Wireless mice have been around for years now, and with Wi-fi networks being available just about everywhere, HP thought it was time to get rid of the classic RF and Bluetooth methods normally used on everyone’s favorite computer pointing device. This here is the first commercially-available wireless mouse that hooks up via Wi-fi, by HP. Simply called the Wi-fi Mobile Mouse, the mouse doesn’t need an RF-connected USB dongle or Bluetooth connection to hook up, and is listed to come with a nine-month battery life.
Sounds awesome… if you use it within range of a router, of course. But since it pairs up with Windows PCs, there are ways to create your own Wi-fi hotspot without needing a router (the free Connectify app will let you quickly set up a hotspot that uses your Windows 7 laptop’s Wi-fi connection). Anyway, if you ever needed a mouse that’ll let you work farther away from the actual computer you’re using, this is something you’re going to need to get past the rather short Bluetooth range.
Other than the range and the awesome battery life, or in cases where you have to deal with laptop with a busted Bluetooth connection or lack of USB ports, we can’t think of any other advantage, though. In any case, you still get a rather typical 5-button mouse with a four-way scroll wheel.
The HP Wi-fi Mobile Mouse will be out in June for $50.
