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Microsoft's SideWinder X4 reviewed: a decent choice for the budget gamer
Microsoft's anti-ghosting claims were recently put to the test by the good folks over at Tom's Guide, and if you've been holding off on pulling the trigger to make sure it really lives up to the hype, you can finally cut loose and part ways with your hard-earned Greenbacks -- maybe, anyway. For those unaware, Microsoft designed the SideWinder X4 to handle up to 26 key presses at once (it's a "pro gamer" thing, we're told), but it also allows for macro recording and profile / mode switching. According to the critics, the X4 is a step backwards in terms of design, particularly when compared to the flagship SideWinder X6 (which can be had for around $40 right now). Essentially, they could only really recommend it for those that actually do have ghosting issues when gaming, though they confess that said crowd is a relatively tiny one. But hey, don't take our word for it -- hit the source link and discover the truth for yourself.
Microsoft busts out SideWinder X4 anti-ghosting keyboard
Microsoft's just outed a new gaming keyboard -- the SideWinder X4 -- which promises to hold up in even the most intense situations. Boasting what the company says is the "most advanced" anti-ghosting technology around, the X4 allows the pressing of up to 26 keys at once for the ultimate gaming moves. Other features include macro recording and auto macro repeat functions, plus profile and mode switching allows your 'board to remember all your moves for different games. So, you probably want it right now, but you're going to have to wait a little longer -- the SideWinder X4 will arrive in March, and it'll run you $59.95. Full press release is after the break.
Microsoft's ambidextrous SideWinder X3 mouse available for presale
Still feeling a little less than a'right with dropping $99 on a wireless gaming mouse? Microsoft's newest, the SideWinder X3, is an eight-button wonder that boasts a 2,000 dpi laser-tracking engine, on-the-fly dpi switching between high, medium and low sensitivity, a totally sweet scroll wheel, and a cable. You know, for connecting to your computer and such. The best part? It's ambidextrous (a first for the line), so the southpaw in your life won't feel left out. Starts shipping in May for $39.95.
Microsoft's SideWinder X8 BlueTrack mouse is sidewinding its way to retail this week
The benefits of BlueTrack over optical or laser mousing technology in gaming situations will probably be debated amongst our children's children, but if you've decided that Microsoft's latest and greatest is the one for you, the SideWinder X8 gaming mouse hits stores this week. Besides that 13,000fps image processing of BlueTrack and a user-configurable 250 to 4,000 dpi, the mouse is a 2.4GHz wireless number with "virtually no latency" and it includes a play-and-charge cable for upping the juice without dropping the action. It even has a decent hands-on under its belt, so if you've been holding out for this one there's nothing really stopping your unemployed self from heading down to a local big box and plopping down $99 for the privilege.
Sidewinder X8 gaming mouse with BlueTrack announced
Microsoft has announced the Sidewinder X8 Mouse with a 2.4GHz wireless connection, 30 hours of "active gaming" on a single charge and the company's new proprietary BlueTrack technology, which boasts an adjustable 250 to 4,000 dots per inch (dpi) sensitivity. Check out Maximum PC for hands-on with the device. Should we all still exist, hardcore PC gamers who need those extra DPIs can look forward to the X8 releasing February 2009 for $100. [Via BigDownload]
Microsoft SideWinder X8 gaming mouse gets official, examined
Apparently fearing it would get lost among all its other product announcements yesterday, Microsoft waited until today to get official with its new SideWinder X8 mouse, which boasts the same BlueTrack technology as the company's new Explorer mice but in a more gamer-friendly package. Those touches include a play and charge system to let you keep playing while your battery recharges, switchable DPI settings, interchangeable feet to suit your "glide preference," seven programmable buttons, and a dedicated macro record button, to name a few. Unfortunately, you're going to have to wait even longer to get your hands on this one, with it only set to be released in February, 2009 (for $100), but you can at least get a good idea of what's in store by hitting up Maximum PC's hands-on below.Read - Microsoft Press ReleaseRead - Maximum PC, "Hands-on with Microsoft's SideWinder X8 Mouse"
Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouse
We had a hunch that Microsoft would be launching a SideWinder-branded keyboard this fall, and sure enough, the suits in Redmond are keeping the revitalized name alive with an all new September-bound input peripheral combo. The SideWinder X6 is hailed as the "first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad." When not in gaming mode, the key pad transforms into a full-programmable macro pad. You'll also find two-color adjustable backlighting, mode switching and a $79.95 price tag. As for the X5 mouse, this critter packs nine buttons (five of which are customizable), a 2,000DPI laser tracking engine, six DPI settings (adjustable on the fly) and a $59.95 sticker. Full release is just after the break. %Gallery-30015%
Microsoft launching SideWinder X6 keyboard this fall?
Say, is this a Microsoft SideWinder-branded keyboard? Looks like it might just be. It looks like it'll go by the name of SideWinder X6, and feature a detachable numeric keypad, programmable keys, and "cruise control" (don't quote us, this is from a translation) which emulates a steady keypress. It'll run $80 in September -- that is, if this doesn't just turn out to be pure rumor.[Thanks, Husar]Update: Reader RainMotorsports points out that the side profile looks, well, unconvincing. Certainly right, especially when you ask yourself where those giant knobs went. Hey, we never said this was a sure thing!
Microsoft's SideWinder gaming mouse gets reviewed
We know, Microsoft's resurrection of the SideWinder brought back fond memories for most us of, but with all the alternatives already out there in the gaming mouse niche, it's going to take a bit more than fuzzy feelings to get our $80. Thankfully, the folks over at I4U News spent some quality time with the new SideWinder mouse, and after realizing that it looks a bit gentler in person, they proceeded to crank through hours of gaming to see how it fared. Notably, the LCD screen was dubbed "actually useful," the 2,000dpi was said to be "plenty of sensitivity," and the thumb buttons were deemed "perfect from a tactile feedback perspective." Still, reviewers found more hype than substance in the Quick Turn button, and while the scroll wheel seemed "great for gaming," it wasn't as friendly during everyday tasks. Nevertheless, the crew awarded the revived critter a very generous nine out of ten stars, but if you've still got your doubts, hit the read link and check out the full skinny.
Behold! Microsoft resurrects the SideWinder mouse
With five programmable buttons, adjustable weights and an on-board LCD display, the only thing missing from Microsoft's new SideWinder gaming mouse is a signed autograph by Fatal1ty in pizza grease. The SideWinder series was a staple of Windows gaming in the 90's, marred by compatibility issues and bad taste. Well, it's back and while we're sure that Microsoft won't have any issues with compatibility (it's only a USB mouse, after all), they've still got a long ways to go in the style department.The SideWinder mouse will be available this October and for the hefty sum of $79.95.%Gallery-6253%
Microsoft brings back SideWinder gaming mouse, throws in an LCD
Not too long after Razer resurrected the classic Boomslang, Microsoft is reviving the SideWinder line with the introduction of a decked out gaming mouse. For starters, the 2,000 DPI wired critter sports a Quick Turn feature that lets users "check their perimeter at any angle," a weight cartridge system, a variety of feet to match glide preferences, instantaneous DPI adjustment, and a cable management system to boot. Moreover, Microsoft claims that this is the first gaming mouse to arrive with an LCD built right in, which allows users to "easily keep track of key gaming actions, including their DPI and steps for recording macros." Of course, we'd recommend actually wielding one of these things before plunking down your $79.95 come October, but the specification sheet is mighty impressive, indeed. Check out the hands-on action in the gallery below.%Gallery-6231%
