While we've been seeing Microsoft's ball-less mice at several locations for the past few weeks, Microsoft officially announced on Monday the wide availability of its IntelliMouse Explorer. The space-age-looking mouse uses Microsoft's new IntelliEye technology in place of a ball to track the motions of the mouse without the use of a mouse pad. The IntelliEye is basically a miniature camera that tracks the movement of the device without any moving parts. The advantage for gamers will be more accurate aim and no worry about pushing the mouse pad around the desk.

　　The USB- and PS2-compatible mouse gives users the same two mouse buttons and center wheel that have become common with Microsoft's mice, along with two extra thumb buttons, a cool gray and silver color scheme, and an illuminated red underbelly. Gamers looking for the mouse can find it nationwide for about US$74.95. With the release of the Explorer, the classic IntelliMouse 2.0 design has also been updated with the IntelliEye technology for about $54.95.

　　Recently, hardware reviewer Loyd Case gave the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer four out of five stars.