HP introduces Wi-Fi-driven wireless mouse
HP unveils a new wireless mouse that connects to your computer over a Wi-Fi connection.
We don't often see innovations in mouse design, but that's exactly what HP has announced this morning with its WiFi Mobile Mouse.
HP's new WiFi Mobile Mouse.
(Credit: HP)According to the press release (and accompanying promo video), the mouse is the first on the market to connect to your PC's wireless receiver rather than with a RF signal from a wireless USB dongle. HP says the battery in the WiFi Mobile Mouse will last twice as long as the charge from Bluetooth devices, running for up to 9 months before running dry. HP also claims the mouse will match Bluetooth's 30-foot receiving range.
Aside from its connection technology, the WiFi Mobile Mouse seems like a fairly straightforward input device, although HP has left out some specifics. The mouse has five configurable buttons and a four-way scroll wheel, but HP doesn't call out the optical sensor technology. It also doesn't outline operating system compatibility.
We'd guess HP would have mentioned a laser sensor if the mouse had one, so infrared seems more likely. And while it's tempting to believe the mouse would work on any Wi-Fi-capable device, the iPad, for example, doesn't support a Bluetooth mouse without jailbreaking.
As for who might use the WiFi Mobile Mouse, laptop owners seem like an obvious target. Bluetooth still isn't a universal laptop feature, and with an ever-growing number of external devices that need synching, travelers especially may appreciate a device that frees up a USB port.
We've requested more information from HP, as well as a review unit, so we hope we'll be able to fill in some of the blanks soon. Alternatively, for $49.99 you can find out for yourself when the mouse launches in June.
Update: HP informs us that the WiFi Mobile Mouse requires Windows 7.
