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
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.

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