Microsoft Arc, BlueTrack mice get the hands-on treatment
By Donald Melanson 
posted Sep 9th 2008 6:17PM
posted Sep 9th 2008 6:17PM
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"
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"
(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.
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.
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...
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...
These Blue Track mice look interesting. I'd love to be able to merge one of these with my Logitech Revolution for couch mousing.
If you google blue led mouse, you will find a web-site selling the leds and instructions on how to install them.
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
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!
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.
I'll take solid tactile feedback over a touch sensitive pad anyday.
That Arc mouse looks like a toy.
Godjesus, can't anyone get a shot of that stupid mouse when it's actually folded!?!?!
One of the photos on the linked page shows the black version folded up next to an unfolded red one.
Microsoft's site shows the mouse in folded position:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=112
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.
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...
Where the shit is my wired version?!
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Anyone can have hands on with the Arc mouse, best buy has them in stock and for sale.
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 =\
Xerox PARC continues to influence our technology in 2008!!! Any new worthwhile computing paradigms since then?
The Microsoft Mouse uses an extra USB slot when it could have been engineered to use Bluetooth. Crapware!