As you may have noticed, the shape of the Razer Boomslang is anything but conventional. While this may be kärna's way of introducing a product that won't get mixed up with any other mouse, it also introduces a level of uncertainty, since the shape strays from the tried and true feel of most mice.

We tested the mouse's comfort factor by putting it through a side-by-side comparison to the Intellimouse Pro and Intellimouse Explorer. In order to deliver the most objective opinion possible, we asked several college students which mouse they felt most comfortable with and the results were overwhelmingly in favor of the Intellimouse Explorer. Complaints about the Boomslang ranged from "I don't know where to hold it," and "the middle button is hard to reach," all the way to "I wish its butt glowed like the silver one [in reference to the Intellimouse Explorer]."

Though most people rarely upgrade their mouse, kärna hopes to justify an upgrade with their precision technology and we feel that their resolution enhancing encoder definitely is a viable solution. It has slithered through the desert of scrutiny that most "First Edition" products must endure and survived. It hasn't gone unscathed though, as there are definitely changes that may be considered by kärna.

Due to the concern we witnessed regarding the comfort and ergonomic factor of the Boomslang, we would definitely recommend trying one out before spending $100 on this pointing device. The speed and precision it offers are luring, but it wasn't able to sway me from my current pointing device. Bottom line? Make sure you can live with the Boomslang 2000's shape or you might get bitten.

Chris Angelini
Editor

• 2000dpi means precise gaming
• Powerful processor capable of 6MIPS
• Responsive scroll wheel
• 7' cord

• Unconventional shape may mean comfort problems
• Scroll button difficult to depress
• Not competitively priced
• No T&L (joke?)