Features & Specifications
The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 has a very small and compact design that is a bit more bulbous that offerings from Logitech like the VX Nano. The mouse itself can operate via the wireless 2.4 GHz transceiver that has the flash store inside or you can use the mouse on computers that feature onboard Bluetooth without a transceiver by flipping a switch on the bottom of the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000.

Though the mouse is small, Microsoft was still able to get two navigation buttons on the side of the mouse that by default move back and forth through web pages and files or folders on your computer. The mouse is small measuring in at 2.63-inches wide by 3.35-inches long.

Power for the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 comes from one AAA battery that is included. The battery Microsoft ships with the mouse are a rechargeable version, though in a pinch you can use standard AAA batteries. The mouse used a very innovative charging system that uses magnetic connectors that remind me of how the AC adapter connects to the notebook on my MacBook. The mouse has a green light on top that glows green during charge and red when the battery is low.

The end of the USB transceiver has three contacts that magnetically attract the included cable when oriented correctly. If you have the cable turned the wrong direction the magnet repels the cable. The mouse has the recharge connector on the bottom arranged so that when connected you can use the mouse while charging so you are never without power. The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 has five buttons total and is built to work with Vista. Left handed users will find the mouse hard to use since it is made with a right hand design.

Microsoft includes a carry case to protect the mouse from damage in your notebook bag or briefcase. Aesthetically the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is very nice looking with brushed aluminum on the top covering the two main buttons. The remainder of the mouse is a glossy black plastic with a grippy black rubberized plastic where your pinky sets and a clear rubberized area where your thumb sits. The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is compatible with Mac OS X as well.

Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 in Use
The shape of the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is comfortable in the hand, but a bit short for my tastes. I would prefer a longer mouse that wasn’t as thick as the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. You can really tell how thick the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 when you look at it next to the VX Nano from Logitech.

Wireless connectivity with the transceiver and via my MacBook’s onboard Bluetooth was great. Microsoft promises a 30-foot wireless range with the transceiver and I got that and more during testing. One of the issues with many notebook mice is the risk of being without battery power while you are on the road. The charging system that the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 uses rules that completely out. The mouse feels the same during use with or without the charging cable plugged in.

The magnetic charging cable is long enough that users with large notebooks should have no problem positioning it for use, even if the USB ports are on the opposite side of your notebook. If you don’t want to use the transceiver, the ability to go without a transceiver on Bluetooth equipped notebooks is great. Microsoft doesn’t mention the sensitivity of the mouse, but I would put it at about 800 dpi. This is plenty for notebook use, but if you use a gaming notebook you will want more sensitivity.