Microsoft introduces Arc Mouse

Microsoft has unveiled a crescent-moon-shaped mouse designed to be just as fashionable as it is functional — the Arc Mouse.

With its unique foldable design, Arc reduces in size by almost half for portability when it is snapped shut, but provides complete comfort as a full size mouse when flipped open.

“Arc truly makes the once-humble mouse a fashion accessory,” said Microsoft’s Julia Nicholls, Product Marketing Manager for Mice and Keyboards, Microsoft ANZ. “Just as importantly, its foldable form factor makes Arc a great travel companion. It takes up minimal space while making maximum impact.”

The Arc Mouse’s foldable shape allows it to easily slip into any bag while on the go and expand to a comfortable full size mouse in one easy motion – much like a clamshell mobile phone. Its micro USB transceiver quickly snaps into the bottom of the mouse using a magnet and is so small it sticks out less than one centimetre while plugged in.

A battery life indicator shows two colours: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low.

The 2.4GHz wireless technology gives consumers a wireless connection with a range of up to nine metres, even in crowded wireless environments.

Carrying case is included and uses a magnetic flap to easily snap shut and protect the mouse while on the go.

The Arc Mouse will be widely available in New Zealand from December 2008 for a recommended retail price of NZ$99.00, including a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft Corp.