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If your face lights up after spotting a “Free Wi-Fi” sign outside a local café, then you just might be a notebook warrior—or perhaps a cheapskate who lives nearby. For many notebook nomads, a laptop’s integrated trackball or ball mouse just doesn’t cut it. Now that most PCs sold are laptops, we’re seeing more and more notebook mice enter the market, meaning that the competition is fierce with companies fighting over your hard-earned dollars.

Characteristics of a great notebook mouse are small size, lightweight, easy portability options like snap-in receivers, and of course, comfort. We recently examined Microsoft’s newest Explorer Mice with their next-gen BlueTrack Technology tracking system. These are handy in being able to track across virtually any surface. Today, we’re testing the new Microsoft Arc mouse that offers users an innovative design catered for easy portability.



Microsoft’s Arc Mouse has a fitting name—a symmetrical, well crafted semi-circle shape that is suitable equally for righties and lefties. Forget the traditional soap design seen with most mice. The Arc can fold up like a flip phone for easier storage along with an auto-shutoff when closed shut. It is held together by a metal hinge that can withstand 25 pounds of pressure. Guided with a laser sensor and three Teflon pads, the Arc Mouse is fitting for smooth tracking across multiple surfaces.

The mouse measures 4.44-inches long, 2.32-inches wide and folds to 60% of its expanded size. It sports a rubberized matte surface area, outlined by a glossy strip for extra sex appeal. There’s one side button on the left, but no button on the right. The scroll wheel registers clicky detents for accurate line-by-line scrolling.



Belly up, the Arc has a battery compartment for two AA batteries (included), a trio of slick Teflon pads, and a small compartment to snap in the mini USB receiver.

The Arc communicates at 2.4 GHZ with a 30-foot wireless range. There’s a battery status indicator located between the left- and right-click buttons. According to Microsoft, the Arc should last at least six months before replacing the batteries.

The mouse is easy to set up, no software required. But if you want to customize it, you can visit Microsoft’s site and download the IntelliPoint software.

So how did we like the mouse? Let’s find out. Continued…