Microsoft Re-Launches Its Classic 'IntelliMouse' (hothardware.com)

An anonymous reader quotes HotHardware: Every so often, a company will tap into our penchant for nostalgia. That is the case right now with Microsoft bringing back its iconic IntelliMouse, which was first introduced back in 1996... Microsoft continued to update the IntelliMouse for several years, up through 2003 when it released the IntelliMouse 3.0. The new 'Classic IntellMouse' for 2018 is based on that 15-year-old design with the same classic ergonomic look and feel, but with improved performance and features built around modern technology.

So, what exactly is different? "We improved two really important factors, the tracking sensor and the tactility and feel of the buttons. What we know our fans will see and feel is that it's the exact same shape and size of the IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 from 2003. However, underneath the hood it's all brand-new technology, brand new mechanical engineering and brand-new structures so it's a lot more rigid than the original. The build quality is really excellent," Microsft explains.
HardOCP notes that Microsoft has also released "a fantastic Rube Goldberg machine video unveiling the mouse."

Comments

Surprisingly Limited OS Compatibility

[mykepredko]

Looking at the Microsoft spec page for this mouse - https://www.microsoft.com/acce...

I can see that it's only compatible with Windows 7 and up (although the way they say it's not customizable with Windows 10S is pretty awkward) so why would I buy it? I suspect that "compatibility" means "customizable" in terms of buttons and dots per inch and, somewhat ironically, it will work like the original Intellimouse on other systems.

Personally, I demand that I go between systems with a minimum of mechanical transition; that means I use the same keyboard and mouse whenever possible for all my systems. OSX is always going to be problematic, but I think it's reasonable to expect to be able to have identical human interfaces on my Windows Linux systems.

Re:Surprisingly Limited OS Compatibility

[Anonymous Coward]

Get a mouse that has hardware memory for it's settings - set it once in whatever OS is "supported" and save it to flash on the device. Then it just acts as a regular HID mouse in operating systems that aren't officially "supported".

Logitech makes several devices that do this.

Disagree

[YuppieScum]

The MS trackball I'm using right now is as precise as any mouse I've used, whether in an IDE, PhotoShop, Premiere or gaming.

Re:I'll stick with Logitech, thanks

[AmiMoJo]

Elecom are my current favourite for mice. They do multiple sizes so you can get the one that fits your hand best. Their wireless seems to be reliable too - I had problems with Microsoft wireless products dropping out before, especially in offices with lots of wireless devices.

Oh, and the wheel is great too. I click the wheel a lot (middle mouse button) and most wheels, including Logitech's, are mushy crap that you end up accidentally rotating when you mean to click. Microsoft's were pretty good though.

They make decent keyboards too. Nothing too fancy but their rubber dome keyboards are cheap and surprisingly good to type on. Nice tactile feel.