I just went out and bought this $52 USD mouse. And since acquiring it, I can say it's not entirly worth $52. Here's why...
First off, there is a very nice button located on the left, known as the "Back" button. So, peopel naturally assume it performs functions liek any other mouse button. Oh! But think again! This button is ONLY a Microsoft application specific button. That is, until you wander through the Software for the mouse in order to change it's "function" to 'Generic Button'.
Because before I was playing games, as the mouse was designed for, and I noticed that you could not program that button to do anything in any game whatsoever.
But, after you finally make it Generic you can program it, however it was very frustrating figuring it out though. =/
Now, for the pros. =D
This baby is all about accuracy and nothign more. Anyone who uses Autocad, this mouse is for you!
You can set EXACTLY what you want the DPI to be on two mouse buttons, not only that, but you can fine tune at what variable you want the buttons to go to each time you press it. So for FPS games where you need quick sensitivity, hit the '+' button a few times and off you go! Or if you want to do photoshop and need super fine details in a small area, hit the '-' and you have super precision.
Not only that, but you can turn specific buttons on and off, or switch their function all together. Say you have to copy and paste a tons of files, but don't liek the hassle of right clicking then scrolling and selecting. Nope, not with this mouse. You can make any button have a "Cut" "Copy" or "Paste" specific function.
not only that, but you can enable a button to open up a specific program for you, or, for instance, have that button only usuable within one specific, or many specific, programs/applications.
And to top it all off. It's Laser. Not a pansy Optical. This thing is all about precision, and precision is exactly what you get. For instance, most opticals stick when you mouse them due to the surface that is located on the bottom of the mouse. However, with the G5 you have a very sweet type of material used to prevent stickyness and maximize movement and smoothness. This material is known as
Polytetrafluoroethylene. Anyone who can pronounce that correctly is by far a genious!
Not only that! But it has weights in it! It has a little catridge that allows you to add 1.7g or 4.5g weights into it, to even further maximize precision! Definetly a unique and worthwhile charecteristic!
But yes, overall a very nice mouse, with the exclusion to making the "Back" button perform it's true functions! So, is it worth $52, not really, maybe $45. But it's nice, and it's a long-term investment, so then again it might infact be worth it.