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Shortcut: Microsoft Arc Mouse

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I have large hands, which usually makes it extremely uncomfortable to use compact mice, but the Microsoft Arc Mouse has enough curvature and surface area to make it comfortable to use for hours on end. This mouse folds up so it can easily fit in your pocket and has a well-placed laser. When it’s folded, the Microsoft Arc mouse is more compact than the tiniest portable mouse I own.

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The Microsoft Arc mouse has generously-sized left/right click buttons that take up most of the top’s surface area. The gray plastic click wheel feels a little cheap compared to those found on most other portable mice. There’s a third click-button on the forward-left edge of the mouse.

One of the best features of the Microsoft Arc is that its laser and sensor are place at the very front of the mouse. This means you don’t have to move your hand very much to point to what you want to on the screen.

Most mice have lasers ans sensors placed towards the middle or back, which means you’re pointing with your palm rather than your fingers. When mice used to have trackballs this made sense, but designers haven’t seemed to figure out that they don’t have to accommodate a half-inch ball anymore.

The USB dongle is magnetized, and sticks to the bottom of the mouse when not in use. It’s smaller than some USB dongles, but not small enough for my taste. I really like Logitech’s nano receivers, which are small enough to leave plugged into your tablet or notebook all the time, without worrying about losing or breaking them.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is powered by two AAA batteries, which last for several months according to the manufacturer.

The Microsoft Arc mouse is available in several colors, including red, blue, black, purple and green. The Microsoft Arc mouse has a $49.99 suggested retail price, but you can pick them up from online retailers such as Amazon.com for between $35 and $40.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Jake

    04/18/2009 at 9:35 am

    I bought one of these recently and it’s a great mouse. Nice and compact and I really like the fact that the USB receiver is magnetised. It’s also surprisingly comfortable to use.

    My only complaints would be that the extra button on the side is a little too far forward to be easy to reach with your thumb and the scrollwheel feels a little plasticy.

  2. blash

    04/18/2009 at 7:07 pm

    Yeah, I stay away from Microsoft mice and hardware in general. I have a V450 Nano from Logitech, and while I do wish it had one of those MicroGear scroll wheels, it a) fits in my hand perfectly, b) the receiver is small and it fits in the mouse, and c) battery life is forever. Not sure what else I could want in a mobile mouse.

  3. Xavier

    04/19/2009 at 11:17 pm

    @Jake – you’re right- the third button should be about half an inch back. You have to stretch your thumb to click it.

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