Microsoft's Arc Mouse review

The Microsoft's Arc Mouse inaugurates a substantially different mouse concept. The proof is that, in an era of touch screens and trackpads with gestures recognition, we find ourselves reviewing a mouse.

Well... it has its pros and cons of course, as everything else does, but sometimes, the old concepts are still better, and when the good old concepts are submitted to an evolution, most of the times they reborn, stronger and ready to fight for the best place on the technological paradigm of the present times.

Therefore the Arc Mouse is not just one more mouse. First of all it was developed having in mind those notebook nomads, who are always on the road. Many of them withstand the trackpads when using the computer on their laps, but when a surface is available, things get different, and if they can grab a mouse, most of them won't think twice.

But of course, they don't want any mouse, the "thing" must have some special features. Such as lightweight, reduced size, and thus improved portability. Precision in most of the surfaces. Ergonomics are always welcome, and if the design gives it distinction and beauty, they'll fall for it!

There are some different choices out there, proposing several features such as these, but the Arc Mouse distinguishes from the rest, because it has all of these features and even more: it has a charisma of its own.

With a semi-circle shape, a black matte top and a metallic grey belly, it resembles a killer whale. The top is outlined by a glossy strip. In the middle there's a gripy rubber compound, which occupies almost all the mouse top and is very nice to the touch. The same rubber compound is used on its belly. The Arc Mouse shape is symmetrical, thus suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people. It is confortable and, unfolded, has the size of a regular desktop mouse, therefore, it adapts nicely to both bigger and smaller hands.

On its top, the Arc Mouse has:

• a scroll wheel which moves up and down, but not left and right. It has detents allowing an easy and precise line-by-line scrolling, and is also a button;
• between the left and right buttons there's the battery indicator light.

On its belly, the Arc Mouse has:

• the battery compartment (two AAA batteries). Microsoft claims that the batteries last for 6 months, average time;
• the laser sensor;
• three teflon pads allowing smooth tracking on different surfaces;
• the magnetic slot for the USB dongle.

On its left side there's a button, used to go back one page in some apps, such as the browsers.

Now, the most distinguished characteristic of the Arc Mouse is its folding hability. There's a metal hinge holding together both parts, this hinge withstand 25 pounds / 11 kilograms, and when folded the mouse shuts off to save energy, and extend the battery life. Right after being unfolded the battery light indicator turns on for approximately 12 seconds, and then it fades, also to save the batteries.

When folded its size is reduced in 40%, which is notable, and makes it perfect to carry in a notebook carrying case.

he Arc Mouse is very precise. With a sensitivity between 800 and 1000 dpi, its laser sensor does the job very well on most surfaces. The communication between the mouse and the USB dongle is remarkable, and it is done using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The wireless range is of 30 feet / 9 meters. Of course, it is hassle free plug&play, and it's compatible with Mac, as well as with Windows Vista.

• Stylish and portable, due to the compact folding design
  
• Very comfortable shape
  
• Good materials and very well crafted
  
• Small USB dongle with magnetic carrying slot under the mouse
  
• Long battery life
  
• Elegante carrying pouch included
  
• Mouse turns off automatically when folded, to save battery
  
• Great range (up to 30 ft. / 9 meters)
  

• Only four buttons
  
• Scroll wheel lacks left and right movement
  
• Battery light indicator poorly visible from certain angles
  
• Doesn't come with the Microsoft IntelliPoint software, although some users have reported issues when using IntelliPoint with the Arc Mouse
  

The Arc Mouse has a unique folding design. It combines style and portability. Its precision is notable and it is very well crafted. It is confortable for most of the users. The reliability of this device, makes it a good choice in any circumstance.

We have the unboxing and first looks video on AppleColors Broadcast. To watch it click here.

• Mouse type: Wireless mobile mouse
  
• Buttons: 4 buttons
  
• Wheel type: Scroll wheel with detents
  
• Sensor type: Laser sensor
  
• Extra features: Foldable body
  
• Software: Microsoft IntelliPoint 6.3
  
• Released date: September 2008

• Windows: Vista or XP
• Macintosh: Mac OS X v10.2 - 10.5
• Other: USB port and 2 AAA alkaline batteries (included)

• Microsoft Arc Mouse
  
• USB wireless receiver dongle
  
• 2x AAA Energizer batteries
  
• Synthetic suede carrying pouch
  
• Quick Start Guide (pictorial setup)
  
• MS Product Guide (warranty and safety leaflet)
  

Cheers!