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A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

blogs.windows.com

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Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#131

Post by Theodores »

sho wrote: post #23

I'm happy to see this, although it's kind of disappointing that "perfect" products are ever retired in the first place in the constant drive for change, often simply for change's sake. I'm not against improvement, of course - the iPhone X is one of the most perfect products I've ever had the pleasure of owning - but at the same time the current Macbook Pro is the first model I've literally not wanted because of how b…

IMHO there is plenty of scope for an 'improved' mouse. We get why there is a dongle (Logitech) as the speed and reliability over Bluetooth is not good for gaming and other performance uses, e.g. Photoshop. However not everyone wants one of their USB ports filled with a dongle so Bluetooth is useful, particularly if using the same mouse on more than one device.

I think there is a market for a mouse that can be either wired or Bluetooth. You could charge it and use it as a normal mouse if plugged in. Or you could use it in Bluetooth mode if not plugged in. This would save on AA batteries plus it would mean you could still use it on a PC where you have just installed the OS and don't have the Bluetooth setup yet.

Such a mouse could also work as a reasonable USB power brick for when your phone has no juice on the commute home.

Add in a small bit of flash storage and such a mouse would be perfect for all kinds of clever things.

Undoubtedly such a mouse would be niche but it could be the de-facto mouse for IT support people.

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#132

Post by sethammons »

robohoe wrote: post #77
whistlerbrk wrote: post #74

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just bought my 2nd 4000 edition, what do you mean they don't make it? The super updated "surface" one is a bit too much, don't love the keys or the separated number pad so I didn't spring for it.

How about one with mechanical switches?

This. A thousand times, this. I have the 4000 at home and at work. If I could only have it with mechanical switches, insta-buy. I've talked to a few others at work who agree.

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#133

Post by sethammons »

jseliger wrote: post #116
weaksauce wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would love that one with mechanical switches though.

That is basically a Kinesis Advantage: https://jakeseliger.com/2009/07/20/kinesis-advantage

I have to disagree. The only similarity is that it is also an ergo-design. The inward bowl is hard for me to use. A guy at my work has one and due to the way I hold my hands, I can't accurately press any keys in the lower left qwerty layout (shift, z, x, c, ctl, alt, etc). Not to mention, it is absolutely huge with so much space it the middle that feels wasted. I would pay good money for an identical layout to the microsoft ergo 4000. If I had the know-how, I would consider building my own.

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#134

Post by tw04 »

Theodores wrote: post #131
sho wrote: post #23

I'm happy to see this, although it's kind of disappointing that "perfect" products are ever retired in the first place in the constant drive for change, often simply for change's sake. I'm not against improvement, of course - the iPhone X is one of the most perfect products I've ever had the pleasure of owning - but at the same time the current Macbook Pro is the first model I've literally not wanted because of how b…

IMHO there is plenty of scope for an 'improved' mouse. We get why there is a dongle (Logitech) as the speed and reliability over Bluetooth is not good for gaming and other performance uses, e.g. Photoshop. However not everyone wants one of their USB ports filled with a dongle so Bluetooth is useful, particularly if using the same mouse on more than one device. I think there is a market for a mouse that can be either…

Logitech already makes that, and while it's expensive, it's one of the best mice I've ever owned. You can use a Logitech dongle, or Bluetooth, or wired. And it can be paired with up to 3 systems.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/mx-master-2s-flow

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#135

Post by chiph »

I'm still using an original IntelliMouse Optical 1.1a

The plastic has turned brown from age, so I might buy one of these to tide me over while I apply some Retr0bright gel to the original.

I wish they'd brought back the 1.1a. There wouldn't be any complaints from lefties, and the side buttons are large enough to not be missed by your thumb/pinkie finger.

Oh, and impressive Rube Goldberg video introduction. Loved the "Portal" reference.

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#136

Post by chiph »

alexeiz wrote: post #62

What's the point of a wired mouse today? Unless you're a gamer, you should use a wireless mouse. The freedom of movement is really important, and the mouse cord always gets in the way. To Microsoft: please make a good ergonomic wireless mouse. The Sculpt Ergonomic mouse is OK, but it's kind of old now, and it's too bulky. There is a lot to improve.

Wired mice have lower latency, don't have RF interference problems, don't need batteries, and don't require a wiggle to wake them up. But yes, you'll need to deal with a cord. The braided cord that Logitech uses on some models is pretty flexible and soft, and doesn't get hung up too often (unless the cat goes to sleep on it).

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#139

Post by King-Aaron »

alexeiz wrote: post #62

What's the point of a wired mouse today? Unless you're a gamer, you should use a wireless mouse. The freedom of movement is really important, and the mouse cord always gets in the way. To Microsoft: please make a good ergonomic wireless mouse. The Sculpt Ergonomic mouse is OK, but it's kind of old now, and it's too bulky. There is a lot to improve.

> What's the point of a wired mouse today?

Reliability.

Re: A legend reborn: Microsoft brings back the iconic Classic IntelliMouse

#140

Post by russellbeattie »

I swear by the 3500 wireless mouse. It's perfect (for me). And for fear that Microsoft will discontinue them some day, I've got a half dozen extra in my closet, picked up at some Fry's sale.

That said, I would never have guessed the classic IntelliMouse wasn't around - they still seem to be everywhere.

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