Microsoft unveils BlueTrack mice; laser mice to go extinct

Tue Sep 9, 2008 4:55PM EDT

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Apple's not the only company out there announcing new products.

On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled its new "BlueTrack" technology (via Engadget) that will be featured in two upcoming mice, the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and the Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse. The new BlueTrack technology utilizes wide-angle "specular optics architecture" to improve the mouse's ability to work on not-so-friendly surfaces, such as wood, granite, and carpet.

I'm not entirely sure how specular optics works, but the technology sounds like it will be mighty useful to travelling road-warriors like myself.

The Explorer Mouse will retail at $99, while the Explorer Mouse Mini will retail at $79. Expect both to hit Best Buy in November. One can only hope that we'll see a gaming version to come soon. (Intellimouse Explorer 3.0: BlueTrack Edition please???)

So what do you think? Will these new mice get you to "say goodbye to laser?"

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Comments on Microsoft unveils BlueTrack mice; laser mice to go extinct

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  • 6 Posted by rivashugo@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    this is a good way to create a demand for something that isn't needed. Buy it if you need it. My laser mouse works just fine on my wood desk...

  • 7 Posted by linuxdad on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is really good news for Microsoft, since the sale of Vista went so poorly that they need something to help.

  • 9 Posted by gooddayz39 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hmmm my freind has a wireless laser mouse and I have used it on the couch and on shag carpeting. It works great... So a laptop with HDMI out; installed in a bracket connected to a 60" 1080P SAMSUNG is the ultimate home entertainment system. HAVE you seen the power that can be put into laptops nowadays? INSANE!

  • 10 Posted by dcsoccer25 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    MX 518 and Razer Diamondback here. Whichever I prefer at the time. Between the two of them, I don't see any need for another mouse.

  • 11 Posted by hookemhorns5468 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    i still have the rolly ball type mouse. haha! it works fine. i see no reason to upgrade.

  • 12 Posted by governorchavez on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Same here... ours works just fine. I would need a VERY compelling reason to go out and replace our Logitech laser mice... such as: it's broken, stolen or blown away by a hurricane.

  • 14 Posted by arul_oli on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    99$ mouse? you must be joking rite?

  • 15 Posted by donaldlandry@rocketmail.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd have to try it before I would sheck out $99. It would have to be alot better than what I have now, which is not likely.

  • 16 Posted by romac819 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Untill it works on glass then I am staying with my microsoft bluetooth laser mouse which works just fine.

  • 17 Posted by dobrenen on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    I haven't been paying attention to hardware much for the last few years. When did a mouse go from $5 to $100? I wish I was making their profit margins. I think Congress should be thinking about a windfall profits tax on mouse makers. What possible benefit can there be from a $100 mouse? I'm using 5-year old mouses at home and they do the job. If I have any problems with pointers it's software not hardware that is causing them.

  • 18 Posted by dandelous on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    Microsoft Hardware has no qualms about releasing expensive pieces of crap. Their bluetooth wireless desktop was a joke. Overall, wireless range of any Microsoft input device I've used sucks. I could go on. To sum up: If you buy, get it local, keep the packaging, keep track of your receipt, and be prepared to return to the store to get your money back within a day or two.

  • 19 Posted by seth2012@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sounds like a cool product, but a little to much. My Logitech mouse works just fine. I will probable get one when the price drops.

  • 20 Posted by seth2012@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sounds like a cool product, but a little to much. My Logitech mouse works just fine. I will probable get one when the price drops.

  • 21 Posted by virginiabowen73les69 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    bookworm69@verizon.net I agree with the comment on Vista. I bought one, wish I hadn't. Certainly wouldn't buy a $99.00 mouse, it probably wouldn't work either, and I'd spend more time with the "technicians" at HP.

  • 22 Posted by rodolfomota_bravo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    mines works perfectly why would i pay so much just for a mice come on 80 dollars ,wat does it play mp3? hahah pointless

  • 23 Posted by tillhecomes2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sounds cool, but at that price, I will pass until my mouse becomes obsolete! It's cheaper to carry a mouse pad with me!

  • 24 Posted by century21meriden on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    lol I also just purchased a Logitech laser for laptop mouse that works on anything I have tried so far-my fouton, numerous pillows, any book that happens to be handy, even my jeans! Cost? about $15 w00t!

  • 25 Posted by evanheisey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    not for 100 bucks, i'm sticking with my 20 dollar wireless

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