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Microsoft Sidewinder X8 Mouse -- Unboxing and Hands-on Impressions

Norman Chan — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:45:09 -0600

Look what the mail truck dragged in! After first announcing the X8 in early September (where we got our first look and photos of the mouse), Microsoft has finally shipped the latest addition to the Sidewinder gaming mouse family. The X8 adopts Microsoft’s proprietary Bluetrack technology, which empowers it with 4000 DPI tracking resolution (scalable from 500) and the ability to work on almost any surface. We tested this claim on five different surfaces, from a rough wood desk to Styrofoam board and even coarse carpet. The mouse worked fine (though understandable not perfectly smooth) on all of our test surfaces, and only failed when we tried moving it over glass.

The shipping version doesn’t differ much from the pre-production model we fondled back in September, and retained the nice grip and smart button placement that we liked from our first hands-on. The included rechargable battery was a cinch to install, and tethering the mouse to the thin magnetic cord didn’t hinder our sweeping mouse movements. The wireless receiver is built into a clunky puck-like disc that sits on your desk, which ensures that you get better reception than if the receiver was hidden on a USB key behind your PC. The X8 still feels big for some hands, but our initial impression is that this is a winner. We’ll post our full review soon, but for now, enjoy these sexy unboxing and handling photos.

Hands-on with Microsoft's SideWinder X8 Mouse (w/ BlueTrack)

Norman Chan — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0500

We knew Microsoft wouldn’t forget about us gamers. Yesterday, they debuted a new mouse-tracking technology in the Explorer mouse, which is targeted toward “productivity” users. We were a little skeptical of Bluetrack’s application for gaming, since the Explorer only has a 1000Dpi sensor. Well, Microsoft has assuaged all fears with the announcement of the Sidewinder X8, a BlueTrack mouse which has a sweet 4000 dpi sensor. This high-end gaming mouse is a step up from the original Sidewinder (which will remain in production), and retains features we like from the series: a Dpi adjustor (250 to 4000 dpi) with LCD indicator, vertical thumb buttons, and customizable weights (features which were omitted from the lower-end X5 model). We got some hands-on time with the X8, and was able to put it side-by-side with its non-BlueTrack siblings.

The X8 is larger than the X5, and about the same size as the original Sidewinder (which was a pretty hefty mouse). As you can see from the photos, the thumb buttons have been improved so you can hit them by just rocking your thumb up and down, as opposed to moving the entire finger to hit the circular buttons in the old model. The pre-production model we saw didn't have the same awesome blue glow as the Explorer mouse, but it did radiate a little of both red and blue, which looked cool in a dark room. The X8 is also powered by a single rechargable AA battery (rated for 30 hours of use), which can be refueled with a detachable magnetic cord which adheres to the front of the mouse. When not in use, this cord recoils back into a handy storage wheel, which also conveniently holds the extra weight and mouse base pads (for different grips, in case you're actually playing on carpet or plywood).

Other details: It runs on the same 2.4GHz wireless tech as other Microsoft mice, has tilting scroll wheel (horray!), seven total programmable buttons, and a macro record button. Overall, the X8 is definitely looks to a technological, functional, and aesthetic improvement to the Sidewinder series. We can't wait to get a final model to test in-game.

The X8 is available for pre-order now for 99.95 and will ship in February 2009 (*sigh*).

Hands-on with Microsoft's Fashionable and Futuristic Arc Mouse

Norman Chan — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:35:52 -0500

Really, that’s a mouse?

That’s the first thing we thought when we saw the new Arc Mouse, which Microsoft claims with “raise the style stakes” in peripheral design. We have to admit, it certainly looks different from any mouse we’ve handled before. The foldable design makes it extremely compact when snapped shut for travel purposes. Yet when expanded, the arch is spacious enough to fill out our manly palms. The Arc felt very comfortable in our hands as we moved it around a table, but was noticably lighter and not as solid as the gaming mice we're accustomed to. A micro transceiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse using a magnet, and only sticks out a single centimeter when plugged into a USB port (it uses the same 2.4GHz wireless tech as Microsoft’s other mice).

And if you’re worried about sturdiness, the Arc’s hinge has been tested to withstand 25lb’s of downward force, though we didn’t exert that much force in our test (we didn’t want to break it!). Surprisingly, it doesn’t use Microsoft’s new BlueTrack sensor, instead opting for a traditional laser tracker (no word on DPI). Look for the Arc to go on sale later this month (launching with black or red options) for $59.95.

Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's BlueTrack Mouse Technology

Norman Chan — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0500

The next-generation of Microsoft mice has arrived and – surprise! – this peripheral don’t feature any fancy lasers. The new Explorer mouse is the first that sports Microsoft’s new proprietary Bluetrack technology, something they’ve been hinting at on their website for the past few weeks. The big innovation is that a BlueTrack mouse will work on virtually any surface type, whether its granite, wood, or even carpet (glass and other reflective surfaces are this mouse’s kryptonite). We got some hands-on time with this handsome wireless mouse and were impressed by its tracking accuracy, stylish design, and mesmerizing blue glow. We also spoke with Mark Depue, the Platform Engineer Manager at Microsoft’s Hardware Group, to find out exactly how BlueTrack works.

More details:

The Explorer runs on 2.4GHz wireless technolgoy, which has a range of 30 feet. It comes with a charging station, and is powered by one recharage AA battery (which provides three weeks of use). The transceiver snaps into the mouse to offer extra portability as well. You'll be able to buy the mouse in November for an estimated retail price of $99.99.

Hit the next page for our technical interview

Q&A with Mark DePue, Platform Engineering Manager, Hardware Group

Q: Can you summarize the feature highlights of the BlueTrack technology?
A: Microsoft Corp.’s new BlueTrack Technology — the world’s most advanced tracking technology — allows consumers to take their mouse anywhere and work with confidence on virtually any surface. It combines the width and power of optical technology with the precision of laser tracking to allow consumers to mouse on virtually any surface, from a granite kitchen countertop to the living room carpet.

Q: What led to the development of BlueTrack? How long as it been in the works?
A: As one of the inventors of BlueTrack, I have to say that it was my wife who inspired me to make this technology a reality. As both a business professional and new mom to our son, I was watching her drag her notebook and mouse all over the house – trying to get work done while following our crawling boy around. From the carpet in his room, to the granite counters in our kitchen, to even the back deck – she was always complaining that her mouse couldn’t perform. I knew we could do better!

We have been working on the technology for the past 18 months.

Q: How does it work? Why are BlueTrack mice able to work on any surface?
A: Microsoft BlueTrack Technology performs well due to several factors:

Microsoft-Designed CMOS Chip
The Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse use a proprietary, Microsoft-designed complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip with advanced algorithms and pixel architecture for more precise tracking. It is Microsoft’s fourth-generation application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) using CMOS technology.

Blue Specular Optics
Microsoft’s proprietary high-angle imaging optics generate more exact surface images — even of shiny surfaces such as granite and marble — instead of blurry, out-of-focus images, as can be produced by many of the leading laser mice. And blue light helps create high-resolution, high-contrast images for better navigation.

Four Times as Wide, More Diffuse Beam for Better Imaging and Tracking
The wider beam enables illumination of a larger surface area and allows more light to return to the sensor. This helps for tracking on irregular surfaces such as carpet, where smaller laser beams often get lost between the individual fibers. The BlueTrack Technology light source is optimized to provide illumination at the tracking surface that is more uniform than current laser or optical mice. This illumination is accomplished by using a new optical element, never before used in a mouse. The light source is encapsulated in a diffusing optic that smoothes out hot spots within the illumination profile. While the concept of diffused lighting is well known, the application of diffused light sources to mice is a Microsoft proprietary technology.

Incoherent Blue Light
Laser mice use coherent light that’s easily disrupted by dust and dirt, leading to poor tracking. The Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse’s incoherent blue light doesn’t have the extreme sensitivity to dust, so the signal quality is maintained. This means your mouse will provide excellent performance even in a less than clean environment — you’ll get great precision performance in a dusty workshop or outdoors just as you do on an ideal clean surface.

Q: What’s so special about the CMOS navigation chip in BlueTrack mice?
A: Unlike many mouse manufacturers who buy their chips off the shelf, Microsoft actually created this chip at our lab in Fort Collins, CO. By creating our own proprietary chip, we’re able to tweak it for our purposes, exactly how we want it. A lot of what goes into BlueTrack is part of a “secret sauce” of sorts that I can’t share publicly.

Q: Why is a Blue LED light better than a red one or a laser? How does its DPI compare to other mice technologies?
A: Blue light allows the sensor to capture a high-contrast image of the surface. For example, the blue light beneficially interacts with fluorescent dyes in some surfaces to increase the amount of reflected light relative to an infrared laser beam. The physics is similar to that of the “blue light” used in crime-scene TV shows to examine surfaces for police investigations.

Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse perform at 1000 dpi, which we find is the ideal speed for productivity mice.

Q: Will all Microsoft mice eventually use BlueTrack technology?
A: We can’t comment on our specific plans, but we hope to continue bringing BlueTrack Technology to more of our products down the road.

Q: Will BlueTrack stay a proprietary Microsoft technology, or will it be licensed for other mice manufacturers?
A: At this time BlueTrack Technology is available exclusively in Microsoft mice, but we’re always looking at the needs of consumers and may offer licensing opportunities in the future.

Microsoft Sidewinder X5

Will Smith — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0500

Sporting an ever-so-slightly trimmed-down shape compared to the original Sidewinder gaming mouse, along with a stripped down featureset, the Sidewinder X5 delivers great performance at a very reasonable price. Like the original Sidewinder, the design works great for gamers who use either a claw or a standard grip (or who like to change between them), but it’s not particularly comfortable for people with small- to medium-size hands. After a couple of hours of play using a standard grip, our hands cramped.

While its height seems trimmed down a little, the Sidewinder X5 is still designed for a large hand.

Missing from this updated Sidewinder are the original mouse’s adjustable weighting system, the interchangeable foot pads, the sensitivity display, and the weighted cable anchor. While we especially miss the cable anchor, extra features (like the one that have been omitted) aren’t something we’d expect in a mouse that costs $60.

The Sidewinder X5 mouse retains the killer high-and-low thumb button studs, which make it easy to tell precisely which thumb button you’re hitting, regardless of the grip you use on the mouse. We’re also pleased to say that Microsoft has improved the scroll wheel with much better tactile response. And, when it comes to the sensor, the X5’s 2000DPI laser sensor is simply as good as any other gaming mouse sensor we’ve tested.

We typically test mice using a mixture of fast action games—think Team Fortress 2 and Quake Live—as well as slow-movement challenges, such as the sniper mission in Call of Duty 4. At the fast sensitivity setting, the X5’s sensor was pixel accurate even at extreme speeds. When sniping, we cranked the sensitivity down for smoother movement and got similarly accurate results.

We’re not fans of Microsoft’s mouse software. While it lets you customize each of the three sensitivity settings to your personal taste, we wish that it let you establish more than just three different sensitivities. As for the Sidewinder button, which launches the Intellipoint software on XP and the Games Explorer on Vista, it ably fulfills Microsoft’s “weird proprietary button” rule. (In our experience, there’s always one odd proprietary button on every Microsoft Hardware product. Always.)

All told, this “budget” gaming mouse is an improvement on the more expensive Sidewinder original, but there are still cheaper, more comfortable budget mice out there. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: If you can’t palm a basketball, your hand is probably too small to comfortably use a Sidewinder.

Hands-on with Microsoft's New Sidewinder X5 Mouse and X6 Keyboard

Norman Chan — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:59:51 -0500

The big pc gaming hardware news to come out of this year's Leipzig Games Convention is the announcement of Microsoft's extension of the popular Sidewinder peripheral line. The Sidewinder gaming mouse, which was introduced last year to mixed reviews (we thought it was too big and had a mediocre scroll wheel) now has a little brother, the Sidewinder X5. The wired, 9-button device sports a 2000 hardware-adjustable dpi and the same awesome vertical thumb buttons that we liked about the original. In addition to the new mouse, Microsoft also announced the first Sidewinder keyboard, dubbed the X6. We are much more excited about this product, since it touts innovative features such as a detachable numpad and unique "cruise control" option. Microsoft stopped by our offices to let us get our grubby hands on these new products.

Wrapping our hand around the X5 mouse, we noticed that it's actually a tiny bit smaller than its predecessor (unless our hands have grown in size since last year). There's no doubt that this is a "budget" gaming mouse (which Microsoft will continue to sell), since it lacks both the LCD DPI display and adjustable weights of the original Sidewinder. Still, its customized macros, 2000 adjustable DPI, optimal button placement, and (in our opinion) improved size makes it worth considering if you're shopping for a reasonably-priced mouse. The X5 will retail for $60 and is available for pre-order now online.

The Sidewinder X6, though, is really something different. It's the first gaming keyboard with a detachable number pad that can be placed on either side of the main keyboard. This makes it optimal for programming and executing macros in World of Warcraft. The switchable numpad will support up to 90 macros per game, which can be programmed by hitting the "record" button at the top of the board. Detaching and reattaching the numpad was an easy process which didn't require any button lock or significant force. When connected in place, it felt securely fastened and didn't wiggle around.

Additionally, all the keys on the X6 are backlit, and the keyboard can switch between various gaming modes with a manual toggle. The all-important WASD keys are given more prominence with some front-facing lighting as well (the four dots on the keys in our photos below). We're not completely sold on the cruise control feature, which keeps a key (or series of) actions depressed with one keystroke. It'll be useful again in MMOs that require you to hold down keys to walk long distances. Like the X5, this Sidewinder product will ship in September. It's currently priced at $80.

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse

Will Smith — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:43:55 -0600

We like fancy gaming mice. We like them for their super-accurate sensors, their adjustable resolutions, and the veritable cornucopia of buttons that grace their frames. But above all, a gaming mouse has to remain comfortable during marathon wrist-crippling gaming sessions, which is where the new Sidewinder really falls apart.

You see, this mouse is just too big. It’s not as though we have tiny, inadequate hands. Really, we don’t. We all have large, extremely manly hands. However, even with our giant meathooks, this mouse is too wide.

What makes it difficult to give this mouse a poor verdict is that we quite like its shape and many of its features. Its sensor is remarkably accurate—and includes the now-standard shift-on-the-fly sensitivity that we’ve come to love. Its button placement is quite good, too, and we really dig the vertically arrayed thumb buttons. Unlike mice that have horizontally mounted thumb buttons, the Sidewinder’s buttons are easy to distinguish from each other and painless to press. And we love the built-in screen, which shows you exactly what mouse sensitivity you’ve set. We even appreciate the macro software, which lets you perform instant 180-degree turns and other custom maneuvers with a single button-press.

The mouse also comes with a weighted box, which keeps the mouse cord from flopping all over your desk. It’s a little gimmicky, but a nice gimmick nonetheless. Without a doubt, the Sidewinder’s interchangeable mouse feet are our favorite feature. The mouse ships with three sets of feet, each with a different level of smoothness. We love this and hope to see it on more mice. There’s nothing worse than wearing out the Teflon pads on an $80 mouse.

While the buttons feel just right, the wheel leaves something to be desired. Its action is too stiff, and it’s difficult to click the mouse wheel without accidentally scrolling the mouse.

Unfortunately, the wonky scroll wheel combined with the monstrously oversized frame means this mouse won’t be living in our house.