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I would have given 5 stars if it had a tilting scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling and the option to alter the USB polling rate. I needed a replacement for my trusty Logitech G5, which was dying. I've found some games, like F.E.A.R., are especially sensitive to high USB polling rates, so having a mouse that can alter this is nice. It has almost everything I was looking for in a mouse, particularly the on the fly DPI switching with some sort of visual indicator to let you know what setting you are on. I tried the G9, but it was too short for my tastes; I needed a mouse with some body to it.The Sidewinder fills that niche nicely. The mouse is very comfortable and I think built on par, if not to higher standards, than other gaming mice. Unfortunately the sidewinder lacks this.
Kudos to Microsoft for getting that right.In conclusion, I would say that if you still have the ability to poise your index and middle finger over sensitive mouse buttons for hours on end, you might find better results with another mouse. The best feature by far is the weighted box that stores the spare feet and weights. I can instantly switch, as needed, with no delays. However, if you've got scars on your tendons from too much mouse use, trying this mouse out will be wonderful.
The mouse seems less graceful and the buttons aren't as hair-trigger responsive as the Logitech lineup.however, once I started seriously using this mouse in everyday situations (net surfing, Photoshop, etc). This is CRITICAL in games for me, since holding my fingers over the buttons (as I had been doing before) was what seriously wore my finger tendons out so quickly. When I was looking into getting a new mouse to replace the little optical one I had been using (quite painfully, might I add), I came across this in a computer store. It holds down the cable very well. The weights seemed gimmicky at first, but I quickly learned that extra weights really helped me keep the mouse stable and it reduced my twitching in FPS games.The LCD IS a gimmick, no doubt, but the ability to switch 3 DPI settings on the fly is nice. A worthy recipient of the Sidewinder name.
Let me just say that I've been playing FPS (first person shooter) games since the old days of Castle Wolfenstein and I've always used regular mice to play. I was hooked.This mouse is BIG and HEAVY when compared to most mice and, when put up against the Logitech gaming lineup, it seems to be at a disadvantage. I haven't used the macros, so I can't comment on that feature, but even the heavy scroll wheel just feels much nicer on the fingers.The feet might make a difference if you're not using a nice mousepad. When I was younger, it wasn't a problem to spend hours on a game with no aches and pains, but now I can't use a normal mouse for much longer than an hour without a twinge somewhere or another in my hand. The weight, button presses and ergonomics are great. 1600DPI is perfect for this. I tried the demo model and ordered one immediately.
You can rest your fingers across the buttons and push easily when you want to click. It fits comfortably in the hand and doesn't require that the fingers be constantly poised above the buttons. The side buttons are also perfect for alt fire and are easily pressed with the thumb. Being able to rest my fingers, yet respond quickly to input helped keep my game scores up while not wearing out my hand. it really showed its excellent design. In FPS games, general gameplay is good around 2000 DPI, but precision shooting (like for a sniper class in an FPS) requires MUCH less mouse movement over a broad area and more controlled movement in a smaller area. The bonuses of the DPI switch, adjustable weights/feet and the cable weight box just turn this mouse into an excellent value.5 stars.
The mouse seemed to function OK at first but not much better than the cheapo mouse I was using before this one. a cheapo this time. The other drag is sending it back for replacement (assuming something is wrong with it) will cost as much in shipping charges to buy a new mouse. Now I am having a problem with the mouse pointer when I move the mouse slowly its jittery and doesn't want to move like it's fighting against me. This is very frustrating seeing how I bought this mouse with the expectation that I was getting a precision gaming mouse. Don't throw you money away.
The on-the-fly DPI adjustment is sweet, once you get used to it -from soldier -to tank -to gunship in BF2142 for instance -don't notice the cord, but do notice the lack of dosh I have to doll out for batteries vs. a cordless -more for my mp3 player -definitely meant for someone with gargantuan hands -but when used with a wrist gel-type support, the fingers and thumbs are in perfect position -if it only had 3 colors like my KB.but get it anyway -weights are sweet -have it maxed so sniper shots go for the noggin as planned -not the sproingy boot unlock -d'oh.
Being built with stainless steel components I have doubts in its ability to take a punishment. The weight system is very nice as well allowing for lots of customization in weight distribution.I didn't give it a perfect 5 because of the mouse feet. Ive done a lot research and trial and error with other mice, and this is the one that fit my hand and budget. I was a little skeptical at first thinking that Microsoft made a peace of crap and slapped their name on it but the mouse really performs.
They have 3 different types of mouse feet that claim to have different menueverability along the mouse pad surface but they all seemed very much the same with a very plastic like feel. They also seemed to collect depris easily. and found that it was just to small and the left side buttons were to awkward to push consistently, and the right side buttons were next to impossible to use. Prior to this I was using the Razer Diamond Back, and the right click had died on that one so I purchased the Razer (Lechnis).
When I first used the Sidewinder I was instantly at home with its Ergos, it fit very well in my hand (big mitts) and the side buttons were very accesable. However if you can keep them clean the feet aren't really a problem.
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