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This month we’re exploding the Microsoft Explorer BlueTrack Mouse, the next generation of mice technology that works

on almost any surface.

1 Side buttons — all are fully programmable.

2 Charging pad docking points.

3 BlueTrack laser sensor.4 Snap-in 2.4GHz Wireless

transceiver.5 Silver Pearl-effect mouse

cover with integrated 1 and 2 mouse buttons.

6 Ergonomist-approved body for comfortable grip.

7 Main board with laser housing and sensors.

8 Main power board with connectors for rechargeable AA battery.

9 Central board mounts.

10 Control wheel in mounting bracket.

11 Main sensor board incorporating control wheel sensors and mouse button 1 and 2 sensors.

12 Power leads connected to the two lightbulbs (14) in the decorative piping.

13 Transparent plastic frame that lights up when mouse is in use.

14 Two light bulbs for the decorative base lights.

15 Base plate incorporating main board mounts and the control wheel mounts.

Microsoft Explorer MouseMicrosoft’s new tracking technology known as BlueTrack combines the width and power of optical technology with the precision of laser tracking to allow the mouse to be used on a wider range of surfaces. Everything from granite kitchen countertops to the living room carpet is now a suitable workspace. Real chrome accents and blue-light piping around the base give the Explorer a modern look. A battery status indicator alerts users when it is necessary to use the portable charging pad. 2.4GHz wireless technology and a snap-in mini transceiver deliver a reliable wireless connection from up to nine metres away.

techThis month we’re exploding the

Explorer BlueTrack Explorer BlueTrack , the next generation of

mice technology that works

Control wheel in mounting

Main sensor board incorporating control wheel sensors and mouse button 1 and 2 sensors.Power leads connected to the two lightbulbs (14) in the decorative piping.Transparent plastic frame that lights up when mouse

Two light bulbs for the decorative base lights.Base plate incorporating Base plate incorporating main board mounts and the control wheel mounts.

54 apcmag.com april 09 the lab 55the lab april 09 apcmag.com

Laser mice use coherent light

that’s easily disrupted by dust and dirt, leading to

poor tracking. BlueTrack’s incoherent blue light

doesn’t have the extreme sensitivity to dust, so the

signal quality is maintained.

This is how the Explorer

looks with the top off and all

components still connected.

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Blue light provides high-

contrast images with less noise

for better tracking.

Microsoft-designed complementary metal-

oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip with

advanced algorithms and pixel architecture

for more precise tracking.