October 2002 Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Mouse: Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer Optical V3.0

Cost: $35
Months on list: 3
Price Change: $0

Picking the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer Optical V3.0 was a virtual lock. It offers great support with our OS of choice (Windows XP Pro,) and is based on Microsoft's latest optical technology. This translates to better performance over their previous models using older optical technology. The advantage of an optical mouse is the maintenance, or the lack thereof, maintaining an optical mouse is so simple, it's virtually impossible to get dirty. Never again will a gaming or web surfing session get interrupted by a dirty mouse ball.

Interacting with your computer the Intellimouse Explorer Optical V3.0 is quite comfortable and convenient, as the unit features two thumb buttons, two top buttons, and a scroll wheel. One important thing to note with all optical mice is that they generally work better on a dark surface, and tend to have problems on reflective or clear surfaces. A simple thin mouse pad like the 3M mouse pads will solve the problem if you have a chic see-through desktop.

Keyboard: Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro

Cost: $35
Months on list: 6
Price Change: $0

In the world of keyboards, there are basically two formats: the standard type, or the ergonomic (split) keyboards. If you prefer the ergonomic design then the Natural Keyboard Pro should suite you just fine, but if you prefer the standard style, then the Internet Keyboard Pro will be perfect. Both keyboards are essentially the same except for the different styles, and each has short cut keys, programmable buttons, and a 2-port USB hub. Microsoft stands out as one of the most recognizable and trusted brands, and we're itching to take a look at their new Multimedia keyboard line as well.

Game pad: Logitech Wingman Rumblepad

Cost: $24
Months on list: 4
Price Change: $0

Every gamer should have a game pad, especially for those sports gamers out there. Very few game pads offer such a nice balance of ergonomic feel, excellent button placement, and quality, or at a better price point, than the Logitech Wingman Rumblepad. As the name suggests, the device can function in rumble mode, and will support force feedback in certain games. The game pad has 6 buttons on top, two trigger buttons, two analogue sticks, a digital d-pad, and a throttle switch. This feature packed controller will definitely satisfy the needs of an Extreme gamer.