ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse Review: The Perfect Rechargeable Mobile Mouse that Hides a Hub that Hides a 2.4G Transceiver.

ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse Review

It used to be that every computer came with a wired mouse. Laptops usually arrive sans mouse, their trackpad acting as the input and navigation device. Tablets often come with neither, driving a secondary market for wireless mice. Mouse-less laptops tap into that same market. Some people, like me, like mice more than trackpads or other on-device touch mechanisms.

Pros

• Hidden USB-C hub
• Rechargeable with long battery life
• Selectable DPI settings (1000, 1600, 2400)
• 2.4G and Bluetooth®
• Broad OS support

Cons

• Expensive for a travel mouse when not discounted (but it does include a USB-C hub)

As USB-C becomes more dominant, many of us travel with a hub, especially if we are living off an iPad or other tablet.

ProtoArc has gone beyond to create the perfect travel mouse, its $79.99 2-in-1 Hubmouse. This mouse is just what it sounds like. It’s a mouse with an embedded hub under the wrist rest.  The $79.99 price may look steep, but it’s only $49.99 on both Amazon and the ProtoArc sites at the time of this review, aligning it much more closely with other travel mice like the Logitech Pebble (which does not include a hub).

The hub is only part of the innovation. The hub, like many hubs, supports 4K HDMI, 5GB USB 3.0, and 60W USB-C Power Delivery. A pretty basic hub. In most situations one would expect to pull out the 2.4ghz transceiver and stick it in to the USB port, or connect. The hub fits into the mouse with the connector to the left or the right, eliminating quick packing frustration.

But that’s not the case. The second innovation comes from the hub including an embedded 2.4gHz transceiver inside. No need to use up the USB 3.0 port. The 2-in-1 Hubmouse also includes two Bluetooth 5.0 channels for a total of three selectable connections.

And it doesn’t stop there. The ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse is rechargeable. Its 300mAh battery runs for up to two months, and it will hold a charge for six. The charging light turns red when the mouse falls below 3.7v. The light will turn off after a charge cycle. The box includes a USB-C cable, but the mouse will charge from anywhere. 

The hub, the transceiver and the rechargeable battery make a compelling argument for the 2-in-1 Hubmouse.

So, how is it as a mouse?

I like it. While the ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse itself is not overly ergonomic or especially thin, its rounded oval shape is perfectly serviceable. The mouse’s 1.22” X 2.40“ X 4.29“ size doesn’t take up much room in my bag, fitting into any number of little pockets in my Targus backpack. And weighing in at just 2.79 oz, it’s barely noticeable.

Unlike many older travel mice, the ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse also supports user selectable DPI, with options for 1000, 1600 and 2400 dots-per-inch. The 2-in-1 Hubmouse also sports a scroll wheel.

The mouse is compatible with Mac, iOS/iPad OS, Windows, Android, Chrome, and other OSs. It requires no drivers and can be configured via OS mouse settings.

The mouse is available in dark gray and white.

The packaging is minimalist and recyclable. 

ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse: The bottom line

I use the mouse as my primary travel mouse. Its compact size and built-in hub handle most needs for basic mobile computing. 

In situations where I need a more extensive USB-C hub, say to support two monitors to manage memory cards, the mouse easily adapts to being a Bluetooth mouse.

ProtoArc has created the perfect mobile mouse. I look forward to using it for the entirety of its projected five-million-click lifespan.

ProtoArc provided the 2-in-1 Hubmouse for review. Images courtesy of ProtoArc unless otherwise noted.

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