The Sidewinder X8 is the new version of the original Microsoft Sidewinder.   The main change is the sensor technology, which is now based on Microsoft's proprietary BlueTrack system, rather than lasers or LED.

BlueTrack mice are not too different from those that use lasers, with the the principal advantage being the ability to handle a wider range of reflective surfaces.

The look and feel of the mouse have been toned down a little, but the vertical arrangement of the two thumb-buttons has been maintained, which is great news as it's much easier to move from one to the other like that.  In total, there are seven programmable buttons, and a wireless receiver that can be plugged in to the mouse if you need to charge it up.

Three of the buttons, behind the scroll wheel, allow you to adjust the resolution on the fly to one of three pre-defined settings.  By default, these are 4000, 1000 and 500 dpi, but you can adjust these using the supplied software, which we found essential.  At 4000 dpi, the sensor is far too sensitive to be precise, and we usually prefer a resolution of 1500 dpi.  A small LCD screen gives you the settings currently in play.

Basic Software

The configuration software, more basic than Logitech and Razer's drivers, allows you to re-programme the actions associated with the various button and fix the different resolutions on the buttons which fall behind the scroll wheel.



It's also possible to map some buttons to macros, meaning you can set off a series of pre-recorded actions with a single click.  The macro editor is simple enough to use, but you need to use a special menu to include certain keys like Escape or Tab in your macro.  For anything else, all you need to do is type what you'd like to see appear on the screen.  Unlike on some other mice aimed at gamers, there are no pre-installed actions for popular titles, so you'll have to programme all of the macros 'manually', keystroke by keystroke.

Handling

The whole mouse is made in plastic, but we would have preferred to have seen a little more rubber to improve comfort, or the metal trim on the previous version which helped this mouse stand out from the competition.  On that front, the redesigned Sidewinder is a lot more traditional.  This more neutral look will no doubt be more at home on most people's desktops, but it lacks some of its predecessor's character.

Underneath the mouse are four plastic pads, which means doesn't slide as easily as it could.  Microsoft, though, has realised this, and includes two other sets of pads, one in teflon and one in nylon, that you can use depending on the surface in question.  We found that using the teflon pads on a mouse mat, rather than directly on the desk, gave best results.

We've certainly seen mice that are easier to handle.  It's hard to know where to put your little finger, but unlike some other mice, the X8 is suitable for left-handers.  One of its biggest problems remains is the scroll wheel, which is too stiff for our liking and becomes a chore to use.

Wired or Wireless: It's up to you



Some gamers don't trust wireless mice, but here there's no need to worry about battery life or latency.  The mouse's position is transmitted using a 2.4 GHz wireless signal, with 500 updates a second (see inset). 

What's more, the docking station also includes a cable allowing you to connect your wireless mouse directly to the computer if you suddenly have battery problems in the middle of a game.  It's  very easy to connect up and doesn't get in the way.