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

585 reviews

Sep, 2016

Positive
usability (166)
price (102)
size (87)
design (72)
reliability (58)

No negative mentions yet

General overview
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Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 585 reviews of Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite. The average rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average rating of 4.2/5 for other Mouse & Pointing Devices for all reviews. People really like the reliability and design. The size and price are also mentioned favorably.

usability, price, size, design, reliability

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 88/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 585 reviews)

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(51% of reviews)
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Showing 1 - 416 of 488 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (97)

Consumer review by: (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite

alaTest has collected and analyzed 53 user reviews of Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Mouse & Pointing Devices on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers really like the reliability and design. The price and size also get good feedback, but there are some less positive comments about the durability.

usability, size, price, design, reliability

durability

91% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

This summary is based on the products: Microsoft Explorer Mouse • Microsoft Explorer Mouse

Sep, 2016

Consumer review by: (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite

alaTest has collected and analyzed 353 user reviews of Microsoft Explorer Mouse - Mouse - optical - 5 button(s) - wireless - 2.4 GHz - USB wireless receiver - silver, anthracite from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.1/5 for other Mouse & Pointing Devices on Amazon.com. Comments about the design and reliability are overall positive. The size and price also get good opinions.

usability, price, size, reliability, design

86% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

This summary is based on the products: Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse • Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse

Sep, 2016

Expert review by: Justin Yu (cnet.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse review:

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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Expert review by: J.R. Nelson (NotebookReview.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack Review

Microsoft is most well known for its ubiquitous operating system and related software. What they're not as well known for is making some of the best computer peripherals anywhere. Today were taking a look at the Microsoft Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack...

The new Microsoft Explorer mice with BlueTrack are easily some of the best mice I’ve used in a long time. I liked the desktop version so much that I went out and picked up the notebook one so I could have one to lug around in my bag. I use this mouse...

Dec, 2008

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CNET Editors' Choice

Expert review by: Rich Brown (cnet.com)

Microsoft Explorer Mouse review: 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: Tweak News (tweaknews)

Expert Review

Dec, 2009

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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 Review and Ratings

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

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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Product Specifications

Configuration

Built-in Storage Capability:No / Yes

Charging Unit Included:No / Yes

Force / Vibrate Feedback:

Read / Write Functionality:

Scrolling Function:

Yes

Scrolling Type:4-ways

Scrolling Wheel:

Yes

USB:USB 2.0

USB Hub:

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:3.8in/4.6in

Height:1.6in/1.8in

Weight:3.8oz/5.4oz

Width:2.8in/3.1in

General Features

Battery-free Mouse:No / Yes

Gaming Product:

Graphic Tablet with Mouse:Not Applicable

Graphic Tablet with Pen:Not Applicable

Input Registration:BlueTrack / Bluetrack / Bluetrace / Optical LED

Notebook Mouse:No / Yes

Platform:PC / Mac

Type:PC Mouse

Type of Connection:Radio Transfer

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