Microsoft Breeds Four Unique Mice

Efficient Sensor

The laser sensor is a proprietary Microsoft product, with a claimed resolution of 1000 dpi. It's the one that's been used in all the company's mice for over a year now, and it performs satisfactorily. The laser illumination is associated with a processor Microsoft seems quite proud of; they tout the chip engraving technology, reduced power consumption, and unequalled power. But what's a bit hard to believe in the sales pitch is the supposed ability to predict the mouse's movement - the Microsoft Intelligent Tracking System (MITS). The processor supposedly anticipates coordinates and fills in holes in the information that the sensor is relaying, caused by too-quick movement, imperfections in the mousing surface, and so forth. On paper, it's an interesting idea for avoiding jerky movement. I don't know what the physical size of the sensor is, but it operates at 6000 images per second for a maximum resolution of 1000 dpi.

We have to admit that the Wireless 8000 is extremely precise. The reactivity is also good, though not as good as models intended for gamers, like the 2000 dpi Habu. But this isn't necessarily a mouse intended for general use, either.

While trying it out, I was surprised at the excellent fluidity of movement at a resolution of 1000 dpi, and even after accelerating it a bit more with the cursor. I don't remember having the same impression with the 6000 model, which was the first to use the new sensor. So, has progress been made with the MITS, or is the Bluetooth link resulting in a better reporting rate? After measurement, it seems to be the latter. With a generic USB dongle from Gigabyte on a factory Bluetooth laptop, the rate was 250 Hz instead of the 125 Hz usually associated with USB. Remember that the Razer Copperhead, Logitech G and Microsoft Habu mice, with their 2000 dpi sensors, accelerate the reporting rate to 500 Hz. So it must be the acceleration to 250 Hz that explains, at least in part, the 8000's excellent fluidity at 1000 dpi. What this all means is that the mouse is very reactive and fast, yet remains perfectly controllable.

Note that if you do use the supplied dongle, you should install the driver so that you can set the performance to maximum. Though that does have a negative impact on battery life, otherwise the fluidity won't be as good.

The bottom line is that the Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 is an overall success. Its excellent ergonomics, good reactivity and excellent fluidity and accuracy make it the perfect mouse for all-around use. Its use of Bluetooth and the clever recharging system are obvious plusses. The imprecise, detentless scroll wheel is a handicap, however.