Bon Jovi. Roger Clemens. The mullet. And now add the SideWinder to the list of comebacks. Microsoft yanks its SideWinder brand out of early retirement to reincarnate it as a gaming mouse to help bolster their line of gaming peripherals. Unlike the Habu, Microsoft didn't have Razer as their wingman to co-create the SideWinder—they're flying this mission solo.

The Batmobile-esque SideWinder's design was partly inspired from a couple of interesting sources: Master Chief from Halo and the Mazda Senku concept car. Its long, large shape has a bulky palm rest, curved rubber-like side grips, and a dark, black exterior with a thin, burgundy strip down the middle.

The SideWinder is the first of its kind to feature a built-in LCD used to display current dpi settings and macro recording icons. It has a 2000 dpi laser eye, a trio of dedicated buttons for dpi switching, and even the capability to record macros in the included software or during a game. In total, the SideWinder has ten buttons, five of which are programmable. The thumb buttons are uniquely aligned vertically with a silver, industrial look to them.

Like the Logitech G9, the Microsoft SideWinder comes with several customization options to fit individual preferences. Users can adjust the mouse's weight via a weight cartridge that ejects from the side of the mouse, which can support up to three separate weights in five and ten gram increments. Also, the SideWinder has three types of interchangeable feet for different levels of friction and glide (Teflon, Teflon mix, and non-Teflon). These weights and feet go inside a storage box that doubles as a cable anchor for more of a wireless feel.

One useful spec is a "turn on a dime" feature that allows your character, for instance in an FPS game, to quickly make a full 180 degree turn at the press of a button. This can be quite useful when you want to "check your back" when exiting a corridor, for instance. This feature, along with macro capabilities, enhances the SideWinder as a gaming mouse—especially in non-FPS games.

The SideWinder ships this month at a retail of $80. This is a handy discount for users who have been thinking of purchasing the $100 Logitech G9, but is it worth it? Let's take a look at what we liked, and didn't like, about the SideWinder. — Continue reading on ExtremeTech.com

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