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Installation and General Use
 Installation of the Microsoft Presenter Mouse is simple and straightforward. It features a quick and easy installation disk and is basically a plug and play unit. Just plug in the Bluetooth USB transceiver and link it with the mouse to start using all the features right out of the box. I was disappointed at the lack of documentation on this device, though with a little trial and error, I was able to discover some of the more interesting features.
Going online was the best way I found to get any information. It turns out the installation disk is not necessary as you are better off downloading the most up-to-date software on Microsoft's website. Users with integrated Bluetooth on their computers may also have issues figuring out the connection between the mouse and internal link. Again, there is no documentation on these issues included in the package. Connection with my Dell PC was as easy as plugging in the Bluetooth USB transceiver and linking the mouse.
Bluetooth with First Connect technology does offer precise, wireless communication between the mouse and transceiver. Pushing the top toggle button allows use of all the bottom presenter functions. Pressing again switches it back to mouse mode. For offsite presentations, the handy case houses the mouse and Bluetooth USB transceiver together.
Presentation Features
 Simply pushing the top middle toggle button below the scroll wheel switches the mouse to presenter mode. Once activated, the mouse then becomes a wireless palm-sized controller for PowerPoint presentations, complete with a laser pointer. Maneuver slides forward or back and control volume levels from up to 30 feet. Its compact size offers a discrete and comfortable feel in the hand when using it as a remote device for presentations. Turning the mouse over and switching back to mouse mode also allows use of the Digital Ink function, to highlight and annotate important parts of any presentation slide.
Though my high level corporate presentations to the board of directors are few and far between, I found that the Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse would be a handy ally when paired with a high impact PowerPoint presentation. As much fun as the Digital Ink feature is for annotating slides just like the pros on Monday Night Football, the powerful laser pointer is a nice touch and can be used without switching from presenter to mouse mode. Another feature I discovered, again by accident, was the instant viewer function. By pressing down on the wheel, I can view all open pages in thumbnail mode on the desktop. I found this useful in presentations where multiple windows were used and referred to. Just press down on the wheel when in mouse mode, scroll to the desired window and press again.
Like many, I enjoy listening to music on my computer and I found the presentation features on the mouse work especially well with audio programs like iTunes. Similar to a wireless keyboard with hot key features, the Microsoft Presenter Mouse controls volume levels, pause, forward and back, making it an ideal multi-media remote. Though controlling audio programs means I had to stop what I was doing and switch from mouse to presenter mode. This was only slightly irritating, as it allowed me to skip tunes or pause the music without toggling through several open windows.
Additional Features
Aside from being a stylish, compact and fully portable presentation device, the Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 also offers other features that complete the package. A large button on the tail end of the mouse allows quick and easy battery change-out, while a small on/off switch extends battery life. My only problem with this is, who remembers to turn off their mouse? Although, I believe this to be a feature primarily used when transporting or when not using the mouse on a regular basis. A low battery warning light is also incorporated so you should never get stuck with a dead presenter. The thin side buttons also add functions while in mouse mode, such as back page and magnify. Again, not mentioned in the documentation.
The included carrying case is a nice touch, as the Microsoft Presenter Mouse is designed for portability. Both the Bluetooth USB transceiver and mouse fit perfectly, but one confusing accessory included with the case was the worthless nylon wrist strap. This strap has to actually be put on the case, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out when you would even use a wrist strap. Wouldn't most people store the case within the safe confines of a computer bag or briefcase? As the case itself has no discernable locking mechanism, it seems highly unlikely that anyone would be simply carrying it around by the strap. That said, there is something very cool about having a mouse with its own road case.
 In mouse mode, I found the Microsoft Presenter Mouse comfortable to use, but a few things took some getting used to. In fact, I had to adjust the pointer speed as its default setting is extremely fast and was difficult to control. Left and right click buttons are set low, so they don't have the same defining "click" to them that other wireless units have. This can also take some getting used to, especially if using the mouse for fast paced online gaming. I enjoyed the smooth rolling wheel, which made scrolling fast, but look out, without intermittent wheel "clicks", any slight touch or movement sends the screen flying. All adjustments can be set to desired levels through the options panel included in the software.
The tilt wheel function allows easy scrolling both left and right for larger documents and web pages. This was yet another feature left out of the documentation. While it did work on my notebook, this feature did not seem to work at all on my desktop, even when option settings were activated. A side button also activates a magnifying window for separate examination of small details such as maps and photos.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 is a sleek and stylish addition to any desktop or notebook. As a mouse by itself, it performs well. Pointer and scrolling default speeds were issues, but were easily adjusted to more comfortable levels. When using in presenter mode, the mouse is quite comfortable due to its weight and compact size. The low set left and right click buttons are deactivated while in presenter mode and make use of the bottom buttons trouble free.
With over two-weeks worth of use, the battery still seemed strong and there was no noticeable lag in pointer control or battery warning light. I found the lack of proper documentation a bit disappointing, as I had to figure out all the available functions and how to use them by trial and error. For those who frequently make corporate business presentations and are on the go, I would highly recommend the Microsoft Presenter Mouse, as its combination of features makes it a highly effective tool. For others like myself looking for a simple wireless mouse, I'm not sure if the $100 suggested retail price is worth the entertainment I get from using the laser pointer to play with my cat.
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Posted April 18, 2007 by BlueTomorrow.com
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