Digital Lifestyle > All Reviews > Hardware > Input devices > Mice/tracker balls > Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse review

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse review

An innovative design let down by stiff button responses

David Howell

Manufacturer: Microsoft
Pros: Lays flat for easy storage and carrying; responsive touch scroll strip; tracks accurately on most surfaces
Cons: Micro receiver can easily be lost; buttons a bit stiff; no side buttons; poor ergonomics; pricey
Min specs: Wireless mouse; BlueTrack laser technology; 2.4GHz wireless USB receiver; wireless range 10m; 2 x AAA alkaline batteries (included); estimated battery life: up to six months; 58 x 131 x 7-14mm (when flat); 89g (including batteries); 3-year limited hardware warranty
Price: £45.76 inc VAT
We rate this 3 out of 5.Star rating:

With the world gone touch mad, Microsoft has joined in with the Arc Touch. It features a scroll strip instead of a wheel to keep the overall profile of the mouse as thin as possible.

The haptic feedback when using the strip was surprising responsive when we first used it.

Clearly, the portability of this mouse is its major selling point, yet in use the mouse doesn’t feel very comfortable in the hand. The rather stiff buttons require your fingers to be positioned at the very front of the mouse to perform a positive click.

In addition, we wonder how long the ‘cracking action’ (that switches the mouse from flat to curved and turns it on and off) will actually last even with Microsoft’s legendary build quality.

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For Microsoft Arc Touch

Price comparison powered by

Prices, delivery and availability at 8 retailers		Go
	£40	Go
	£40	Go
	£40	Go
	£40	Go
	£44	Go
	£59	Go
	£59	Go

Reevoo Reviews For Microsoft Arc Touch

See more MICROSOFT Arc Touch reviews on Reevoo.com

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

Are you into iPhone gaming?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest news from Tech Advisor

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.