The explorer is made for right-handed users, has two additional button (both
on the left side of the mouse) and is larger than most mice.  Oh, and it's
Silver. :)

The cheaper white optical mouse can be used with either hand, has one
additional button on each side of the mouse and IS SMALLER (it is about the
same size as the conventional MS Intellimouse).

I own an Explorer, and also had a hard time telling the difference between
the two when they were boxed up in the store. I had the chance to use the
cheaper white one this weekend at a LAN party, and I am actually thinking
about buying one because of the size.

As far as the optical features of both mice, I highly recommend it.  I will
never go back to a ball-mouse.  I used to have an Intellimouse Pro, and the
only thing I liked better about the Intellimouse Pro was the rubber on the
sides of the mouse, which made it feel nice and made it a little easier to
"pick up" when you run out of mouse mat... Of course, with the optical mouse
you just need to worry about running out of desk, since the mat is no longer
necessary (although I still find myself using one because it feel
"un-natural" to not have one, haha).

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Michael A. Wosnick
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2000 3:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Mice


I have been toying with the idea of getting one of these new Microsoft
Optical mice since I am tired of removing gummy guck from the wheels inside
my mouse.

I noted that they have two versions: the cheaper Microsoft Intellimouse
Optical Mouse and the more expensive optical Intellimouse Explorer mouse.
Other than colour, I am hard pressed to figure out the difference, although
they are priced about $30 (Can.) differently. Looking at the specs on the
box, I can't see what extra I am paying for in the more costly version.

Can anyone tell me if they have had good or bad experiences with either of
these, but especially, what is the difference between them.

Many thanks in advance,

Michael

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