The Explorer Mini Mouse has a distinctive look and is capable almost all situations. (click to enlarge)

After reviewing the gaming-oriented Microsoft Sidewinder X8 and being so pleased with its BlueTrack Technology, I knew that the Explorer Mini Mouse had potential to become my favorite ’small mouse.’

Microsoft was kind enough to send me one to try out, and in almost every situation it’s been superb.

There are obvious places where a mouse like this would work, paired with a laptop that you take on the go, as a compliment to your home theater PC (HTPC), or even as a normal desktop mouse.  But I would definitely caution, you’re not going to get amazing gaming performance out of this mouse, because it’s just not designed for that.   There are other mice in the same price range that would be much better suited for gaming performance.

That doesn’t make the Explorer Mini Mouse a bad choice, but you have to know what you’re going to use it for in advance. (more…)

Log on to a FPS server and say you’re using a wireless mouse.  Then disconnect out of shame from the thumping you just took from the people online.  The internet can be a cruel place, especially for gamers who don’t want a cord running from their mouse to the back of their PC case.

The Microsoft Sidewinder X8 is a gaming mouse that’s attempting to change the way gamers think about wireless mice.  It combines all of the key gaming features into a wireless package, that I feel succeeds in a big meaningful way.  This mouse dishes out a ton of awesome (and yes I know that’s not really a noun).

(more…)

I recently got my hands on a Microsoft Sidewinder X6 as my new permanent gaming keyboard and I’m pretty impressed.

The X6 comes with a detachable number pad, which can be put on either side of the keyboard or left off entirely.  There are a lot of cool features on the X6, plenty of macro keys, volume and light knobs. You can also set the keyboard up in almost any configuration you want.  Pick which side you want the number pad on or chuck it altogether.

The multiple configurations of the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard. (Images courtesy Microsoft)

Read on for my thoughts on how well it performs.
(more…)

This guest post brought to you by one of my co-workers who has be gaming quite a bit with the new Xbox Experience.

Nate Hoekstra’s One week with the New X-Box Experience:

Some say that change is not always for the better, but Microsoft’s “New X-Box Experience” is a step in the right direction from the old user interface.
(more…)

Updated: Wed. 6:24pm

As I said in the comments of my Blu-Ray post here are the deals you’re going to want to check out for Black Friday.

It covers gadgets, games, TVs, Blu-Ray players almost everything.

Read on and enjoy the savings. Updated Wednesday Night!

(more…)