Microsoft Comfort Mouse 6000 (S7J-00010)

When it came time to replace my hard-used (and sometimes abused) Intellimouse Explorer Mark 3 (which had itself replaced the original Explorer I bought way back in '98), I was disappointed that the line was discontinued. Fortunately it didn't take too long to hunt up the apparent successor in the Comfort Mouse 3000/6000, at least here on Amazon (I found no sign of them in any of the local retail places I checked, but then the nearest Best Buy is 100 miles away so that's not such a surprise).I was a little concerned about reports that the clicking was noisy and the wheel slippery, and the one-piece button-body construction was something I wanted to try before judging (the older models had separate plastic pieces for the buttons, and it's so easy after all to assume that any changes made that would reduce cost may also compromise quality - perhaps a bit obsessive, but we ARE nerds after all).I was pleased to find that the clicking noise, while indeed a little louder than the older line, isn't enough to bother me (and I'm easily annoyed by little noises like that). The simpler construction doesn't noticeably affect the feel of the buttons. And while the wheel FEELS smooth and slippery to the touch, it responds just fine for my taste (I'm still fiddling with the "wheel speed" settings, which allow for both basic speed and "acceleration" when you spin it *really* fast, but I'm fine with the performance so far and really just hoping I can get it even more "perfect"). I've also noticed that clicking the "wheel button" without accidentally turning the wheel at the same time seems to actually be easier with this model than the old Explorer.I've noticed that the mouse "speed" settings don't quite allow for the same effect I'd gotten used to. It's a little faster than I was comfortable with, but the next slower setting was *too* slow. It's possible that my old mouse had just become a little less responsive over time though, and it's mild enough that I'm sure I'll get used to it. (I'm also pleased to find that, like the old model, the optics are sensitive enough to use right on my lap if nothing better is handy.)One improvement is the position of the thumb buttons, which default to "forward" and "back" browser buttons. On older models they were WAY too hard to use intentionally and WAY to easy to bump accidentally, and like most people I'd just turned the darn things off. These new ones are positioned a bit farther forward, and I suspect they could actually be useful. I'm still not in the habit of actually DOING so, but time will tell; at least the POTENTIAL for usefulness is there.And then there's general aesthetics. The actual size and shape of the mouse is pretty much identical to the old Explorer, and fits my big hand just fine. (At what point is a "mouse" actually a "rat"? I'm not sure, but this one's definitely across that line.) And it's not "ambidextrous"! If I were a "lefty" I'd be complaining incessantly about being expected to put up with devices that don't really fit *anybody*; as it is, I'm just glad I have the option of a well-fitted tool. The new plastic body (white in my case) feels oddly slick after the slightly rough silvery material of the Explorer, but I doubt it'll be hard to get used to. The side panels are slightly rubberized, which feels nice. And I'm finding the blue glow of the new model kind of a fun change from the red of the old one.A minor complaint: The "business" model doesn't come with a driver disk; if you're online it automatically downloads, but for use on an offline computer you have to find the driver on Microsoft's site and save it to copy over. Not too difficult, but there it is.

This is the perfect basic mouse for a desktop user (Windows or Mac). It is simple, does not have any strange features which will confuse users like a toggle for free rolling scroll wheel, dpi adjustment, or squeeze-based button activation.This mouse embodies what every desktop user thinks about when the idea of "mouse" pops into their head. It is the right size, right shape, right weight, and the cord is the right length. Everything works out of the box.It is not a gaming mouse. It is not a side scrolling or touch swipe mouse. It is not wireless. It does not light up. It does not adjust to your hand. It does none of those things. But it is an excellent, standard, mouse.When you want something that "just works" this mouse is a great option.The only caveats are (a) it is surprisingly expensive for being so "normal," but I guess that's the cost of getting things right, and (b) obviously, if left handed use matters, this mouse is not a good candidate.

I have large hands so it's not always easy finding a comfortable desktop mouse. The Microsoft Comfort Mouse 6000 is certainly a large mouse so I'm not sure how well it will fit small hands. Will I keep it? Probably. It works. I don't have time to market research the perfect mouse.Pro's:- Integrates well with Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center for Windows 8 Pro x64 along with my Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.- Accurate, fast (very fast).- I've found the scroll wheel/middle click to be fully responsive for web surfing, office applications, media usage. I don't game on PCs.Con's:- The mouse is too light. Does't feel hefty or solid enough for my liking. When a mouse is so responsive to small movements I would like a heavier mouse to ensure I want to move the mouse.- There is lateral slip of the mouse in my hand. While I like soft touch finishes on the left and right sides, there's not enough of it and my grip slips underneath my ring/pinkie fingers, rotating the mouse body counterclockwise when I lightly squeeze. A ridge on the mouse between the right button and right side would help grip the device considerably.- The left and right buttons are very loud when pressed- not good for quiet or shared offices. The middle, back, and forward buttons make a hollow sounding click, not solid. You definitely don't want your mouse at all near your speakerphone (mine is).- The mouse pads are plastic, which make an annoying sound when pushed over a desk and accentuating the hollow, plastic feel of the mouse. I have to use a mouse pad to mute the noise, making the Bluetrack Technology features unnecessary.Others:- Amazon lists the S7J-00001 version of the Microsoft Comfort Mouse 6000 as an earlier version; I'm not sure what changed but from the reviews it seems there were problems with the middle button.- There is no scroll wheel left/right tilt function as found on other mice. I've never really liked that feature anyway.

This mouse is very comfortable and really great for people who use a palm style grip. Definitely would recommend buying this mouse, especially for the price.