The concept behind the Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 is a simple one: integrate the functions of a presentation controller into a standard mobile wireless mouse. Clearly aimed at the traveling professional, the handy AIO device seems to do the impossible by keeping the entire setup simple, intuitive and easily accessible.
Microsoft clearly considered laptop users most requested features and jammed them all, and then some, into 1 ready to use must have mouse, ESPECIALLY if your a business man. We’re talking small size & form bluetooth connectivity, a carrying case, an on/off switch, laser tracking technology, presentation controls, customizable extra buttons, a laser pointer and an all around functional and strong framework. I’m at a loss for ideas on what could be added to this basically fully complete laptop mouse.
The first thing you’ll notice is the interesting packaging of the Notebook Presenter Mouse which is suspended in a plastic shell so that it can be spun around and viewed from all angles. This shell is also a feature of the mouse: the included wrist strap can be woven through a few holes to make a convenient carrying case that is neither bulky or delicate. The reason for the tricked-out packaging is clearly to show off the bottom surface, which are located the presentation controls.
In the box you’ll find the unit, contained in its case, as well as a bluetooth adapter, driver disc and wrist strap. The Notebook Presenter Mouse itself isn’t the most stylish or beautiful device of its kind we’ve seen, but it does look quite clean and streamlined. The top surface has three extra buttons, with the two on either side of the regular mouse buttons assignable with downloadable software to any one of nearly limitless functions, including zoom, magnify region, and Flip 3D. The button located by the four-way scroll wheel switches the device between Presentation and Mouse modes. However, it’s the bottom surface of the gadget where the magic really happens. Next Slide, Previous Slide, Blank Screen, Laser Pointer, and Volume Up/Down functions are all clearly accessible, as are the tiny connect button and power switch. The intended use is clear… supply a standard featured issue mouse buttons for regular use, and specialized buttons for use during meetings and other important presentations. Sweet!
The bluetooth dongle is paired with the mouse at the factory so there is no need to pair the wireless notebook mouse. In mouse mode, the buttons along the bottom surface are rendered inactive, while in Presentation mode, the normal mouse buttons are unresponsive (except the mode button itself, which is a little too easy to accidentally hit). As for the laser pointer, it can be used in either mode and is projected out the front of the mouse. Also, the presentation mode controls can be used to manipulate Windows Media Player, letting the doohickey double as a nice little remote control with a 30ft range as well.
Batteries are loaded from the back which you need 2 AAA’s. We would comment on the wireless mouse overall battery life, but after a couple months of daily use and several friends telling me, no one had to replace them yet.
The device itself is on par with other Microsoft mice we have used, and has no lag when waking from power save mode. While we would have been happy with optical technology, the wireless mouse actually uses laser tracking – 1000dpi and up to 6000fps. The integrated laser pointer is slightly smaller than dedicated ones, and red in color. In terms of presentation button placement, rest assured the setup’s intuitive enough that when we handed the Notebook Presenter Mouse off to people who hadn’t used it beforehand, there were able to quickly pick up the basics without any trouble.
I cannot recommend a more laptop notebook ready mouse more highly than the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter 8000. To be blunt, it is the ideal option for anyone who gives presentations with any regularity. Every possible feature one could ask for is included. With the number of input devices that have come across our desk, you’d think it’d be easier to come up with a few desirable features absent from this gadget. Not so – microsoft 8000 mouse has just about every extra you can imagine, and implements every functional feature to the tee. Clap Clap Microsoft.
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Rating: 7.8/10 (4 votes cast)
