Customer Reviews
Best Mouse I've Ever Used 
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!
Major Flaw That Causes Gaming Errors 
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.
Just Perfect 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 :)
Very pleased 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."
Works Great 2008-05-27
I've had this mouse for a month or so and have no complaints. I use it for normal computing and some games.
Initially I was worried about the 2 buttons in the thumb area. I didn't want to be constantly hitting them when I didn't want to. So far, it hasn't been a problem because my thumb rests below them most of the time. Occasionally I hit them by accident but usually it's not a problem.
The response time seems instant to me.
Great features . . . But a little clunky 
2008-05-19
Experience legendary responsiveness, tracking and comfort in the optical mouse preferred by professional gamers. Improved mouse feet for ultra-slick gliding. Legendary accuracy delivered from an optical engine that produces 9000 Frames per Second, Maximum Speed of 54+ Inches per Second and Maximum Acceleration combined with Microsoft's Intelligent Tracking System with a centered optical port. The thin, flexible cord was designed to provide the sensation of wireless with all the performance of a wire Switch between your favorite weapons or actions with the push of a button Switch between default speed and precision mode for enhanced control Enjoy smoother tracking over a greater variety of surfaces with the Microsoft Intelligent Tracking System System Requirements - Windows Vista, Windows XP Pro, Pro x64 Edition, Home, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition, Windows 2000 (SP4 or higher), Mac OS X v10.2.x-10.4.x (excluding Mac OS X v10.0-10.1), Hard Disk Space 45 MB free (Install 100 MB), USB Connectivity Port, CD drive
Accurate and responsive, poor scroll wheel 
2008-04-23
I have only owned this mouse for a week and so far so good. It is accurate and responsive. I've been using it for web site design and printshop work where small movements are necessary for accuracey. It fits my hand nicely and is comfortable to use. The optical sensor works perfectly on my desktop so no more mouse pad. I bought this unit knowing it was billed as a gaming mouse with the idea that if it would hold up for gamers banging it around then my use certainly would not strain it. Let us see if that theory holds up. Software downloaded without a hitch using XP. I would have given it 5 stars except for the scrolling wheel. It, for a lack of a better word, feels clunky. It rattles and is noisy. Seems cheap.
Second one I have had 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.
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 2008-02-23
Good replacement for my previous Intellimouse. No problem with the installation. Just plug it in. Works extremely well.
The last Great Gaming Mouse on this Planet 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
