Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse

Microsoft was one of the first manufacturers to innovate an optical mouse likewise as a scroll wheel – something we all take for granted these days. Information technology comes equally no surprise that Microsoft is also throwing their name into the touch on-sensitive input device market with their Arc Bear upon mouse.

The Arc Touch mouse is by far the "almost innovative" of the three mice we are showcasing today. The black device features a soft safety material on the palm surface area and glossy black plastic for the mouse buttons. The touch-sensitive strip is silver in color and lies betwixt the ii mouse click buttons where a traditional roll wheel would reside. A light-green LED is positioned beneath the touch strip that serves as a power on indicator.

On the bottom of the mouse are two big horizontal mouse anxiety, a bombardment compartment that holds ii AAA batteries and a BlueTrack Technology laser that operates at thou DPI.

I of the innovative features of the Arc Touch tin can exist found on the bottom of the mouse. A magnetic strip is built into the base of operations of the mouse and is used to hold the ii.4 GHz receiver during transport, ensuring you won't lose it in transit. This works surprisingly well as the magnet is more powerful than I predictable.

In addition to the Arc Touch mouse, you will receive a 2.iv GHz USB receiver and instruction transmission.

At first glance the Arc Touch looks a bit unusual and certainly doesn't seem to fit its name. That is, when the mouse is lying flat and turned off. To turn the mouse on, yous "fold" the mouse into an arc shape until it snaps in place. The process is really corking and feels a fleck like you are breaking someone'southward spine. In one case in the arc position, the mouse comes to life. The greenish LED turns on briefly to bespeak the mouse is on and the blue laser on the bottom lights up. To turn the mouse off, just force it back flat.

To pair the Arc Touch mouse with your computer, plug in the supplied USB receiver and follow the on-screen instructions. These volition guide you through the process of installing Microsoft's IntelliPoint viii.0 software.

Settings for the Arc Touch can be constitute nether Windows' Mouse Properties and pretty much cover most any setting you would care to adjust.

During testing I found the Arc Bear on to be a actually nice portable mouse. Despite its unusual blueprint and arc shape, it'south surprisingly comfortable to use and doesn't have that cheap experience of the Eclipse. If yous have large easily you will likely discover the mouse more difficult to utilise, but I didn't meet whatsoever existent issues with my medium-sized paw.

I tested the range of the Arc Touch on using the same method equally I did with the other two mice. I was able to fully apply the mouse beyond the full diagonal distance of my living room – a skilful 20+ anxiety. The mouse was yet smooth and responsive on the screen, making this a good option for HTPC apply.

The touch on scroll pad was also much ameliorate than the ane found on the Eclipse mouse. Information technology's really hard to describe how it operates, only there is a tactical feel and audible click noise every bit the mouse is scrolling. Nonetheless, in that location are no visible moving components. It feels as though the affect surface is really thin and there is a mechanical wheel nether it. It'due south certainly different than anything else I accept experienced on a mouse.

The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse sells for $45 and is well worth the request cost for such a versatile, functional and outright cool mouse.

Pros:
  • Practiced aesthetics
  • Most comfy of the round-up
  • Good Range
  • Good affect sensitive system
  • Folds flat for piece of cake transportation
  • Magnetic USB receiver holder
 Cons:
  • Folding machinery has the potential to wear out over time
  • No pollex buttons