Microsoft Surface Arc Mac
Dec 24, 2014 Has anyone tested a Microsoft touch mouse on a mac? The Microsoft Arc touch mouse has software for Mac OS X, but they say it is only for 10.4-10.7. Mar 28, 2017 Amazon.com Return Policy: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is 'dead on arrival,' arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test 'dead on arrival' returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents. Slim, light, and ready to travel, Surface Arc Mouse is designed to conform to your hand – and snaps flat to fit easily in your bag. The next generation of our best-selling Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse, Surface Arc Mouse features numerous refinements, including the ability to scroll both vertically and horizontally. Connects via Bluetooth. I have an ARC mouse (surface edition) which i'd like to pair with my macbook air. I'm running el capitan (os X 10.11.1). From system preferences/mouse I can't even see the mouse. Is there anything. May 25, 2017 Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse is a great mouse but it has its defects when it come to using it with mac PC. Why NOT to buy Microsoft ARC TOUCH BLUETOOTH for MAC. Microsoft Arc. Microsoft Surface Pen with Arc Mouse - Cobalt Blue Surface Arc Mouse: Slim, light, and ready to travel, Surface Arc Mouse is designed to conform to your hand and snaps flat to fit easily in your bag.
- Does Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse Work With Mac
- Microsoft Surface Arc Mac And Cheese
- Microsoft Surface Arc Mac Software
- Microsoft Surface Arc Machine
- Microsoft Arc Mouse Surface
- Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse Drivers
Microsoft has been making computer mice for many years and is considered one of the top peripheral manufacturers. The Arc Mouse series has seen many revisions, which I pointed out in a recent article highlighting Microsoft's convoluted naming scheme.
The new Surface Arc Mouse is part of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro (2017) wave and brings a hardware redesign, some new colors, and a few changes. I spent the last month with it, and this is what I think.
Does Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse Work With Mac
What is the Surface Arc Mouse?
The new Surface Arc Mouse ($79.99) is the latest revision to the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition (SE) ($69.99), which is still available from Microsoft. I'm a huge fan of the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE, so the new Arc Mouse has a high bar to cross to win me over.
The main feature of the Arc Mouse remains unchanged: the mouse lays completely flat when not in use, which also disables the Bluetooth. Folding the mouse into the arc position enables Bluetooth and gives it an ergonomic grip that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. It's a brilliant design.
Microsoft Surface Arc Mac And Cheese
Arc Mouse is best thought of as a travel mouse, hence the co-branding with Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Of course, you could just as easily use it with the Surface Studio or any Windows 10 PC desktop or laptop that has Bluetooth 4.0.
At just 14 mm thin at its thickest point, the flat Arc Mouse easily slips into a bag making it the best travel mouse around, because there is no rounded bulge. The ability to bend it to an arc is bizarre yet awesome since no other mouse does this trick.
Surface Arc Mouse design
Coming in three colors – cobalt, burgundy, and light gray – the Arc Mouse is just as stylish as the Surface PC lineup. There is also a Microsoft Arc Mouse ($79.99), which is the same hardware, but in matte black and without the Surface branding.
The Arc Mouse is very minimalist. The top button area is just a large, single surfce that resembles a trackpad. There are right- and left-click abilities as expected, but there is unfortunately no gesture support, which would have been a killer feature.
Surface Arc Mouse technical specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Interface | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Wireless frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Buttons | Two buttons: right and left click |
| Design | Bendable tail |
| Scrolling | Full scroll plane, horizontal and vertical scrolling |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8.0 PC must support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher |
| Weight | 2.91 ounces (82.49 grams) including batteries |
| Battery | Two AAA alkaline batteries (included) |
| Available colors | Burgundy, light gray, cobalt |
| Warranty | One-year limited hardware warranty |
Powered by two AAA batteries, the Arc Mouse should last up to six months depending on usage. There is a small door with a latch in the head of the mouse for the batteries on the underside.
Also on the bottom is the Bluetooth pairing button. You simply hold the button for about 10 seconds, and the Bluetooth light will blink rapidly. Just pair the Arc Mouse to Windows 10 using Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth. The system downloads a small driver from Windows Update.Then the mouse is all set, with no OS restart required. The mouse can be paired to only one PC at a time.
The bottom houses the battery compartment and Bluetooth sync button.
The Arc Mouse is smooth and lacks the tackier grip of the all-black Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE. There is still the soft-touch rubber in the bendable tail, but it is more muted this time with a silkier feel.
The Surface Arc Mouse looks fantastic, has no creaks, and feels substantial, but it is also extremely light and portable. It accurately matches the look and feel of the Surface PC line.
Surface Arc Mouse: What's different?
Microsoft ditched the scroll strip from the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE. That strip is used for navigation and acted as a particular point on the mouse head for that function. There was an ingenious haptic feedback system where that scrolling activated a tiny speaker and motor to simulate a physical scroll wheel. It's a weird but satisfying experience.
The design of the new Surface Arc Mouse has more rounded corners than the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE. Additionally, the Surface Arc Mouse is symmetrical whereas the previous version was larger at the top compared to the tail. These changes make the Surface Arc Mouse slightly wider in the tail where the palm of your hand is placed. The arch is also a smidge higher compared to the older version. Both changes make it feel significantly different compared to the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE.
The original Arc Touch Mouse SE (left) versus new Surface Arc Mouse (right).
Finally, on the bottom, Microsoft hid the ribbed nature of the bendable tail. That was an excellent choice as there was something kind of creepy and reptilian about the ribbed tail with the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE.
Surface Arc Mouse: Mixed feelings
For design, the Surface Arc Mouse looks fantastic. However, compared to the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE I don't care for the performance. The original Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE fits better in my hand, and I was a huge fan of the haptic scroll strip. The right and left click buttons are also more discernable on the original, whereas the Surface Arc Mouse is one big button with left and right pressure points.
To be fair, you can get used to the new Surface Arc Mouse. Also, by removing that haptic strip, Microsoft can now include horizontal scrolling, which is significant. Nonetheless, that horizontal scrolling gets mixed reviews due to some responsiveness issues.
The original Arc Touch Mouse SE (left) versus new Surface Arc Mouse (right).
Vertical scrolling is neat. You can use one, two, or even three fingers anywhere in the top half for scrolling and it works well. The action is smooth and responsive. Users can adjust the settings for scrolling under Windows 10 settings.
My biggest issue with the Surface Arc Mouse is that I just didn't immediately love when I started using it. I did, however, have that reaction to the original Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE. From that perspective, I have a tough time recommending the Surface Arc Mouse as an 'upgrade' if you are enjoying the older version. If, however, the haptic scroll strip and lack of horizontal scrolling drove you nuts, it could be worth the investment.
Contoured edges and a thin design make the Surface Arc Mouse very unique.
There are also the usual potential issues with Bluetooth. Some people detest Bluetooth mice and keyboards due to signal interference that can cause noticeable lag on some PCs. I did not notice that issue with the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, but I am sympathetic to the complaint. Still, the convenience of 'click and go' and no wires using the Surface Arc Mouse is desirable.
The Surface Arc Mouse also feels less precise than a wired mouse, and sometimes I felt I had to re-click to enable an action.
Surface Arc Mouse review: Concluding thoughts
The Surface Arc Mouse is likely the best travel mouse you can get if you want the most compact, no-fuss setup. The design and colors are outstanding, the build quality is fantastic, and it's just a very cool device. The design is an improvement over the original Arc Touch Mouse SE - it's smoother, cleaner looking, and more elegant.
I think the overall experience is above average, but I'm not ready to give up my Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE. I find its performance and ergonomics are just better. The good news is that mouse is still available, and I may pick up another since mine is getting long in the tooth.
The new Surface Arc Mouse (front) has a higher arch than the older version.
Microsoft played it safe with the Surface Arc Mouse and missed an opportunity to try something new. It's very minimal and conservative. Had the top of the Arc Mouse acted as a Precision touchpad with gesture support, I would have been more intrigued.
Pros:
- Brilliant design.
- Super portable and convenient.
- Comfortable to use with smooth navigation.
- Matches new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.
Cons:
- Not as good as Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE.
- Accuracy seems off at times.
- Right and left click buttons take time to get used to.
Related tip – Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center
Windows 10 lets you do some basic configurations for the Surface Arc Mouse and other Microsoft Arc mice, but there is a separate Win32 application you can download for free from Microsoft that enables even more features.
This app has a bevy of options not found in the default Windows 10 settings.
The Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center provides advanced settings that many users will want, including:
- Reverse scrolling option for vertical and horizontal scrolling.
- Three-finger click (new Surface Arc Mouse).
- Scroll sensitivity.
- Disable smooth scroll mode.
- Touch Strip – turn down or disable vibration/sound (Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse SE).
I consider the app a must-download if you want to tweak your Arc mouse. Ironically, those on the Surface Laptop who are using Windows 10 S cannot install this application unless they switch to Windows 10 Pro.
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-->You can connect other devices to your Microsoft Surface Hub to display content. This topic describes the Guest Mode, Replacement PC Mode, and Video Out functionality available through wired connections, and also lists accessories that you can connect to Surface Hub using Bluetooth.
Note
Surface Hub will use the video input that you select until a new connection is made, the existing connection is disrupted, or the Connect App is closed.
Which method should I choose?
When connecting external devices and displays to a Surface Hub, there are several available options. The method you use will depend upon your scenario and needs.
| When you want to: | Use this method: |
|---|---|
| Mirror the Surface Hub's display on another device. | Video Out |
| Present another device's display on the Surface Hub screen and interact with both the device's content and the built-in Surface Hub experience. | Guest Mode |
| Power the Surface Hub from an external Windows 10 PC, turning off the embedded computer of the Surface Hub. Cameras, microphones, speakers, and other peripherals, are sent to the external PC, in addition to pen and touch. | Replacement PC Mode |
Guest Mode
Guest Mode uses a wired connection, so people can display content from their devices to the Surface Hub. If the source device is Windows-based, that device can also provide Touchback and Inkback. Surface Hub's internal PC takes video and audio from the connected device and presents them on the Surface Hub. If Surface Hub encounters a High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) signal, the source will be displayed as a black image. To display your content without violating HDCP requirements, use the keypad on the right side of the Surface Hub to directly choose the external source.
Note
When an HDCP source is connected, use the side keypad to change source inputs.
Ports
Use these ports on the Surface Hub for Guest Mode.
| Interface | Type | Description | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
Display Port 1.1a | Video input | Guest input #1 |
|
HDMI 1.4 | Video input | Guest input #2 |
|
VGA | Video input | Guest input #3 |
|
3.5 mm jack | Audio input | Analog audio input |
|
USB 2.0, type B | USB out | Touchback |
|
Port locations
These are the port connections used for Guest Mode on the 55' and 84' Surface Hubs.
Wired port connections on 55' Surface Hub
Wired port connections on 84' Surface Hub
Port enumeration
When a Surface hub is connected to a guest computer with the wired connect USB port, a number of USB devices are discovered and configured. These peripheral devices are created for Touchback and Inkback. The peripheral devices can be viewed in Device Manager. Device Manager will show duplicate names for some devices.
Human interface devices
HID-compliant consumer control device
HID-compliant pen
HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)
HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)
HID-compliant touch screen
USB Input Device
USB Input Device (duplicate item)
Keyboards
- Standard PS/2 keyboard
Mice and other pointing devices
- HID-compliant mouse
Universal serial bus controllers
Generic USB hub
USB composite device
Guest Mode connectivity
Your choice of video cable will be determined by what is available from your source input. The Surface Hub has three choices of video input: DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA. See the following chart for available resolutions.
| Signal Type | Resolution | Frame rate | HDMI - RGB | DisplayPort | VGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC | 640 x 480 | 59.94/60 | X | X | X |
PC | 720 x 480 | 59.94/60 | X | X | |
PC | 1024 x 768 | 60 | X | X | X |
HDTV | 720p | 59.94/60 | X | X Apple stripped the ability to make Windows 10 install media from a flash drive or external SSD in Sierra, but sometimes, you still need to be able to do it from a Microsoft-provided download. To install Office, try signing in directly to the Office 365 Software page instead. Select the language and bit-version you want (PC users can choose between 32-bit and 64-bit), and then click Install. See Steps 2 and 3 on the PC or Mac tabs above to help you with the rest of the install process. Install Office for Mac now Office 365 customers get the new Office for Mac first. You’ll have Office applications on your Mac or PC, apps on tablets and smartphones for when you're on the go, and Office Online on the web for everywhere in between. Microsoft windows media download tool. | X |
HDTV | 1080p | 59.94/60 | X | X | X |
Source audio is provided by DisplayPort and HDMI cables. If you must use VGA, Surface Hub has an audio input port that uses a 3.5 mm plug. Surface Hub also uses a USB cable that provides Touchback and Inkback from the Surface Hub to compatible Windows 10 devices. The USB cable can be used with any video input that is already connected with a cable.
Someone using Guest Mode to connect a PC would use one of these options:
DisplayPort -- DisplayPort cable and USB 2.0 cable
HDMI -- HDMI cable and USB 2.0 cable
VGA -- VGA cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, and USB 2.0 cable
If the computer you are using for Guest Mode is not compatible with Touchback and Inkback, then you won't need the USB cable.
Replacement PC Mode
In Replacement PC Mode, the embedded computer of the Surface Hub is turned off and an external PC is connected to the Surface Hub. Connections to replacement PC ports give access to key peripherals on the Surface Hub, including the screen, pen, and touch features. This does mean that your Surface Hub won’t have the benefit of the Windows Team experience, but you will have the flexibility offered by providing and managing your own Windows computer.
Software requirements
You can run Surface Hub in Replacement PC Mode with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise. You can download the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package from the Microsoft Download Center. We recommend that you install these drivers on any computer you plan to use as a replacement PC.
Microsoft Surface Arc Mac Software
Hardware requirements
Microsoft Surface Arc Machine
Surface Hub is compatible with a range of hardware. Choose the processor and memory confirmation for your replacement PC so that it supports the programs you'll be using. Your replacement PC hardware needs to support 64-bit versions of Windows 10.
Graphics adapter
In Replacement PC Mode, Surface Hub supports any graphics adapter that can produce a DisplayPort signal. You'll improve your experience with a graphics adapter that can match Surface Hub's resolution and refresh rate. For example, the best and recommended replacement PC experience on the Surface Hub is with a 120Hz video signal.
55' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of 1080p resolution at 120Hz.
84' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of outputting four DisplayPort 1.2 streams to produce 2160p at 120Hz (3840 x 2160 at 120Hz vertical refresh). We've verified that this works with the NVIDIA Quadro K2200, NVIDIA Quadro K4200, NVIDIA Quadro M6000, AMD FirePro W5100, AMD FirePro W7100, and AMD FirePro W9100. These are not the only graphics cards - others are available from other vendors.
Check directly with graphics card vendors for the latest drivers.
| Graphics vendor | Driver download page |
|---|---|
NVIDIA | |
AMD | |
Intel |
Ports
Replacement PC ports on 55' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
PC video | Video input | DP 1.2 |
|
Internal peripherals | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
USB hub | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
Replacement PC ports on 84' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
PC video | Video input | DP 1.2 (2x) |
|
Internal peripherals | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
USB hub | USB output | USB 2.0 type B |
|
Replacement PC setup instructions
To use Replacement PC Mode
Download and install the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package on the replacement PC.
Note
We recommend that you set sleep or hibernation on the replacement PC so the Surface Hub will turn off the display when it isn't being used.
Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Connect the cables from the Surface Hub's replacement PC ports to the replacement PC. These ports are usually covered by a removable plastic cover.
55' Surface Hub -- connect one DisplayPort cable, and two USB cables.
84' Surface Hub -- connect two DisplayPort cables, and two USB cables.
Toggle the Mode switch to Replacement PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.
Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Press the power button on the right side of the Surface Hub.
You can switch the Surface Hub to use the internal PC.
To switch back to internal PC
Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Toggle the Mode switch to Internal PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.
Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.
Video Out
The Surface Hub includes a Video Out port for mirroring visual content from the Surface Hub to another display.
Ports
Video Out port on the 55' Surface Hub
Video Out port on the 84' Surface Hub
| Description | Type | Interface | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
Video Output Mirror | Video Output | Video Output |
|
Cables
Both the 55” and 84” Surface Hub devices have been tested to work with Certified DisplayPort and HDMI cables. While vendors do sell longer cables that may work with the Surface Hub, only those cables that have been certified by testing labs are certain to work with the Hub. For example, DisplayPort cables are certified only up to 3 meters, however many vendors sell cables that are 3 times that length. If a long cable is necessary, we strongly suggest using HDMI. HDMI has many cost-effective solutions for long-haul cables, including the use of repeaters. Nearly every DisplayPort source will automatically switch to HDMI signaling if a HDMI sink is detected.
Bluetooth accessories
You can connect the following accessories to Surface Hub using Bluetooth:
- Mice
- Keyboards
- Headsets
- Speakers
Microsoft Arc Mouse Surface
Note
Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse Drivers
After you connect a Bluetooth headset or speaker, you might need to change the default microphone and speaker settings.