Microsoft Arc Mouse (black)
Starting at: $26.94
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Unique appearance; collapsible design saves bag space and secures wireless receiver; easy to set up.
The bad: Side button hard to use with a standard mouse grip.
The bottom line: Microsoft's Arc mouse is almost as functional as its form is pleasing. The travel-friendly features make perfect sense, and in general, it's a serviceable mouse for Macs and PCs. Only a few minor design issues hold it back.
It took us a few minutes to realize what Microsoft's new Arc Mouse is all about. The collapsible design at first suggested that it's both a full-size mouse and a notebook mouse in one product. We were confused as to who would want such a thing. Upon playing with it, we realized that there's actually some smarter design going on here. The unique shape and button-layout does present some usability issues, but overall, the $60 Arc Mouse may be the best solution for those looking for a full-size, travel-friendly mouse.
The benefit of the Arc Mouse is ... Expand full review
It took us a few minutes to realize what Microsoft's new Arc Mouse is all about. The collapsible design at first suggested that it's both a full-size mouse and a notebook mouse in one product. We were confused as to who would want such a thing. Upon playing with it, we realized that there's actually some smarter design going on here. The unique shape and button-layout does present some usability issues, but overall, the $60 Arc Mouse may be the best solution for those looking for a full-size, travel-friendly mouse.
The benefit of the Arc Mouse is not that it works as a "notebook mouse" when you fold it in half. Indeed, the power to the mouse cuts out when it's folded, so it won't work in that mode at all. Instead, folding the Arc Mouse makes it more generally travel-friendly. First, it reduces the size of the device, cutting its length by more than a third. But there's also a small, magnetic cradle on the underside of the tail portion that folds in, to hold the mouse's thumbnail-size USB receiver. When the mouse is collapsed, the tail portion secures the receiver, ensuring that you'll have all of the necessary pieces together when you take the mouse out of your bag.
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Rich Brown wrote his first review, of the CD-ROM game Voyeur, for "PC Magazine" in 1993. He parlayed that acclaim into his current role as a senior editor in charge of CNET's desktop, printer, and peripheral device reviews. He also writes about the occasional present-day game for CNET, despite their confounding lack of FMV.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 3 of 3 users found this review helpful
"A Cool Idea That Doesn't Pan Out" By hubec
Pros Very cool shape that is elegant and makes you think "why aren't all notebook mice like this?" Unfolded it reminds me of those bad-ass rolling/shooting force-field droids in Star Wars...
Cons It's not as accurate as other modern top of the line mice. The wheel doesn't always register a movement. The working ergonomics are poor.
Summary I expected better performance from the mouse itself (poor point & scroll accuracy) this isn't a cheap mouse, I expected better precision. I also expected much better ergonomics when actually using the mouse. Your thumb and pinky have no place to rest when using this mouse. On a normal ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Compatibility: Mac PC
- Interface required: USB
- Connector type: 4 pin USB Type A
