Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) today released the latest addition to its mouse lineup, the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. Typically the release of a device is a non-event, but since I have been using this particular device for the past couple of days, I decided to share some thoughts about it before you spend your $99.
At first glance, the roundish shape of the mouse looks odd, but after you spend some time using it, you quickly come to appreciate the curves and how nicely they fit in your hand, as well as how seamlessly it allows you to use the extra buttons.
The aluminum-black look is pretty nice, and matches the Macbook (black) quite well. The higher profile of the mouse, however, is a bit of downer, especially if you have one of those slim-profile bags (like the one I carry.) It sticks out like a goitre.
The Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 works with a Mac right out of the box — in fact, it was easier to set up on a Macbook than on a Vista machine. And it bundles 1GB of memory with the transceiver, which plugs into the USB. That might be a nice add-on for some, but to me it doesn’t make much sense. I mean, who carries their mouse without a laptop?
The best feature of this mouse, from my perspective, is the recharging dongle, which attaches to the USB transceiver and charges the mouse. Just for those rare occasions when your mouse runs out of batteries.
Verdict: 6.5/10. Buy if you have $100 to spare. Otherwise, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000 is a better bargain at $50. The extra $50 can buy you a 2-4 GB USB drive.
nice review Om.
Keep them coming!
Your wish is my command.
The memory makes sense if you share a computer at work, use Internet cafes, etc., and want to use your own mouse. However, it’s disappointing to see yet another right-handed mouse. Oh well.
Om – was this a loaner review mouse you were sent? Were you able to buy it in advance somehow? Seems like an important part of the review process that’s missing: how/where did you get the mouse and what is the exchange for writing the review?
It’s funny reading that it was more friendly installing on a Mac than on Vista. Poor ol’ Vista. It’s starting to get the Windows ME treatment.
Creative was the first to come out with a wireless mouse that recharges through USB.
Problem with it was that the rechargable battery only lasted a couple of days. Also, there is no driver for it, so I can’t make the rollerwheel perform double-clicks.
I’m afraid you’re missing the point. The 1GB is not for portable storage. This would be PERFECT for my desktop, I get mouse support AND and extra gig of RAM.
Vista supports using Flash drives as RAM or memdisk (put your swap-file on there).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReadyBoost
Johnny
thanks for the tip. that is awesome. i am new to vista so would appreciate if you could elaborate on how to do what you are suggesting.
Tdavid,
yes it was a loaner. sorry about that. i should have mentioned it. I am still going to buy the $50 dollar laser mouse. Need one anyway.
Hi Om,
Not sure I want to buy Microsoft’s non-software products..here is my story..
By mistake I purchased Microsoft’s webcam. It forced me to install Windows XP though I was happy with my Windows 2000 (It didn’t allow my son to load latest computer games :-). It further required new patches to be downloaded. At the end of wasting hours and spending extra bucks to purchase Windows XP, I managed to use the webcam.
It is surprising that MS h/w products don’t even support not-so older versions of their own OS.