Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse Black

This one caught my eye as soon as it came out. The slim design and ability to lay it flat in my laptop bag/backback made it very appealing. However, I wasn't sure based on some reviews if I would like it. I was also very spoiled by a very comfortable and ergonomic Microsoft Bluetooth mouse. Then the price point got low enough to make it worth a try and I took the leap. Very, VERY glad I did. I have to travel to multiple offices for work and need a good mouse on the go that doesn't bulk up my backback any more than needed. This mouse is every bit as slim as it seems and reduces bag clutter and weight. It takes a common AAA battery and I haven't replaced it in MONTHS! I only turn it off when I flatten it to put in the bag. I have flattened and unflattened it many times and it doesn't seem to be wearing out even after months of use. It is very responsive and I don't even notice I am using a such a uniquely designed mouse. I never have any wrist or hand tiring and it is in fact very comfortable. Almost on par with my former ergonomic mouse. The left and right click are a little hard at first, but they wear in and you get used to them to the point where it becomes an unconscious thing. The only con I have is that the scroll wheel takes a bit of getting used to and doesn't always scroll as much or as little as I would like. It is still quite usable however. The noise it makes is audible but not annoying. I sort of like it. Kind of a fun bells and whistles kind of thing. You can feel and hear it. I get tons of comments and compliments on this mouse, especially from road warriors like myself. If you have the kind of exacting requirements I have above, get it! You won't be sorry. Form meets function here in perfect stylish balance. April 2012 update: I still love this mouse. It is now my preferred mouse in every situation. It is remarkably comfortable given its minimalist form factor. I don't use any other mouse even though I have more 'ergonomic' ones. I have yet to replace a battery or have connectivity issues. Starts up instantly as soon as I unflatten it. Amazing mouse! Read more

i purchased this mouse several weeks ago for work as well as when i'm mobile. i like my work laptop, but using the mousepad's distinctly more uncomfortable than docked with my desktop setting, particularly away from my desk. the first time i used the mouse, i experienced distinct discomfort, stemming from my wrist posture and how i was used to my logitech mouse + wrist pad. however, the next day i forgot to charge it properly and was 'forced' to use my arc mouse. now, i enjoy using it as often as possible whenever i work remotely! i bought this during gold-box sale, so totally worth it for me. i'm the type who can't buy almost anything full price, no matter how cutting edge or of the latest fashion it is. pros: * silicone padding on bottom is very comfortable and smooth * surface for buttons is very smooth and easy to click * the force-feedback from using the 'middle button' is great to control scrolling up and down. you can control to stop scrolling by tapping again * form factor is utterly impressive for keeping mobile. leave the dongle in your laptop and carry the mouse right in your pocket or in bag * form factor also allows for easy gliding. my traditional mouse isn't even remotely that smooth. esp even more useful on non-smooth surfaces like my bed! * bluetooth range is pretty good * laser optics is amazing. there is no issue on any surface i typically use: mousepad, desk, even bed cons: * button click surface, while smooth, easily collects body oil from fingers. those with sweaty hands and eat finger food snacks but don't clean well enough will surely muck up the product * overcompensating for scrolling: if you have to scroll far down a page, it over-measures your swipe velocity and it'll keep on scrolling. if you don't pay attention and hit a shift or control key during so will wreak havoc and open a ton of windows and/or change your browser zoom settings. uber inconvenient if you're not paying attention * silicone body is a dust collector. can't really stop that * uber-portable as a mouse, but not if you snap your dongle along with mouse: it may be magnetized, but the dongle hitched onto the back of the mouse will easily move esp if you leave the mouse in more of a pouch than a pocket with other things or where it can move around. * dongle is just big enough to over-protrude on say, a laptop, esp packing and unpacking the laptop from bag if you put it in the 'wrong' usb slot. fortunately, the body shape of thinkpad has a slot where i'm comfortable it won't snap (break?) and pop out while moving laptop to/fro my bag if under $40, i'd buy this again. if closer to 40, i'd be very hesitant, as i'd rather just get a regular, comfortable mouse for 1/3 the price with lesser cool (but functional) features Read more