Microsoft Arc Mouse
The most unique feature of Microsoft Arc Mouse is its shape. When it is opened, its symmetrical smooth boomerang curve looks poised and is ready to leap. When it is closed, it looks like a crouching low-to-the-ground turtle disguised as a mouse. The shape works very well in hand, and the hollow bottom provides a great place to wrap the non-button fingers around for a good grip. The two main buttons fall easily to hand, and click softly.
The Microsoft Arc uses 2.4GHz wireless technology for connectivity, providing a wireless range of 30 feet. The mouse folds in the middle, making 60% of its full size for easy storage and portability. The mouse features a scroll wheel that is clickable and one additional side button. The transceiver is very small and secured to the underside of the Arc mouse by magnets when not in use. The buttons can be customized via software and the mouse can be used in the right or left hand. An LED on the mouse shows when the AAA batteries need to be replaced.
The wireless Arc mouse folds to about half the size of one’s fist and unfolds into – you guessed it – an arc. Though not especially ergonomic, it is comfortable enough for daily use. Microsoft comes in a variety of colours to choose from. Four buttons make up the Arc mouse – left, right, scroll/click wheel, and a dedicated back button. The wireless transceiver fits into an indentation on the underside, and it is held in place by a magnet. The whole package fits snuggly into a pocket-shaped travel pouch supplied with the mouse.
Once the mouse is unfolded, the wireless micro-transceiver snaps into a USB port. Straight out of the box, it is very sensitive and a bit fast for one’s taste. On the flipside, users with cramped work spaces, like a small table in a coffee shop, will be able to make good use of a little bit of space. Once you have adjusted it to a more comfortable speed, it can be handled nicely. It cruises across a desk surface smoothly on three glide pads, and the laser is relatively precise. The transceiver is relatively small, but it sticks out far enough from the side of your notebook that you would not feel comfortable leaving it plugged in all the time. It can be stored easily on the underside of the mouse. Still, that is one extra step for powering up and shutting down the process. A wireless Bluetooth connection would resolve this issue. As it is, the wireless connection is very reliable, and you will never experience any kind of disruption.
Microsoft Arc can be used as a take-it-anywhere mouse. It is relatively compact, reliable and attractively designed. Though not as streamlined as a Bluetooth mouse, the transceiver can be easily stored and quickly popped into a USB slot. However, if empty USB ports are scarce on your notebook, a Bluetooth connected mouse will be a better choice.
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