By Strider - August 20, 2000
(Direct comments to Tikkler)

Computer mice--the most frequently used piece of hardware by gamers, and yet there is no real mouse available for gamers. That is, until karna came forward and released the Razer Boomslang line of mice; I'll be reviewing the 2000 model.

While in games, precision, control and accuracy are always a key part, especially if you're dealing with precise movements; all of us have experienced the mouse annoyances one way or another in the past while gaming. That being, to constantly lift the mouse and place it back down to observe more area in a game, or during fierce action. The reason why all of this is necessary with older mice is because of their insufficient DPI. A normal mouse will only be able to operate at roughly 400-500 DPI, and the Razer Boomslang 2000 can operate at 2000 DPI, hence the name. As you can see, this is quite a leap from the previous mice you've been used to. This spells incredible fluidness in general windows applications and digital imaging software when using a mouse. And this also spells incredible accuracy over your enemies while using a Boomslang.

The speed of the controller chip also determines the speed of the mouse. Whereas most mice operate around 1.5 MIPs (millions of instructions per second) the Boomslang 2000 operates at 6 MIPs. Even though optical mice operate at a surprising 18 MIPs, according to kärna, the majority of these operations are used to run the optics behind the technology. Thus, the Razer Boomslang clearly is 4 times as fast as a conventional mouse in terms of instructions being passed.

Once you understand all of the technical aspects of the Razer Boomslang 2000, you can really begin to appreciate the mouse. But it doesn't stop there--karna continues to impress the masses by its presentation of the mouse. Upon opening the very well designed box, you are greeted with the coolest container for any piece of hardware or software I've ever seen in my life. A nicely sized round tin contains the Razer Boomslang, along with its circular shaped instruction booklet, PS/2 adapter (If you prefer to use the PS/2 port, it comes as USB by default), and included games. Karna has included the first 4 levels of Soldier of Fortune, and the full version of Battlezone 2. Both are great games, and both make the price of this hardware a little more forgiving. Back to the container, this enables you to safely transport your Razer from place to place, and include all the necessary things you might need. A big plus to karna on this one, not only for presentation, but for it's great thinking.

Onto the mouse itself, the Razer Boomslang is unique in its own right. The mouse is shaped ergonamically for both left and right hand users. This allows for a "flat" top, as opposed to the curved or straight mouses we've grown use to. Furthermore, the drivers itself allow you to select whether you're a righty or a lefty to help enhance the mouse somewhat to your nature. The end result is very much-appreciated; no longer is this a "mouse out of a box." It is shaped to help fit your hand and preference. But onto the bad things about the Razer Boomslang's shape. Unfortunately, the mouse is rather large - mainly the front and sides stick out considerably compared to a normal mouse. And, the double click button is fit snug in the perfect place for your thumb - which is awkward at first. In the beginning, the Razer is extremely hard to get used to - its big, clunky, and seems hard to operate. But I guarentee you that after one hour, you will become accustom to the mouse's slick design. Eventually, even the double-click button doesn't get in the way at all--you'll become used to and eventually even appreciate it. So, basically the first hour or so will be frustrating with the mouse, but once you grow into the mouse's design, it is very rewarding.

Once you test out the mouse in game, you're rewarded with an extremely accurate and reliable mouse. The Razer definitely does not disappoint, as it delivers smooth turning and aiming, whether you're playing Counterstrike, SWAT 3, or Quake III. I found this mouse to be a breeze when it's operating at its maximum potential--during intensive gaming, of course!

So in closing, if you are a hardcore gamer, or want to have better control in even your artwork using Photoshop, for example, the Razer Boomslang 2000 is the choice. Karna realized the potential for this excellent product, and delivered the technology right into our homes. The game package and excellent product itself is truly rewarding, and you will notice the difference once you start concentrating on your fragging. It's great accuracy and good price makes for a hardcore gamer's wish come true.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Great quality
• Unique ergonomic design
• Good game bundle

Cons

• $99 price tag may be too much for some gamers