HQ, my Boomslang 2000 is one of the cleanest ball mice that I've ever had. I RARELY have to clean it. The thing that's neat about the Boomslang is that it's designed so that shit doesn't get into it as easy.
As far as it comparing to an infared mouse. It has the best of both words, it uses lights and prisms inside the mouse to watch the wheels that spin as the ball moves them. Here's how they state it <img src=http://www.razerzone.com/products/images/boomslang_callout.jpg>
If you look at all of the gamers leagues and contests, MOST of the best gamers use the Boomslang, it's a BADASS MOUSE !! ha ha ha.
Oh yeah, you say that you can't beat optical, well yours doesn't seem to be too good if you're bitching about it, ha ha ha ha.
One last thing, what's the DPI on an intellimouse ?? The Boomslang is 2000 DPI !!! Talk about precise, he he.
[This message has been edited by Slick (edited 08-16-2001).]