Microsoft Arc, BlueTrack mice get the hands-on treatment

Not satisfied by the polished press shots of Microsoft's new Arc and BlueTrack mice? Then you might want to head over to Maximum PC, which managed to snag each mouse for a quick hands-on look. According to the site, the Arc was unsurprisingly noticeably lighter and less solid than a standard gaming mouse, but that likely won't stop it from winning its share of fans among those more concerned with portability. As for the BlueTrack, Maximum PC was especially impressed by its tracking accuracy, which apparently delivers as promised, as well as its stylish design and, of course, its "mesmerizing blue glow." Be sure to hit up the links below for a closer look, plus some more technical details about Microsoft's BlueTrack technology.

Read - Maximum PC, "Hands-on with Microsoft's Fashionable and Futuristic Arc Mouse"
Read - Maximum PC, "Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's BlueTrack Mouse Technology"

[404 @ Sep 9th 2008 6:28PM]

(BlueTrack mouse) "It comes with a charging station, and is powered by one recharage AA battery (which provides three weeks of use"

And how long does it last if we disconnect that interesting but not overly useful light doofer around the edges, hmm? Logitech lays claim to moths of juice on 2 batteries, so I'd love to know why MS are only brave enough to claim 3 weeks for this.

[Ruben @ Sep 9th 2008 6:39PM]

My old Microsoft mice would last at least 3-6 months on 2 AA batteries.
Technically, this would last one month and 2 weeks on 2 AA batteries. Still pretty good, if the benefits of the blue light and optics are worth the extra drain.

This one just seems like its doing more work on the tracking end. Who knows.

[404 @ Sep 9th 2008 6:43PM]

Thinking about it, blue light is higher frequency and higher energy than red, so maybe the battery life really is cut that badly just by changing colour.

That'll depend on all sorts of things though.

Also, while we're at it: what's with the dongle size? Blue LEDS don't stop you shrinking the USB reciever to something around the same size as the Arc, or smaller...

[Maeztro @ Sep 9th 2008 7:47PM]

I'm the sure the light is only on when you are mousing around...then it dims or shuts off when the mouse is still for a set time...

[jakem @ Sep 9th 2008 6:32PM]

These Blue Track mice look interesting. I'd love to be able to merge one of these with my Logitech Revolution for couch mousing.

[N30fox @ Dec 23rd 2008 9:26PM]

If you google blue led mouse, you will find a web-site selling the leds and instructions on how to install them.

[GenoMalice @ Sep 9th 2008 6:39PM]

i want that arc mouse looks very futuristic but i wouldnt mind the blueTrack either... i could use that on the glazed wooden tables at the academy

[James @ Sep 9th 2008 6:40PM]

What is it with the lack of bluetooth mice? I have a computer with bluetooth (most have BT). Why would I need to be burdened with another dongle? The mouse I use now is an EBAY special Microsoft BT Explorer. Something they don't even offer by itself!

GIVE ME MORE CHOICE for BT MICE!

[Johan S @ Sep 9th 2008 6:49PM]

What's the deal with scroll wheels? I don't like 'em. They're mechanical.

I wish the mice made with a touch sensitive part instead of a scroll wheel caught on more because i find they're more ergonomic.

[killermojo @ Sep 9th 2008 7:00PM]

I'll take solid tactile feedback over a touch sensitive pad anyday.

That Arc mouse looks like a toy.

[TrueDis @ Sep 9th 2008 6:55PM]

Godjesus, can't anyone get a shot of that stupid mouse when it's actually folded!?!?!

[jakem @ Sep 9th 2008 7:09PM]

One of the photos on the linked page shows the black version folded up next to an unfolded red one.

[Molly C @ Sep 9th 2008 11:31PM]

Microsoft's site shows the mouse in folded position:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=112

[Loonie @ Sep 9th 2008 6:56PM]

Interesting. However, I'd hope there was a way to turn off that blue glow. I like my portable devices to expend as much of their contained energy as possible doing their job, not pimping themselves out.

Also I wish people would start following Logitech's example with the minuscule dongle of the Nano.

[Fanfoot @ Sep 9th 2008 11:05PM]

Agree on the Nano USB receiver. Why isn't Microsoft following their lead? With some of the portable mice inserting the dongle into the mouse turns it off, but with the Arc that isn't required, so leaving it connected would be the obvious thing to do. But this thing is still too big...

Why aren't there shots of the folded and unfolded Arc next to a miini mouse like Microsoft's Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000, so we can get a good idea how they compare? In a hotel room, I use the mini mouse, but its really too small for comfort. However, I assume this thing, even folded up, is quite a bit bigger, but its kinda hard to tell...

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Sep 9th 2008 6:57PM]

Where the shit is my wired version?!

[roman.kim @ Sep 9th 2008 7:01PM]

My old Logitech VX works 2 months on a AA, and it's reasonable because it's got no lights, just a small laser.
I understand the benefits of BlueTrack, but is Microsoft seriously suggesting that one AA will power that bright LED for 3 weeks?

[r3loaded @ Sep 9th 2008 7:05PM]

Why exactly do we need better tracking technology than laser? Get a mousemat! If you're on a laptop and not at a desk, use your touchpad!

[jakem @ Sep 9th 2008 7:14PM]

My main PC at the moment is my HTPC and the trackpad on my Di Novo Edge is no good for working on. Laser mouse work infrequently on my sofa so something like this would be ideal.

My laptop has a nipple which I prefer to a trackpad but it still can't beat a mouse when I'm programming.

[kojo87 @ Sep 9th 2008 8:15PM]

but a 4000dpi Razer is not enough for my 1337 gaming! i playz at 1440000x900000 resolution!!

but seriously i have an 1800dpi mouse on a nice pad and i can't imagine using anything higher.

[z @ Sep 9th 2008 10:22PM]

Based on my experience with the Logitech VX revolution, laser is actually worse in tracking surfaces than optical. I've lost count on the # of times it keeps cutting out on various surfaces.

[Michael Scrip @ Sep 9th 2008 7:13PM]

The dongle is still too big on the Arc Mouse.

When Logitech made their tiny Nano receiver, I was hoping it would be the end of dongles that stick out too far. I guess not.

Or, give us good Bluetooth mice! Lots of laptops have built-in Bluetooth, or you can buy a tiny Bluetooth receiver!

[michael king @ Sep 9th 2008 7:32PM]

Anyone can have hands on with the Arc mouse, best buy has them in stock and for sale.

[pcgecko85 @ Sep 9th 2008 8:03PM]

I have a blue tooth mouse and it doesnt connect all the time. Plus it can be a real pain in the ass to connect sometimes. I want to get the Nano =\

[Krush @ Sep 9th 2008 8:25PM]

Xerox PARC continues to influence our technology in 2008!!! Any new worthwhile computing paradigms since then?

[shailen.sobhee @ Sep 25th 2009 12:46PM]

The Microsoft Mouse uses an extra USB slot when it could have been engineered to use Bluetooth. Crapware!