Microsoft’s Surface Book 2 ushers in some solid upgrades and a new screen size over its predecessor, but it also marks the return of the iconic IntelliMouse.
Cropping up on the Microsoft Store, the Classic IntelliMouse is a retro re-imagining of Redmond’s mouse, credited with changing the world of computer mice for ever with its scroll wheel and ergonomic design.
First released back in 1996, the IntelliMouse became a form of computing status symbol given its steep price of $100, by not only bringing in the scroll wheel but also for its solid construction which kept the mouse in working order for years.
Over the years, Microsoft upgraded the IntelliMouse, adding an optical sensor and releasing a wireless version, all until Microsoft decided to discontinue the mouse five years ago.
But now it’s back with a look that takes inspiration from the IntelliMouse 3.0 but updates it for 2017.
Featuring a DPI range of 3200, Microsoft promises the Classic IntelliMouse will more accurate than ever, while it eschews the classic red tail light for a “clean, modern white” light. Like the original IntelliMouse 3.0 the Classic is wired, this time via a USB connection.
Five buttons, three of which are customisable, have been placed on the mouse’s slick chassis, while under its skin Microsoft’s BlueTrack tech will allow the Classic IntelliMouse to work well on glass surfaces.
It’s also compatible with Windows 7 through to Windows 10, but button customisation is not available on the slimmed-down Windows 10 S, And Apple Mac users who fancy having a go at the Classic IntelliMouse can forget it as macOS is not supported.
While the Classic IntelliMouse is up for sale on the Microsoft Store in the US for $39.99, we found no trace of it on the UK website, so we’ll have to wait and see if Microsoft will give Britain a chance to get its hands on the retro re-make in the future.
Re-imagining classic tech seems to be in vogue this year, what with the return of the Nokia 3310 and the release of the Nintendo Classic Mini SNES.
Related: Surface Laptop
What part of Microsoft’s tech history would you like to see return? Tweet us @TrustedReviews or get in touch at Facebook.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
