8-Sep-2008 Article: Max speed - 45 inches per second (seriously!) Suck at Unreal Tournament, Bad Company or Halo online? By all means blame your tools but one tool you'll never be able to blame Microsoft's gaming Sidewinder mouse. It's been built to make you shoot harder, faster and longer than anything else on the market.
Though slightly large and meaty, the Sidewinder has been designed to provide you with "unprecedented performance, handling, and adaptability" says the firm.
You can even customise it for every game you play using software and adjustable accessories. However much you think you're serious about gaming, this mouse beats you in every respect.
Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse
The Sidewinder comes with "Adjustable Mouse Weights" allowing you to select your mouse weight from the included four weights. This gives you the choice to adjust your mouse weight anywhere between 5 and 30 grams in 5 gram increments. That's like you being able to adjust your weight just before you sit down for a massive gaming sessions (with a 15 minute break every hour, of course). It doesn't get more hardcore than that.
Straight out of the packet the Sidewinder feels relatively light, which is quite surprising considering its heavy dark chunky form. Btu stick 30 grams of weight inside it and that soon stops it gliding across your mouse mat like Disney On Ice.
Here's the official set of features:
Use the first ever LCD display on a gaming mouse for macro recording and DPI settings to reduce on-screen interference during game play.
Shape Designed for Handling The unique shape and button positions are engineered for fast, comfortable, precise gaming action.
On-the-Fly DPI Switching Three buttons instantly switch between DPI 400, 800, and 2000 - or you can customize settings using special software.
First-Ever LCD Display on a Mouse DPI settings and macro recording icons are displayed on the mouse to reduce on-screen interference.
Cable Anchor + Accessories Storage Box Enjoy wired performance with the feel of wireless, easily adjust your cable configuration, and conveniently stow away your accessories.
Quick Launch Button One-touch takes you to Games Explorer in Windows Vista. Easily access your games on your PC.
5 Programmable Main Buttons Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.
Advanced Gaming Software Buttons and switches can be assigned on the fly, you can program macros and profiles, and game settings can be customized for fast action.
And if you're not yet convinced that Microsoft takes this gaming Mouse as seriously as it does its operating systems, there's more:
Engineered for Speed
Resolution: 2000 dpi
Image Processing: 7080 frames per second
Max Acceleration: 20 G
Max Speed: 45 inches per second
USB Reporting: 500 Hz
Glide: 3 sets of different mouse feet (for glide preference)
Buttons (Left/Right): 9 million clicks
Replaceable Mouse FeetChoice of three different materials for glide preference.
Wide Metal Scroll WheelBetter feel and response with detent clicking action.
Vertical Metal Side ButtonsThe top/bottom design makes locating the side buttons easier and reduces the inadvertent actuation risk.
If all that hasn't satisfied your thirst for knowledge, hit this link for the official Microsoft Sidewinder website.
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