Every once in a while, two different things combine to make something superb – like peanut butter and jelly. Or ice cream and cookie dough. Microsoft's Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 claims our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award thanks to the ingenuity of its combination laser mouse and wireless presenter design. Microsoft took the important parts of two different pieces of hardware and fused them together in a compact, efficient PC peripheral. This pairing of devices allows the user to experience the best a mouse and wireless presenter can offer in what we feel a truly versatile, ingenious tool.
The most exciting feature of the Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 is its dual nature. Simply by pressing a button located on the top and middle of the presenter, you can switch from mouse mode to presentation mode. The top of the Presenter Mouse 8000 looks and functions mostly like a normal mouse from Microsoft, but flip the device over and you'll find the presentation control buttons. This duality makes the Presenter Mouse 8000 an excellent choice for people who want to save some space in their backpack, briefcase, or laptop case because it can take the place of three pieces of hardware: a mouse, a media remote and a wireless presenter. This duality, or rather, triality, allows you to easily transition from the computer to speaking with your audience face-to-face.
The Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 has a comparatively short wireless range of 30 feet. Of all the wireless presenters we looked at in our research, 30 feet was the shortest wireless range. However, for most people 30 feet is more than enough. In most venues where you'd make a presentation, the computer will most likely not be more than 30 feet away. We think this handy wireless presenter will fit most of your needs, whether you're a teacher, professor or business professional.
The Presenter Mouse 8000 has many features, but one of the most important is a low-battery indicator. We were impressed that Microsoft implemented a low-battery indicator in this wireless presenter. It is a very useful tool that can prevent embarrassing situations – such as the batteries dying in your wireless presenter in the middle of your presentation. A low-battery indicator can also save you money. Instead of replacing batteries early because you're afraid of them giving out during a presentation, you can know exactly when the right time is to get new ones. Thus, you don't spend money on batteries you don't need yet.
Most wireless presenters include a built-in laser pointer, which allows you to highlight specific numbers or emphasize key points in your presentation. The Presenter Mouse 8000 is no exception. It features a red laser that is activated by pressing a button in the middle of the presenter. Laser pointers are essential for a successful presentation, as they can direct the attention of the audience where you want it to be. Thus, laser pointers are a critical component to a good wireless presenter and we're glad the Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 features one. As small as the presenter is, we were rather surprised that there was room inside it for a laser pointer.
We were happy to note that the Presenter Mouse 8000 uses AAA batteries. You might ask why this is beneficial. Well, for the simple fact that AAA batteries are easy to find and are rather inexpensive when compared with other battery types. Some wireless presenters use button or coin batteries, which can be frustrating because finding the right replacement battery can be very difficult. Not to mention that coin batteries are usually more expensive than AA or AAA batteries.
Bluetooth technology is not common in wireless presenters. In fact, the Presenter Mouse 8000 is the only presenter in our lineup that is Bluetooth capable. Bluetooth technology allows for easy synchronizing, and it reduces the chances of interference from other radio devices. The Presenter Mouse 8000 also uses radio frequency technology. This technology made infrared technology in wireless presenters nearly obsolete. Infrared requires you to point the presenter at the computer or infrared receiver in order for the signal to arrive. Radio frequency technology allows you to point the presenter anywhere and the signal will still reach the receiver.
Wireless presenters can be a great help during any presentation, but they can quickly become frustrating if they are too complicated to use. Too many buttons can lead to confusion and a higher chance of pressing the wrong button. The Presenter Mouse 8000 has 11 buttons, but they are cleverly divided up between the mouse function and the presenter function. At no time are all 11 buttons active, so there is no need to worry about over-complicated controls. There is also a rather practical button which turns the presenter on and off. This can be a big help in preserving battery life.
Maybe the only negative aspect of the Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 is the fact that you need to install software that comes bundled with the mouse. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if the computer controlling your presentation does not already have the software installed. You'll find you can use the presenter even with a computer that doesn't have the software installed, but you will probably have trouble getting all the presentation controls to work smoothly.
If for any reason the Presenter Mouse 8000 ceases to function, or the unit you receive doesn't work correctly, you can take advantage of the three year warranty that Microsoft offers. If you want to resolve any issues with the mouse on your own, there are FAQs on Microsoft's website, or you could simply look at the user manual. If you wish to get in contact with Microsoft, telephone and email options are available.
The Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 is a great piece of hardware that combines the functionality of a mouse with the versatility of a wireless presenter. And it does this ingeniously. The only drawback of this great PC peripheral is the required software that must be installed to obtain full functionality. From the supporting features, to the compact, efficient design, the Microsoft Wireless Presenter Mouse 8000 presents itself well.
