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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: bckai on Fri, 18 January 2013, 12:19:58

Title: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: bckai on Fri, 18 January 2013, 12:19:58
I'm thinking about getting a Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer from Ebay. I need a new mouse with a soft click as I've developed repetitive strain injury in my fingers from clicking my Logitech G9x too much (I hate you Diablo II).

As everyone knows, the IME 3.0 has been discontinued and after sniffing around ebay I found this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Mouse-Grey-OF-Genuine-Microsoft-IntelliMouse-Explorer-3-0-Optical-EXCELLENT-/170915768917?pt=Mice&hash=item27cb5faa55

But I'm wary of it being fake.  There are posts around the internet talking about how the Chinese have made knockoffs, but no one has said anything about being able to tell the difference.

Does anyone know if there's a foolproof way of distinguishing, and/or if that particular one is a fake?
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: Tym on Fri, 18 January 2013, 12:22:41
I don't know how to tell, but if you can tell from holding it then buy it, because if it has "Genuine" in the title and it is a fake then you can always get a refund! Good Luck man!
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: link_tree on Fri, 18 January 2013, 22:15:24
even if it isn't real it looks to be pretty solid from the image and good knockoff so I don't think it should have a problem but for a similar price you could get the logitech g400. I recently purchased one and I am really loving it so far so I have no problem recommending it.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: bckai on Fri, 18 January 2013, 22:45:35
Yeah, from what I can tell, it seems to be real. I actually did just go out and buy the Logitech g400. I really love it, but I like the IME 3.0's grip just a big better.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 19 January 2013, 04:38:21
I have an intellimouse 2.0 here.  I noticed it has a hologram sticker with, I think, "Microsoft" printed many times across it.  The sticker is located above the optical sensor, in fact almost between the two rubber feet at the cable end of the underneath of the mouse.

I would imagine this would be about as close as you could get to determining authenticity, but the auction pictures do not show that part of the underneath.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: Rapid on Sat, 19 January 2013, 16:47:39
I'm thinking about getting a Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer from Ebay. I need a new mouse with a soft click as I've developed repetitive strain injury in my fingers from clicking my Logitech G9x too much (I hate you Diablo II).

As everyone knows, the IME 3.0 has been discontinued and after sniffing around ebay I found this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Mouse-Grey-OF-Genuine-Microsoft-IntelliMouse-Explorer-3-0-Optical-EXCELLENT-/170915768917?pt=Mice&hash=item27cb5faa55

But I'm wary of it being fake.  There are posts around the internet talking about how the Chinese have made knockoffs, but no one has said anything about being able to tell the difference.

Does anyone know if there's a foolproof way of distinguishing, and/or if that particular one is a fake?


ahhh the good old days of Diablo II, sorry to hear about your hand =/ But to answer your question see if you can get into contact with the seller to see a picture of the bottom side of the mouse, the microsoft sticker should give it away
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: nullstring on Sat, 19 January 2013, 16:50:52
have these been faked?
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Sat, 19 January 2013, 18:10:41
If you want that type of click, you could replace switch yourself in your G9x or whatever with omron d2f-01f-t (what is in the IME) if you wanted should only cost like $3-5 for a couple switch.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: daerid on Sat, 19 January 2013, 19:16:10
I'm pretty sure these haven't been faked. It looks legit, as the re-issues came in that kind of dark gray color, not the original silver IE 3.0 finish.

The re-issues also came in a limited white finish run, too.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: TheQsanity on Sat, 19 January 2013, 21:35:30
What about those IM1.0? I see a lot of those new.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: zulios on Sun, 20 January 2013, 12:11:54
The listing says :
"100% manufacturer compatible. Equivalent Replacement Part
Compatible model: Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 Optical Mouse Grey As photo",
so I guess that's a fake presented as equivalent to an intellimouse. They show the photo of a true intellimouse but not of the actual product you are going to get.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: TheQsanity on Mon, 21 January 2013, 01:16:34
I hate it when they do that!
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: akuJIWA on Mon, 21 January 2013, 07:26:19
I bought mine from here.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Intellimouse-Explorer-IE3-0-Gaming-Mouse-NAVI-Glossy-Yellow-Blue-/230890420527?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c224392f
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: TheQsanity on Mon, 21 January 2013, 15:52:53
Fancy. I think the steelseries one looks pretty cool. If youve seen that.
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: Jmneuv on Wed, 23 January 2013, 15:21:52
just (your?) risk 4us? neat name he has
Title: Re: Is this a real Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0?
Post by: rootwyrm on Tue, 29 January 2013, 04:27:50
Sorry, just noticed. First one listed? It's absolutely fake. Counterfeit without a question.

I have an IM3.0 in the other room. The IM3.0's serial number band has an embedded holograph which photographs as glare. Think Windows COA and you've got it. There's no holo band on the auction one.