Lately, Microsoft has developed a new strategy by creating an innovation direction for some recently released products. For example, Microsoft has tried to push the envelope with interesting mouse combinations such as the Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000, and now the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. With this new mouse, Microsoft has decided to include built-in 1 GB memory, new switches, a case and more. Is this new combination worth the purchase? Read on to find out.

Features

• Transceiver with 1 GB Flash Memory
  The transceiver is also a fully functional flash drive, so you can store and transfer files and free up USB ports.

• 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology
  The 2.4 GHz wireless USB mini-transceiver connects wirelessly right out of the box with virtually no interference, and up to 30 feet of wireless range.

• USB Rechargeable with Magnetic Connectors
  Simply snap in the magnetic connectors to charge while working, using the included USB transceiver.

• High Definition Laser Technology
  Microsoft High Definition Laser Mouse products are more precise, more responsive, and deliver smoother tracking.

• Battery Life Indicator
  You won't get caught with a dead battery—the Battery Status LED Indicator glows red when the battery is running low.

• Magnifier
  Point and click to enlarge and edit detail using the Magnifier*.

• 4-Way Scrolling
  Scroll four ways for greater efficiency and comfort with Tilt Wheel Technology.

• 5-Button Mouse
  Get quick access to the media, programs, and files you use most often with customizable buttons.

• Flip 3D
  Easily flip through all open windows with Flip 3D.

• Instant Viewer
  Too many open items on your desktop? Click the scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows, then point and click to select.

• Right Handed Design
  Mouse design is optimized for right handed users.

• Scroll Wheel
  Save time and effort with the scroll wheel—navigate documents and Web pages without using the on-screen scroll bar.

• On/Off Button
  Turn your 3-in-1 device off to extend battery life even longer.

• Bluetooth Mode Switch
  A switch on the bottom of the mouse enables Bluetooth notebook users to connect directly to their PC without using the included transceiver.

• Carrying Case
  Protect your mouse while you’re on the go.

• Designed for Notebook PCs
  Compact and comfortable, our handy notebook and laptop products are designed for convenience and mobility.

• Ergonomic Design
  Point and click in comfort—ergonomic design helps you work longer without discomfort.
  
   

Setup, Installation & Memory Use 

Setup: The installation, as always, is simple. You have to insert the rechargeable AAA NiMH battery (included) in the mouse. Now, insert the USB transceiver into the computer and voila. Nothing has to be setup at all if you do not want to use the IntelliPoint features. To use the additional programmable buttons, you must install Microsoft IntelliPoint software (see below). The device works on Windows Vista, but also works on Windows XP and Windows 2000. A full charge takes 5 hours, but a day's charge only takes 15 minutes so you can start using the mouse immediately, as you can use the mouse as it is charging. When you first put the battery in the green LED lights up on the top of the mouse, and if there is low battery it will glow red. The mouse will not charge if the computer is off or in standby. 

Once you insert the transceiver / memory stick combo, the drive appears in your devices just as any other thumb drive. The transceiver is officially dubbed "Microsoft 2.4 GHz Transceiver with Memory v1.0" and will give you about 30 feet of range. The drive holds 1 GB of memory and hopefully in the future subsequent versions will include at least 2 GB or more. Unfortunately, the memory stick cannot be used for the ReadyBoost features of Windows Vista. Also, this device is the only Microsoft hardware device released recently that is NOT certified for Windows Vista.

Microsoft IntelliPoint 6.1 / 6.2 Software

If you want to customize your mouse, you will have to install IntelliPoint 6.11 (about 45 MB - whichis included), which does not require a restart. To customize your mouse keys, select either "Mouse" for the Control Panel or "Microsoft Mouse" from the program menu. On the buttons tab you can click on the different buttons and reassign the keys to a variety of functions. You must use this software to assign the performance slider and instant viewer. In this software you can also change your pointers, other pointer options, view which hardware is connected, change scrolling options, etc. The software is easy to use and is required for advanced functionality of the mouse. The instant viewer feature is pretty cool - you click the tilt wheel and all the windows you have home are brought into one easy view. The magnify tool is the right button, and is the same as previous versions. Of course, you can reprogram these as necessary. Another feature is the performance slider, where you can choose between longer battery life and greater accuracy. If you want to use the new Flip 3D feature (which can be assigned to the scroll wheel, etc.), you need to go to the Microsoft Hardware website and download IntelliPoint 6.2 and install that.

Mouse Design & Use

The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is 3.3 inches long, 2.6 inches wide, 1.3 inches high and weighs a few ounces. The weight is less because of the one battery AAA. The mouse includes the standard five buttons for basic mouse functionality (two on top, the wheel and two sides). The mouse has a two tone silver and black design. The silver is actual metal and works with the black design well. On the left side, there is a translucent rubber grip pad similar to scroll wheels of the past. The black is the "glossy black" comparable to the Xbox Elite, Samsung TVs, etc. The scroll wheel is the grey translucent tilt wheel with scroll wheel detents, but seems skinnier than previous versions. The mouse has a black bottom, with a single battery compartment accessible from there. The battery compartment door is not attached and comes off easily - I'm not sure why they did not have it flip open. On the bottom are the laser optical sensor, connect button, on/off switch and Bluetooth switch. The switches are pretty solid and won't turn on accidentally. On the front, there is a Microsoft Laser technology emblem.

The transceiver is the same size as some older USB keys and is not too big. There is a magnetic strip on the end for the connection to the charging cord. The charging cord is about two feet long and is ample length. There is a round connector for the bottom of the mouse and the square end is for the transceiver.  I did not find using the mouse awkward while charging as the cord is very small and does not get in the way.

The case is oval shaped with a red stitched Microsoft logo on the front. The case has a zipper and is made is made of a thicker spandex-like material. I think the case could be slightly bigger, but is still an improvement over the hard plastic case included with the Notebook presenter mouse.

Microsoft  Optical Technology

Final Comments

The Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 is a well-designed, higher-end mouse that offers extra features for those on the go. The metal and glossy black design mesh excellently together and the mouse is great looking overall. I'm glad Microsoft has been thinking outside of the box lately and have been combining their products with other features such as the memory. The case is appreciated since users could lose the cord easily without one and will fit nicely in any laptop bag. The new IntelliPoint 6.2 has some great new features that are definitely meant to work seamlessly with the mouse, which I hope they start including with the retail version in the future. I hope in subsequent versions they include more memory, are Windows Vista Certified and support ReadyBoost. Even though the device is not Windows Vista Certified, it worked seamlessly with Vista for the purposes of this review. The on/off switch, and Bluetooth switch add additional convenience features that make this mouse all the better and justify the higher price. Overall, I definitely recommend this mouse for notebook users - the features and the design speak for itself!