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Microsoft Debuts Mouse With Built-In Flash Memory

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

September 12, 2007, 5:20 PM

Microsoft thinks it has the answer for your USB slot shortage on your notebook - by combining a mouse with a flash memory card.

The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 includes 1 GB of storage in its transceiver. In addition, the same USB port is able to charge the mouse as well using a magnetic charger.

"With the continued rise in notebook sales, there is a huge demand for smart peripherals that help mobile users get their work done more efficiently," marketing director Matt Barlow said.

The user will be able to select between Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless when using the mouse without wires. When the battery is low, she can connect the charging cord to the underside of the mouse to continue working. Each charge lasts for about three weeks, Microsoft said.

A button allows one-touch access to Vista's Flip 3D feature, allowing the user to scroll through windows easily. A tilt wheel is also included, as well as buttons that are preprogrammed to function as magnifier and back buttons.

Microsoft says that it expects to have the mouse available beginning in October for a retail price of $99.95 USD.

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By Type-E

posted Sep 14, 2007 - 5:24 PM

Why not have every usb device to require a USB port on it. This way, you will never run out of it.

Score: 0

By divinelogic

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 8:46 PM

This is all just a small "trick" to get people ready for a complete Microsoft laptop. Well, it will probably be more like a Tablet PC, yet similar in features and GUI to "Surface".

In other words, I know Microsoft's strategies even before they do!

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Score: 0

By AntiochMedia

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 10:35 AM

I don't understand the negative responses here. I think that $99.95 is a high price, however, we'll undoubtedly see this become a standard soon.

It makes sense, and for Microsoft to debut such a thing is surprising as their track record on innovative hardware is quite non existent.

As the article stated, this is perfect for laptop users with a lack of USB ports. My Latitude C640 has a whopping 1 USB port. While I make use of a PCMCIA USB Hub and 2 USB Hubs in my dock, the benefits of this on the go are great.

The only feature that I think Microsoft could have added would have been a USB hub to furthur make this an all-in-one USB device - but I suppose that would just overdo it =).

Also, someone else mentioned about carrying mouse from computer to computer. If you think about it, if it has Bluetooth capabilities, the device would be able to transmit data even if it's in your laptop bag =)

Score: 0

By billweh

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 8:21 AM

Is it just me? Why would I want to have a flash card in my mouse? So now instead of slipping a slim stick in my pocket to carry my data with me, or the ultimate in nerdiness - on a lanyard, I now get to carry around my mouse from computer to computer?

Do they give you two docking bays so that you can connect this mouse to multiple machines, or do I always have to disconnect the whole darn thing just to bring the data over to another machine?

Maybe I'm missing something...?

Score: 0

By OafyC

edited Sep 13, 2007 - 11:46 AM

You are missing that the memory is in the receiver, not the mouse.

Score: 0

By billweh

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 4:41 PM

You're right - I missed that. I couldn't figure out why anyone would want the memory in their mouse.

I still don't get having the memory in the base. Unless you're going to transfer the base from machine to machine, or it's on a stick that can be transferred. It doesn't seem like a "practical" solution to me.

The bluetooth is nice - I could see the mouse hooking to your desktop via the base and then when you're on the road - you can take just the mouse because it will connect to the bluetooth in your laptop - but the memory thing still doesn't make sense to me.

Maybe I just need to see the final product.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 6:43 PM

The point is that it conserves the number of USB ports in use, which is EXTREMELY important on portable systems. :)

The flexibility of RF versus Bluetooth versus USB-wired is pretty cool to me.

That said, if you still don't see a point, then chances are that you're not in the target audience of this product.

Score: 0

By DaveBGisAFairy

edited Sep 13, 2007 - 11:25 AM

Score: 0

By 9h0s7

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 9:06 AM

this is meant to be a means of sneaker-net. it is meant for mobile users that have a pc at the office and a laptop on the go. this has no use to anyone who wants to use it to transfer data from one pc to the other all the time

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 7:20 AM

This is absolutely fantastic!

RF or Bluetooth or Wired mode, intelligent battery recharger, 1GB of memory (that I bet is Vista ReadyBoost compatible, for those who care), and a stylish looking mouse.

Score: 0

By enalposi

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 9:45 AM

I am not entirely sure 1GB ReadyBoost in a *wireless mouse* will provide significant performance gains (...)

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 6:44 PM

It's not in a wireless mouse. It's in the receiver adapter... I re-read the article, and it clearly explains that...

Score: 0

By enalposi

posted Sep 14, 2007 - 8:45 AM

In that case you are better off getting a Bluetooth mouse (most modern laptops support it) and an 8Gig stick for the same money.

Score: 0

By HoIIywood__

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 7:11 AM

Avoid, apparently, inline will all other Microsoft hardware, these are all faulty. Apparently, the flash memory catches fire.

Score: 0

By DaveBGisAFairy

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 11:24 AM

So is this offensive? IF he can be a shadow and pretend to be someone else can you outright slander him? As Betanews apparently doesn't care as even their warning they still allow this to be run like a kindergarten class

Score: 0

By SlapShot

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 7:29 AM

lifeless shadow at it again

Score: 0

By phpren

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 6:08 AM

45555555555

Score: 0

By sumone

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 3:05 AM

especially useful for laptops.

Score: 0

By phpren

edited Sep 13, 2007 - 7:34 AM

1111111112222222222

Score: 0

By 9h0s7

edited Sep 13, 2007 - 9:18 AM

you know I would have never understood this article until I read your comment. Thank you for effort in helping those of us who don't know anything.

/sarcasm

Score: 0

By QQ

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 2:40 AM

well, frankly, i don't see how could i use that..

Score: 0

By saeed201

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 11:57 AM

then it is not for you. I don't think everyone need or can use everything.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 7:18 AM

Then you're just not thinking.

Score: 0

By mdotwills

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 2:08 AM

To tell the truth, this is something that I have been waiting for for years...

Score: 0

By drumcat

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 12:59 AM

If it were a presenter/mouse, you're really on to something...

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 7:21 AM

Well they had to save *something* for the Version 2 design! ;)

Score: 0

By yountmj

posted Sep 13, 2007 - 12:00 AM

Okay, seriously... I agree, that's a fantastic idea.

Score: 0

By bakura

posted Sep 12, 2007 - 11:37 PM

That's a really good idea. It's odd that nobody else has added flash memory to the wireless mouse USB adapters.

Score: 0

By cuong.nguyen

edited Sep 13, 2007 - 6:36 AM

Sony had a mouse with Memory Stick Reader before the USB and wireless mouse days.

USB stick as both transmitter and storage? Is that means the mouse should take rest when we give someone USB for data exchanging?

Score: 0

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