A:AnswerYou can plug a mouse into the USB port, but I would recommend a Bluetooth mouse so that you don't tie up the port -- even a regular wireless mouse requires a USB connection, so I highly recommend using the Bluetooth. We got an inexpensive BT mouse online for under $20 that worked fine.
A:AnswerThe battery life is very long - it claims over 9 hours for a full charge. I haven't tested that, but I can go several days worth of classestuff without having to charge the chromebook.
A:AnswerNo software installed, because there is practically zero storage on the item. It is designed as a "netbook" and runs Google Chrome as the browser.
Any files you're able to access would need to saved to a cloud drive.
A:AnswerIt will depend on the system requirements of the game that you would like to run into this model unit. It can handle games that doesn't require high end specs.
A:AnswerBattery life is better than any laptop. No hard drive and power is not drained by a spinning disc. Have not had any power-battery issues at all. Just like any device, it depends on how long you are using it. This battery should be good for 8+ hours or at least it has been for me.