I recently dropped by the Windows Vista Team blog the other day, and I found this great post on how Intellipoint software interacts with Vista. Like many people, I had not bothered installing the software for my Microsoft keyboard & mouse since Windows has no problem finding the hardware on its own. Who knew I was missing out on such great features? Now, when you use the Intellipoint software with Windows Vista, you have a bevy of features at your disposal. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Magnifier: Much better than the built-in tool, IntelliPoint software behaves more like a real magnifying glass. You can select the size of the magnifying window to encompass either a small section of a document, Web page, or photo. The size is customizable by dragging the window to your preferred size. The size you select will be remembered for future use. You can also change the magnification level from 1.5x to 5x.
2. Instant Viewer: With a quick push of the mouse wheel, you can see every application that's open. After moving the cursor to any of the windows, a quick mouse click brings the window to the front.
3. Precision Booster: this increases or decreases the pointer speed for better accuracy. You'll be able to move around the screen much faster. A quick press and hold increases the speed until released, or just press and release the assigned button to toggle the speed up and then press and release again to resume normal speed. The hot keys on the Microsoft keyboards and mice are fully customizable to work with the IntelliPoint software.
4. Flip 3D: Using Flip 3D on the mouse lets your flip through open windows in a stack to quickly switch between your applications. Flip 3D comes pre-programmed to the scroll wheel button on the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 and Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000. Flip 3D also works on some trackball mouses by using the center button.
5. Windows Gadget Button: With IntelliPoint Software Version 6.2 and Supported Hardware, the gadget button offers quick access to customizable content such as weather information, news, traffic and maps.
6. Quick-Launch button: Also with IntelliPoint Software Version 6.2 and Supported Hardware, the quick launch button gives one-touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer, letting you quickly see the games in your PC's game library.
7. Windows Live Call button: This button (also version 6.2+) lets you access one of your online Windows Messenger contacts, and start a video conversation quickly.
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