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That's why I ditched my G7. That wheel is total suck for gaming, and honestly, how much horizontal scrolling do you do in anything else?
Ok, ok, here's my mini-mini-review on it:
First, I've had the very first Intellimouse Explorer (still have it with me for memories), IE3.0, Logitech MX700, MX510, G5, and currently wireless G7. I recently got this Microsoft Sidewinder about a month ago to replace my G5 for my online gaming rig.
Yes, it does perform better than the G5. It's more precise, accurate, and faster. That was noticeable straight out of the box, and with using the same 2000 dpi settings. I almost always use 2000dpi and then reduce the mouse sensitivity in drivers so that a comfortable 3-inch movement from right to left on the mousepad takes me from the left side of the screen all the way to the right (little or no mouse acceleration depending on games). 3 inches should also do a full 360-degree turn in FPS games at the usual 1920x1200 resolution.
Here's a quick lesson for you guys: 2000dpi should cover virtually every pixel (line-of-sight) when gaming in 1920 horizontal pixels. Most noobs cannot handle this kind of sensitivity because it is indeed very fast. Many many years of serious gaming have given me the natural dexterity needed for handling twitch sensitivity (which is required if you want to pwn online FPS matches).
The side buttons are great, but I am still not fully used to those strange (novel) placements. I still find myself confused in situtations where I have no time to think about those buttons! So, time will tell if I do ever get used to the bottom thumb button in particular (the amount of time it takes for your thumb to reach down to that button might cost you death, though).
The biggest gripe about this mouse is the size and shape. After holding onto that thing, my wrists get sore even if I use a wrist rest. The butt is just too big and I have to use my upper-hand muscles to keep my fingers from completely relaxing or else my two fingers will depress the 2 main buttons. A solution I found for this is to move my palm back a little bit and treat it as a palm mouse and then I can let go of the weight of my fingers (the center of weight is moved back and the fingers are no longer too heavy while resting on the buttons). I cannot game this way, though because that means my wrists will also be too low on the rest or the mousepad.
VERDICT FOR SERIOUS FPS GAMERS: Although more accurate and more responsive than a G5, you will have to use it as a finger mouse which can be very tiring unless you develop some strange muscles for it without getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Another big gripe is the weight. Although the weight is adjustable, it's still TOO HEAVY without any added weights!!! Unless you have tireless hands, it's too big and heavy to be used as a finger mouse.
And why didn't MS include horizontal scrolling? There are only 5 customizable buttons--no more than the original Explorer mouse from 7 years ago. In comparison, a Logitech G5 with 2 side buttons has 7 customizable buttons. I've found horizontal scrolling to be extremely useful in many games and for faster back/forward browsing on the internet.
It's nice to have 2 extra sets of mouse feet but I wish there were more difference between the rubber and plastic sets on my Flexiglow FX mouse pad. If one set wears out or breaks, I could always use the extras, though. The rubber seems to snag a little more.
RE: To guys complaining about the wire pulling the mouse or hanging with gravity, simply tape a part of the wire to the back of your keyboard tray, leaving a foot or a foot-and-a-half of it loose (just enough for your mouse to move around freely).
So, is the G9 really worth it? I'm kind of waiting to see if Logitech or MS releases a wireless version.. G7's short battery life SUCKS big time, but goes perfectly well with my other "multimedia" gaming rig!
I respect your opinion, Bo_Fox, but a large portion of your review is purely your speculation on the mouse. Good review, but a few more facts would be nice rather than opinions
Nothing, your impressions fall in line w/ mine. It's just too heavy. Also, I much prefer the shape of the MX518 along with the button layout. The wheel was pretty nice tho!
Hmmm. I don't know it just seamed very opinionated - do you hate MS just like the rest of the world? XD JK
No worries - opinions are just as good, and in some cases better, than facts. It just seamed very opinionated.
Nice mini review though
Thanks, bud.. your review was a good one too, and you actually got on the main page of HardOCP, which is something that a forum poster can only dream of!!!
Yeah, now that I think about it more, the thumb resting in between the 2 thumb buttons should quickly access either one, no problem! I admit that it does take a bit getting used to, since it's new for me. It's a cool new thing, though!
You lucky dude to be featured on the main page, argh!
and thanks for the props. I'm sure there are better mice out there by now.Way to resurrect a 2 year old thread.
it looks like the two thunb buttons would be hard to press, like you have to really twist and curl your thumb.
. Not even my ancient Copperhead feels outdated sensor wise. Many of the pros still run 400 dpi settings so 4000 dpi is just a marketing ploy. I would like to see one who actually game at that res. I mean I am a high sensitivity gamer myself I don´t enjoy dragging the mouse around a lot and 2000 is way to much for me.