facebook rss twitter

Microsoft's BlueTrack SideWinder X8 mouse hits retail

by Parm Mann on 26 February 2009, 10:26

Tags: SideWinder X8, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaq7d

Add to My Vault: x

Back in September 2008, Microsoft was hailing its BlueTrack technology as the best thing to happen to mice since the introduction of the laser.

In order to keep the public excitement topped up, it quickly followed up with news of a BlueTrack-powered gaming mouse - the SideWinder X8. Offering a tracking range of 250dpi to 4,000dpi, it offers over-the-top precision for the gamer who demands it all.

That was some five months ago, mind you, and Microsoft has this week finally gotten round to shipping the peripheral to stores worldwide. Microsoft's recommended retail price is £89.99, but it's currently going on Amazon.co.uk's Marketplace for around £70.

Have you tried Microsoft's BlueTrack technology first hand? If so, let us know what you think in the HEXUS.community forums.

Official product page: Microsoft.com



HEXUS Forums :: 8 Comments

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!
Ordered mine through work, will drop a review when I get it :)
Shockingly expensive. I am very interested, but will only consider buying when it's closer to half it's current price.
TooNice
Shockingly expensive. I am very interested, but will only consider buying when it's closer to half it's current price.

I'm not paying anywhere near retail :)
When I buy a mouse its about far more than DPI.

I honestly can't say I noticed a difference going from optical or laser. Its about comfort and feel and extra buttons. I love my G9 not because of its bazillion DPI but because it has a free scroll wheel (great for games like sins of a solar empire) and on the fly sensitivity adjustment.

Bluewotsit gets a big old ‘meh’ from me.
Any verdict so far?

If you jump to the conclusion on this link http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1265679 it would suggest the optical mice released at the time were better than laser mice tested at the time of writing (using the given methodology).

Of course, most of it still comes down to personal comfort. I am definitely interested in giving the X8 a go once it is priced more reasonably. Bluetrack and the high DPI is being marketed because it is what makes it stand out feature wise. But it's not lacking adjustable DPI and other features.