I'll just come right out and say it: I like this mouse. I mean, I really, really do.

Seeing as I get my fair share of gadgets to try out, I very rarely have a problem returning the review unit as there's always the prospect of getting a new toy to play with.

But this one is definitely causing me to lose sleep in fear of that inevitable moment when I'll have to let it go.

Right, so what can make a fairly mature 30-something male stare with lovelorn eyes at a mouse?

Well, for starters, it features Microsoft's BlueTrack technology - which means it can track on virtually any surface, including wood and granite surfaces. Showing off to colleagues how this little wonder even works on the office carpet gave me a serious kick.

It also comes with 2.4 GHz wireless technology, with a little transceiver that you plug into your computer's USB port. And if you're using the mouse with a laptop, the little transceiver can be clipped into the back of the mouse for easier portability.

Then there's the way the mouse fits in your hand - for all but blokes with seriously big hands, the mouse fills the palm of your hand, making it very comfortable to use. A groove on the side also accommodates your thumb for a relaxed fit.

Apart from the standard left and right buttons and the scroll wheel, the Explorer Mini also has two buttons on the side next to your thumb. This is probably the only complaint I have with the mouse though: the button closest to you is a bit uncomfortable to use - you have to bend your thumb slightly backwards to press it.

Maybe someone a little more trained in the art of finger ballet would not have this problem, but it would have been better if the buttons were slightly shorter and moved a little forward.

Other than that, however, the Explorer Mini is a dream to use. The rest of its features read like a wishlist of things that a mouse should have: four-way scrolling by tilting the mouse wheel to the left or right, customisable buttons, and a promised four months battery life (not sure about that one as I only had it for a few weeks, but if it's true...)

And just to put the cherry on it all, the mouse works on both PCs and Macs.

So Microsoft, if you're reading this, be warned: you're going to have a fight on your hands prying this baby from my grip!

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