturally rest on the side buttons then don't think and buy this absolutely superior mouse.
  
  
• new mouse same old problem
  By A2J3ZK1OARK85B on 2007-02-21
  just like the original intellimouse explorer 3.0 the mouse wheel is flakey. clicking the left mouse button can sometimes cause the mousewheel to trigger and will totally mess you up (this is especially annoying when gaming). get a logitech this mouse is cheaply made.
  
  
• Too wide for extended use.
  By A2UQ53J4V5I7NX on 2007-03-19
  I'm extremely disappointed with the design quality of this mouse compared to the original IM Explorer.
  
  The right side of the mouse flares out instead of being indented, which makes this mouse much wider than the original, even though its not obvious from the photographs.
  
  This forces you to try and lay you hand flat and open while pushing the mouse around, which is very bad for the wrist. Its like trying to push a dinner plate around my desktop. After only 15-20 minutes of use my wrist was sore and I can use the regular IM Explorer for 10-12 hours a day with no problems at all.
  
  If you can handle a 'plus-sized' mouse, this might be OK for you.
  
  
  
• If you liked the previous version you'll like this one
  By A3MQJNOSYV0OFZ on 2007-04-04
  Same exact feel and button placements as the previous model.
  
  Yes the scroll wheel clicks a bit louder than the previous model but I think it is meant to be that way. It hardly bothers me and you'll hardly hear it if you play games.
  
  It looks good in black.
  
  
• Good but not as good as the previous incarnations
  By A3ERI9SP3T4Q83 on 2007-07-09
  Maybe I am getting old and tending to not like change as much as I used to, but the new Intellimouse 3.0 just isn't as good at the previous versions of the Intellimouse.
  
  The old one had the "back" button the left side and the "forward" button on the right side. Now both buttons have been moved to the left side. Adapting to that kind of change should not be a problem; however, the general shape of the mouse seems to have been changed as well, which makes the mouse feel less comfortable than the old one.
  
  The bottom line is that the mouse is still a good Microsoft mouse, but I was a little disappointed with the new shape and the general impression that the mouse was made to a lower standard of quality than previous versions of the mouse.
  
  
• Not as good as version 1 but not bad, so far
  By ATB9XDTOV4V0Q on 2007-09-09
  I purchased this mouse to replace my 9-year old Intellimouse Explorer (the very first version), which was showing the signs of old age (double-clicking on a single click, for instance.) This is an OK replacement. As other reviews state here, the wheel is sort of loud and provides noticeably more resistance than the older model. The side buttons are quite smaller than the older mode, which will take time getting used to. Otherwise this mouse feels like the one it replaced.
  
  Overall, however, I am happy that they still make this mouse. It fits into my hand perfectly and I also have not experienced the nightmares that many Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 users experienced (though it may be too early to tell.)
  
  
• Reliable
  By A3AAWP3AWC4UR1 on 2007-10-22
  I've used so many mice, including expensive brands, and I always seem to come back to this mouse. It's reliable. It just works. I think I've ordered this mouse 3 or 4 times for various situations (work, home, wife, parents). It's the only mouse my wife will use. I've had one case where a new order came with a broken button, but Amazon replaced it at no cost very quickly.
  
  I'm a big fan of well positioned thumb buttons (I have them tied to both the Enter key and Close Application) and this mouse covers that really well.
  
  I must have a mouse wheel that doesn't smoothly scroll, as it gives me far more control.
  
  No crazy software application running outside of the default Mouse settings that comes with Windows. This is a huge plus. And the integration with the Mouse settings just works, and works very well.
  
  I have found that tilt-wheel mice just don't add enough functionality for me to find them useful combined with the "mushiness" that comes through all too often. This mouse has no tilt wheel thankfully.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• loud scroll wheel
  By A30DGFR118GDGK on 2007-12-30
  The mouse feels pretty good and left and right click are ok. The scroll wheel is way too loud. Everytime you scroll it sounds like you're climbing a big hill on a rollercoaster, click, click, click.It almost feels a bit loose and broken I'll try it for awhile and see if i can get used to it.
  
  
• Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0
  By A1KZJ48K3NVTC5 on 2008-02-23
  Good replacement for my previous Intellimouse. No problem with the installation. Just plug it in. Works extremely well.
  
  
• Second one I have had
  By AHX0YYEO5KQPN on 2008-04-17
  Well this is my second intellimouse explorer 3.0. My old one started having intermittent problems with the right mouse button after years of flawless performance under hard use. Very comfortable, the shape fits my hand perfectly and I can game for hours without getting a sore wrist. Very responsive and precise. The 4th and 5th mouse buttons are also very accessible and are invaluable to my gaming experience. I didnt get another one for no reason :) I didnt give this one 5 stars because the mouse button did start to have intermittent problems with the right button after being thrown during a wow session and lack of more buttons.So if your getting one enjoy this is one great mouse.
  
  

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