Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite

617 reviews

Mar, 2014

Positive
Value for money (100)
Design (79)
Usability (58)
Size (40)
Build quality (14)

No negative mentions yet

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 617 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers are impressed by the build quality and size. The usability and design also get good feedback.

value for money, design, usability, size, build quality

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Mouse & Pointing Devices the Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 89/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 617 reviews)

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Showing 182 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 182 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (61)

Expert review by: Justin Yu (cnet.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse

The Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse made its debut last year alongside its big brother, the Explorer . At just $60 ($20 less than the Explorer), the Mini model retains the same BlueTrack sensor that lets you use it accurately across a variety of surfaces...

BlueTrack sensor allows mousing on almost any surface; small footprint.

No support for lefties; no "off" switch to save battery life.

The Explorer Mini mouse features Microsoft's new BlueTrack sensor technology, which makes for smooth scrolling across almost any surface. Travelers listen up: unless you're left-handed, we're sure you'll appreciate its portability, ease of use, and...

Apr, 2009

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Editor's Choice!

Expert review by: Rich Brown (cnet.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse

Had Microsoft introduced the Explorer Mouse two years ago, we might have shrugged. At that point, optical and laser mice were more than sufficient for desktop PC users, even gamers. Now that many people have more than one computer, at least one of...

New BlueTrack mouse sensor works on almost any surface; well-designed rechargeable base station; included rechargeable battery; snap-in USB receiver.

No dpi toggle button; mushy scroll wheel.

The Microsoft Explorer Mouse deserves your attention for its BlueTrack sensor technology that lets you use it on surfaces where other mice fail. Laptop owners, or anyone else who uses a nondeskbound computer, will benefit from Microsoft's innovative...

Dec, 2008

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Expert review by: (pcmag.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse

The Explorer Mini Mouse is a good notebook companion, given its portability and tracking system, but you'll have to fork over some bucks for it.

Small. Convenient snap-in transceiver. Tracks exceptionally well. Good battery life

Pricey. Not for lefties. Lack of clicky scroll-wheel detents makes line-by-line scrolling difficult

Nov, 2008

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Expert review by: Tolga BALCI (brighthub.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse

After cleaning the mouse balls, we have met with optic and laser mice. For a long time we worked with these mice until Microsoft introduced its own technology, named Bluetrack, combining the best of optics and laser. Let's see what it is up to.

Feb, 2010

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Expert review by: Blair Hanley Frank (macworld.com)

Review: Microsoft Explorer Mouse

The Explorer Mouse is a solid mouse. If you're constantly working on non-standard surfaces, then the Explorer Mouse is probably right for you.

The Explorer Mouse definitely feels great, at least in my hands. It’s significantly bulkier and more sculpted than the Mighty Mouse, but it feels solid, and my hand conforms rather easily to its contours. While it’s obviously designed for right-handed...

Jul, 2009

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Expert review by: garfi3ld (lanoc.org)

Microsoft Explorer Mini

Not long ago I had the chance to take a close look at Microsoft's Sidewinder X8. One of the X8's main features was the BlueTrack Technology used with its optical sensor that boasts the ability to work on virtually any surface. In my testing I found...

After having a very positive experience with the Sidewinder mice, I was excited to take a closer look at the Explorer Mini. If you couldn't tell up until now, I found the Explorer Mini to be a great mouse. My only complaints were limited to the shape...

Jun, 2009

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Expert review by: Matthew Murray (computershopper.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse

Microsoft's new BlueTrack-based Explorer Mouse allows for excellent control on every kind of desk—and almost everywhere else.

BlueTrack technology enables excellent mousing on many kinds of surfaces; nicely weighted

Four-way scroll wheel lacks supple control; charger is tiny, sometimes behaves erratically

The mouse's 2.4GHz wireless receiver plugs into a USB port, and it can be stowed in a small depression on the underside of the mouse. This feature is welcome, but hardly surprising in the Explorer Mouse, which is already fully committed to enabling...

Feb, 2009

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Expert review by: Clint (maximumcpu.net)

Read Microsoft Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack

The computer mouse has evolved greatly over the years. First there was the mechanical mouse, then the optical mouse, followed by the laser mouse. Well the mouse has once again evolved with the introduction of Microsoft's Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack...

Rechargeable ; Comfortable ; Works on a variety of surfaces ; Snap-in transceiver ; Visually appealing design

Low DPI ; Not long enough for people with large hands ; Right handed only

The Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack is an excellent mouse but nowhere as superior as Microsoft would like you to think. The Explorer Mouse only worked on 1 surface that its closest competitor, an optical mouse, did not work on. It is relatively...

Dec, 2008

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Expert review by: Kenny Yeo (hardwarezone.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse - HardwareZone.com

Microsoft says its new Explorer Mini Mouse featuring its revolutionary BlueTrack technology will be able to track across nearly all surfaces with ease. We examine that claim.

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Consumer review by: ngkabyu (cnet.com)

One of the Best Microsoft Mouse out There !!!

Great mouse for on the go or office, ect. Love the design, crome on the bottom and on scroll, and the blue led lighting up everytime when first turning on looks cool. clicking does make loud noise for all buttons. It doesn't have a on/off button but...

Design is very sleek, smooth looking. The blue track is better than laser or optical. Size is perfect, not too big or small

Lacks on/off switch ,bluetooth connection, and rechargable battery

Feb, 2011

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Product Specifications

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:3.8in/4.6in

Height:1.6in/1.8in

Weight:3.8oz/5.4oz

Width:2.8in/3.1in

Header

Compatibility:Mac / PC/PC / Mac

Localization:Brazilian Portuguese / English / French / Spanish

Manufacturer:Microsoft

Model:Mini Mouse/Mouse

Packaged Quantity:1/3

Product Line:Microsoft Explorer

Input Device

Buttons Qty:5

Connectivity Technology:Wireless

Form Factor:External

Interface (DB):2.4 GHz

Movement Detection Technology:Optical

Type:Mouse

Miscellaneous

Color:Anthracite / Silver/Silver / Anthracite

Microsoft Certification:Certified for Windows Vista/Compatible with Windows 7

Vista Certification:Certified for Windows Vista

Service & Support

Type:3 years warranty

System Requirements

OS Required:Apple MacOS X 10.2 or later / Microsoft Windows XP SP2 / Microsoft Windows Vista/Apple MacOS X 10.2 or later / Microsoft Windows Vista / Microsoft Windows XP SP2