Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse ELG-00034 Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse ELG-00034 Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse ELG-00034 promises a unique blend of portability, style, and performance. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right wireless mouse for you.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a bold departure from traditional mouse designs, offering a sleek and compact form factor that is perfect for travel. It features a unique bendable tail that allows the mouse to flatten for easy storage, and its BlueTrack Technology promises reliable tracking on a wide range of surfaces.

Features

The Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse is packed with features that enhance its usability and portability. Some of the key features include:

  • Bendable Tail: The signature feature of the Arc Mouse is its bendable tail, allowing the mouse to flatten to a fraction of its size. This makes it incredibly portable and convenient for slipping into your pocket or bag.
  • BlueTrack Technology: This advanced tracking technology allows the Arc Mouse to work on a wide range of surfaces, including glass and wood, without the need for a mousepad. This offers greater flexibility and convenience.
  • Lightweight Design: The Arc Mouse weighs in at just 2.91 ounces (including batteries), making it extremely comfortable to use for extended periods.
  • Long Battery Life: The Arc Mouse boasts a battery life of up to 6 months on a single set of batteries. This ensures that you won’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries.

Performance

The Microsoft Arc Mouse delivered a smooth and responsive performance during my testing. I used it for a variety of tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and gaming, and found it to be comfortable and reliable. The BlueTrack Technology worked as advertised, enabling accurate tracking on a variety of surfaces. The scrolling experience was smooth, and the click response was crisp and consistent.

However, I did notice a slight latency when using the mouse for fast-paced games. While it’s not a dealbreaker, those who are serious gamers might want to consider a mouse with a faster response time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ultra-slim and portable design
  • Bendable tail for easy storage
  • BlueTrack Technology for reliable tracking
  • Lightweight and comfortable to use
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Slightly noticeable latency in fast-paced games
  • Some users may find the design a bit too minimalist

Final Verdict

The Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse ELG-00034 is an excellent choice for users who value portability and a stylish design. Its bendable tail, BlueTrack Technology, and long battery life make it a great option for travelers or anyone who wants a compact and convenient mouse. However, gamers who demand a lightning-fast response time might want to consider other options. Overall, the Microsoft Arc Mouse is a solid performer that offers a unique and practical solution for everyday use.

Feature Specification
Connection Interface Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless Frequency 2.4 GHz frequency range
Wireless Range 32.8 feet (10 meters) in open area, 16.4 feet (5 meters) in office environment
Compatibility Microsoft Windows 11 Home/Pro / 10 / 8.1 / 8 (must be BT 4.0 enabled)
Dimensions 5.17 x 2.17 x 0.56 in (131.31 x 55.11 x 14.22 mm)
Weight 2.91 oz (including batteries)
Battery 2 AAA alkaline batteries (included)
Battery Life Up to 6 months
Mouse Tracking System Microsoft BlueTrack Technology
Imaging Rate Dynamically adaptable to 1200 frames per second
X-Y Resolution 1000 points per inch (39.4 points per millimeter)
Tracking Speed Up to 30 inches (762 millimeters) per second
Mouse Button Features 2 buttons, left and right click
Design Features Bendable tail
Scrolling Features Full scroll plane, horizontal and vertical scrolling