Microsoft's first BlueTrack mice official

Microsoft this morning confirmed some rumors with the launch of its first-ever BlueTrack mice. The Explorer and notebook-sized Explorer Mini both use a blue light and optical sensor that generates a larger, starker relief of the mousing surface than either red-light optical or laser, allowing the mice to not only improve their accuracy but to work on uneven or low-contrast surfaces that would confuse normal mice, such as carpet.

Apart from size, both of the five-button mice differ only in their charging methods: the Explorer uses a lithium-ion pack and powers up through a charging cradle, while the portable Explorer mini uses a pair of AA batteries and a mini USB receiver that tucks into the base itself when on the road.

The company positions the BlueTrack mice as high-end devices and will sell them through Best Buy alone at prices of $100 for the desktop peripheral and $80 for the notebook version. All models will be available in November.

Explorer Mini