Microsoft SideWinder Mouse mouse

I first got this mouse about three/four years ago now when I used to game more on my desktop pc. Before this I had never owned an expensive mouse before and was wondering, like you probably are, are more expensive mice really worth it?

---Out of the box---
From the start I was excited about this product and really hoped that it lived up to expectations. When I got the product however I was actually a little daunted. This was due to the actual size of the mouse (I was only a young teenager at the time). It has to be said that this mouse has a rather 'chunky' rear end and a mean prowess about it. The mouse comes well packaged so that it cannot be hurt in transit and has three dpi changing buttons on it, two side buttons, a scroll wheel and left and right clicks.

---Setting Up---
I have mainly used this mouse through Windows XP, but do believe it works on Windows 7 also. After you simply plug the USB in the mouse installs itself very quickly and remembers settings for future reference. There is a small program (downloadable for free off of the internet) that allows you to set up and change all of the buttons on the mouse and other relevant settings - which is very easy to use and I would recommend spending a little time fine-tuning any mouse in this way to optimise gaming or everyday usage. Back to the actual mouse then, there are weights which you can insert into the side of the mouse to change to your preference and these have a handy little storage box to keep them in when not in use.

---Comfort---
Although I had small hands at the time and this beast of a mouse took a while to get used to - it was extremely comfortable even for long gaming periods at a time. Personally I think this is due to the large rear which is perfectly shaped to rest your palm over. The buttons themselves are easy yet reassuring to click and never misfire. Similarly the scroll wheel has a very gripping textured rubber surface and smooth rotation. Admittedly the side buttons and dpi buttons take a bit of getting used to if you have not had them before and also to the fact that you probably haven't pressed in that space before. Once learnt though they provide very efficient use of your hand and get more of your hand muscles working so you don't find your stiff after use.

---Aesthetics---
As stated this mouse looks mean with its downward stance and irregular design, though it is a gaming mouse and well perhaps that is what you want. The finish is black gloss and matt with the sides made from rubber for comfort. Everything is kept quite simple with just buttons and two small red spaces at the back of the mouse to add to its terrifying nature. Maybe more of a rat than a mouse?

---Build Quality---
I have used this mouse for years on my desktop computer. Key word there being desktop. Due to this the mouse has been unplugged only a handful of times so the USB cable has seen little wear and tear compared to if it were travelling. That said this mouse has lived up to all expectations and actually improved my efficiency of gameplay and everyday general use of a computer. All buttons have always fired when they are meant to and right on time with no delay at all. The finish of the mouse has provided a barrier to most scratches but inevitably some have occurred as expected. A very solid feeling and well-made mouse.

---Overall---
This beast of a mouse is great for a gamer or just an average computer user looking for a mean mouse with a whole host of features. The mouse is very responsive on most surfaces (not as good as the now out blue track). The only downside to this mouse and the reason why I have got another (see my other Microsoft mouse review), is that this mouse is not very portable. When I bought myself my laptop I decided that I would have to invest in a wireless mouse as it just isn't practical to sit there with a massive long cable out of your laptop and have to transport that and untangle it so often. A great mouse that is now not that expensive (around £30) but maybe not a laptop mouse.