Packaging

I have scaled all images to 400x400 so they will load faster for you.  This has messed with the aspect ratio on some of them.  Click any image for the full size and properly shaped picture.

Here is the front of the packaging.  It gives you a nice clear view of the mouse, and opening the flap you get a view of the receiver/charging/storage pod.  Above that is an image of how the pod is used.  The box is very busy with specs and images also (Just try and tell me that isn't Master Chief!).  If you look closely, the patterned background is the Sidewinder series logo.

The back of the package lists more detailed specs, plus gives you a view of the back of the mouse.  The first side panel compares the features of the Sidewinder mouse, the X5, and the X8.  The X8 of course owns on everything, except that it doesn't have adjustable weights.  This has come to be expected of a mouse of this level, though I imagine it hasn't been included because of the battery compartment.

The other sides list more specifications, images of the mouse, and the usual roundup of barcodes.

What's Inside

The package opens in the same strange way that the Sidewinder X6 Keyboard did.  You remove the tape in one corner, and the box unwraps from the clamshell inside.  Opening the clamshell you will find the mouse, battery, multipurpose pod, and a Sidewinder logo'ed pouch. 

Inside the pouch there is The well printed manual, showing you more details on the mouse, the warranty information, and the drivers disc.  I personally never use the drivers included with items unless I have to.  For this product I went to: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/download.aspx?category=Gaming to get the most recent IntelliPoint software, Version 6.31 at the time of this writing.  The image on the right shows the receiver pod.  This item performs may functions.  Plug it into a USB port and find somewhere to hide it on your desk.  From there it will provide a stable and fast 2.4GHz connection to the mouse.  When your batterry is getting low (indicated on the LCD screen and dull amber glow), you unwrap the charging cable from around the pod and hook it to the mouse.  It hooks on easily and securely with magnets.  It stayed in place even during intense gaming movements.  The battery can charge while you use the mouse this way, or I personally like hooking it up once a week while I sleep.

The top of the pod comes off with a quick twist.  Inside you will find two of the three sets of replaceable feet.  I have heard people say to spend extra money and buy teflon feet, though I haven't had any trouble with the included ones.  The three different sets included each have a slightly different feel, so you can choose the set of your liking.  On the left side of the mouse, you start with the macro record button.  After pressing this, you press the mouse button that you want to be a macro, then the comination of keys, clicks, and pauses that you want to be on the macro.  That's it, macro recorded on the fly for easy in game use!  There is also a way to record a 180 degree turn macro.  This is so awesome to use in game.  When you start the record, you spin around one full time, then stop the recording.  It takes half the at motion and records it to a button.  Then when you press the button you immediately turn around!  Next you see the vertical side buttons.  They are a drastic improvement over the round stick style on the previous Sidewinder items.  They angle inward, giving your thumb a nice resting point and making them very easy to actuate.  Last but not least, where the "4000" sticker is, is an LCD screen.  This will help you record macros, show low/charging battery status, and your current DPI setting.

Looking at the front of the mouse, you can see the notch where you hook the power cord.  The mouse has an almost sandblasted surface that is nice to hold, but the gloss strip up the middle helps to add some style.  The body has a slope down to the right making it very comfortable to use.  Sorry Lefties, but you will need to look for a more ambidextrous mouse.  The wheel is a matte silver with a crosshatch down the middle, allowing for easy grip and spins.  The wheel clicks left, right, and on a center press, providing three of the 7 programmable buttons.  As you spin the wheel, it has a solid stepping to it for precise scrolling/weapon changes.  If you like the clutch based free spin of Logitech's mice, you will be let down, but I had no problem scrolling quickly through long documents.   Oon the right side there is a slight lip to rest either your ring finger or pinkie (depending on how you hold the mouse).

From the top you can see the interesting shape to X8.  On the left is the LCD screen.  Fromt eh top and down the middle we have the wheel, then the three programmable DPI buttons, then the Sidewinder Quicklaunch button.  The DPI buttons can be programmed for the DPI settiings that you like, from 200 to 4000.  These are very comfortable to slide your middle finger back on in game, moving to low DPI to snipe, then straight back to a high one to run away!  Unfortunately, if you like to use just one DPI setting, these cannot be used for macros.  The Quicklaunch button brings up the Games Explorer in Vista, and the IntelliPoint software in XP.  This button is not programmable, but it is a little hard to get to anyway, so I don't consider it a loss.  Looking at the bottom of the mouse, you can see where the charging cable goes at the front.  Next to it are the front two removeable feet.  In the middle left you can see a power switch.  Always handy if you are going to be storing or transporting the mouse.  When it is just sitting on you desk however, it will go to sleep to conserve power when not in use.  

Huzzah BlueTrack!  This doesn't jsut look pretty, it is awesome!  BlueTrack Technology provides for the best speed, acceleration and frame rates available. Building Microsoft's BlueTrack Technology into this gaming mouse gives it the most advanced tracking available. BlueTrack Technology delivers the best frame rate (13,330 FPS), speed (up to 120 inches per second) and acceleration (up to 75Gs) available - making BlueTrack Technology a must for those who seek the highest performance. Not to mention the fact that it can mouse on any surface except a mirror or glass.  I used it on carpet, my pant leg, my comforter, wood floors, and a marble tile, all with no shudder or glitches in motion!  Try that with a normal laser mouse.  Opening the door on the back you can see the battery compartment.  Any normal AA will fit in a jam, but don't plug in the charging cable!  I think this is a nice feature, because when the battery dies down the line I can still replace it, unlike some with hardwired batteries.

Here is the generic battery that comes with the mouse, and the stats on the label.  Nothing fancy here, but I haven't had any trouble with it yet.  I suppose if they have trouble making a NiMH battery then the company should be going under by now :p