Microsoft Shows Laptop Mouse With Nano Dongle

As much as computer manufacturers try to improve ways to improve the trackpad – be it with multi-touch or scroll-sensitive zones – nothing compares to the old mouse.

To make mice for laptops, companies have often just made the mouse a little smaller so that it’s easier to pack for travel. Of course, now that things are wireless, often you’ll find an unsightly and cumbersome dongle protrude out from your USB port.

Logitech took the first big step by offering a ‘nano-size’ transceiver that reduces the USB part to just a small nub. Now Microsoft has caught up with its own tiny USB receiver and adds in its BlueTrack technology that allows you to use the mouse on more surfaces than ever.

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 will hit in June for around $50. Microsoft also announced the Wireless Mouse 5000 and Wireless Keyboard 3000 to join the new summer lineup (read the press release here).

Of course, no matter how small the USB transceivers get, you still can’t beat the convenience of having built-in Bluetooth with a compatible mouse.

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
  • jacobdrj
    About fraking time! Finally, someone to compete with Logitech, to help bring the prices down...

    Oh...

    What is this?

    They already have generic Bluetooth 2.0 dongles that do the same thing, and add functionality to your rig?

    What? Some laptops already include said Bluetooth 2.0 capability from the factory?!?!?
    You're kidding, right?

    Oh well, as Cheech once said: "Better late than never..."
    Reply
  • jerther
    As for space, nothing can beat the good old clit :)

    I personnaly prefer this over the trackpad.

    The industry needs something new and innovative. Mice are like rubber tires for cars: they have been around for too long and are still the best we can get.

    Touch screens are going to be great but I can't picture myself using that for houres.
    Reply
  • Bluetooth sucks in a power comparison with a proprietary wireless communication designed specifically for a mouse (low bitrate).

    If you choose Bluetooth you will be expending many bucks in fresh batteries. So, do the math and TCO is a lot higher than the TCO of a mouse with a nano receiver.
    Reply
  • hellwig
    Man, I could really use this dongle. The dongle on my current wireless Microsoft mouse is like 2 inches long, and the only USB ports on my laptop are on the right-hand side, where I'm using the mouse.
    Reply
  • squatchman
    1) Bluetooth
    2) Rechargable
    3) Not built for a small child


    Wireless without the stupid dongle.
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    I would never use BlueTooth for mouse - or anything, in fact. It sucks too much power while offering no tangible benefits in normal usage. In fact, the first thing I did when I got my new laptop was to disable BlueTooth from device manager.

    Regarding the dongle, I wouldn't really mind the size. I have a VX Revolution from nearly 2 years ago that I still use, and its dongle is about 2.5cm long - but I hardly mind it, because of the comfort it gives me.
    Reply
  • B-Unit
    Heheh, they said 'nano dongle'
    Reply
  • anamaniac
    That is such a sexy mouse~!

    I paid $60 for my last, $50 for my next isn't a big deal... SEXY!
    Reply
  • jn77
    I actually find this really painfull... eh, another boring old mouse with a new improved micro sized usb dongle.

    I am in the marked to replace my mouse and keyboard for both my desktop and laptop and this is what I am looking for:

    -- Bluetooth 3.x ( to get rid of the wires )
    -- LED or OLED backlighting ( some manufactures have it, but the keyboars look hidious )
    -- A Wave/Natural design from Logitech or Microsoft
    -- removable lithium Ion batteries like the one I got for my blackberry that is 3500mah
    -- And a powder coating that does not wear off like the over priced lump of plastic that the Microsoft 8000 series is made from.

    -J
    Reply
  • greenskye
    so if bluetooth sucks too much power, why can't we just have whatever wireless that's in the usb dongles built in? problem solved!
    Reply