Right out of the box, you’ll see the

• Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer (obviously…duh)
• an USB to PS/2 connector which is attached the the USB connector of the mouse (so don’t start screaming, “HEY! This is a PS/2 mouse, not a USB one!” and get embarrassed when you complain to the retailer.)
• a “Getting Started” user manual in four languages.
• a Microsoft IntelliPoint 3.1 software CD, which I had some trouble with. More on this later.
• The cardboard and plastic support holding the mouse…

Need I explain more? I guess not. :)

The Mouse
 

• Buttons : 5 buttons, fully customizable using Microsoft's IntelliPoint 3.2 software.
• Scroll-wheel : Yes
• Sensor Type : Ball-less (Optical Sensor)
• CLASS 1 LED PRODUCT
• Moving parts : none (except the buttons and scroll-wheel)
• Colour : Grey with metallic finish, Dark Grey and Red (bottom of the mouse)
• OS compatibility : Windows based PC or Macintosh
• Interface : USB or PS/2 (through a converter)
• Design : Right handed only! So those of you who are left-handed, I guess you’ll have get the Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical instead. But that’s another review.
• Dimensions : 7cm wide X 13.2cm long X 4.2cm tall. Please take note that these measurements are derived from the smallest possible bounding box and not that the mouse is a rectangular box, ok?

The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer is rather large if compared to your average mouse. However, it surprisingly fits my hand snugly and comfortably. The weight is also perfect in my opinion - not too light and also not too heavy. Of course this is only my personal opinion. You’ll have to try it out yourself to see if it’s your perfect mouse or not.

Incidentally, a cool and futuristic-looking red light glows at the bottom and the back of the mouse. This, of course, is from the red LED that is used to bounce light onto the surface to be detected by the optical sensor.

The Requirements (as extracted from Microsoft's site)

To use Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer with the scroll wheel and all programmable buttons you need:

PC System Requirements
• IntelliPoint version 3.0 software (included)
• One of the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows® 95, Windows 98, Windows NT® Workstation 4.0 Service Pack 3 or later
• 30 MB of available hard disk space
• Round mouse port (PS/2-compatible) or USB port
• CD-ROM

Note: the zoom function works in Microsoft Office 97-compatible or later applications.

** Connection to the USB port on a PC requires that Windows98 be running on your computer.

Mac System Requirements
• Macintosh OS 8.51 or later operating systems, iMac also requires iMac update 1.1
• 15 MB of available hard-disk space
• USB port
• IntelliPoint for Macintosh software (download software now)

Features may vary by operating system.