I ordered this item on a whim when I was away from home. I had forgotten to pack a mouse to use with my tablet and decided to look browse online for one of those tiny travel mice. I happened across this item, the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse. The powered off mode when the mouse is bent out flat is perfect for slipping into the small zipper pocket on my tablet sleeve. Mind you, this is the USB version and I have the Surface Pro which has a USB port so it may not work for your tablet but works great with desktops, laptops, my smart TV, and even a game console which supports mice input.
Set-up is a breeze. The tiny USB receiver plugs into... a USB port which then immediately is detected. On Windows 7 there was a quick installation but on 8 it was practically instantaneous. After opening the battery hatch and popping in the provided AAA batteries, you're ready to go. The wireless signal was a little weak due to my super thick desk and using a rear port, but using a front port, keyboard port, or even a USB extension cord gave a much stronger connection.
As a computer mouse, this is an odd one at first glance. To power it on, you bend the "tail" of the mouse downwards until you hear and feel a nice solid and satisfying click. To show you the mouse has been powered on, the blue optical sensor on the bottom lights up along with a green light on the top. The arc (ah-ha, hence the name) gives the mouse the feeling of a typical pointing tool so your muscle memory kicks right in and you'll be pointing and clicking in no time. I was a bit concerned about how the wheel-slide-pad thing would work but finally giving it a try did away with my fears. The wheel (I'll be calling it that from now on) works just a mechanical wheel, slide up and down to scroll. There is a small amount of haptic feedback when scrolling; just like with a mechanical wheel clicking and a cellphone vibrating, you immediately know when the mouse registers a scroll command. You can also give the pad a small flick in either direction to cover more distance quickly but it allows you to then put your finger on the wheel to immediately stop to prevent any runaway scrolling. I also figured out that if you double tap the wheel near the center, it acts like a middle mouse button press which is a very useful function I worried was missing. Using the wheel takes a small amount of time to get used to but after a few hours, I believe I've gotten the hang of it.
One could assume the mouse is rather lightweight due to the compact design and the mouse gives quite a bit of resistance from force at the top so as not to fold flat and turn off. I was able to balance a small tub of lotion, a roll of packing tape, a 500mL bottle of water, a remote control and a smallish digital camera on the mouse without it collapsing. Even so, a quick but gentle swat or using leverage at the ends is enough to close it shut without having to use much muscle providing ease of use for when you with to turn your mouse off.
Storage is easy due to the flat profile but I am somewhat worried of keeping the USB receiver and mouse together. I was expecting a small hole for the receiver behind the battery hatch like with most other wireless mice I've seen. This mouse has a small picture of the receiver on the bottom showing where a surprisingly strong magnet is hidden where you can store the tiny plug. It's a little strange to have it this way but the magnet seems strong enough to keep it from falling away and getting lost. If you're worried too, keep it in the USB port of your laptop or tablet; the protrusion is practically invisible, almost flush with the side of my laptop, and won't get in the way when storing your computer.
Long-story-short/conclusion: Great mouse; travels well, works well, comfortable for gaming and productivity, good for scaring people when you bend it in half to turn it on. I can't comment on the battery life due to it only arriving today but I'm willing to guess the batteries will last as long as in a typical wireless mouse. Also, it works as a blue flash light for when you need to find something in the darkness under your desk.
| Brand | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Series | 2012 |
| Item model number | RVF-00052 |
| Hardware Platform | Laptop |
| Operating System | Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 |
| Item Weight | 3.04 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.12 x 2.23 x 0.59 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.12 x 2.23 x 0.59 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| ASIN | B009CP4PIW |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 18, 2012 |
