Ultimate desktop performance, comfort and design to meet Mac users' needs.
REDMOND, Wash., May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced the availability of the Wireless Laser
Desktop for Mac, its first Mac-specific desktop complete with a stylish
wireless Comfort Curve Keyboard and a wireless High Definition laser mouse.
With this new desktop set, the Microsoft Hardware division combines
comfortable design with High Definition technology to deliver the ultimate
in cutting-edge performance, luxury and style to any Mac user. The
futuristic silver finish complements the Mac design to make a mark on any
desktop while providing the freedom of wireless control.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
The Microsoft(R) Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features Microsoft's
first keyboard designed specifically for the Mac. The key layout is
consistent with Mac-only keyboards. To truly meet Mac users' needs, this is
Microsoft's only keyboard without the Windows(R) Start button. The Wireless
Laser Desktop for Mac is compatible with the new Intel-based Mac machines
as well as PowerPC models, and will have Hot Keys that map to Mac programs
such as iTunes and iPhoto.
"We are excited to see our colleagues on the Microsoft Hardware team
provide this Mac-only keyboard and mouse to strengthen Microsoft's lineup
of products for Mac users, which includes our productivity suite, Office
2004 for Mac," said Scott Erickson, director of product management and
marketing for the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft. "This launch
further demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the computing
experience for Mac users. We were able to preview the product at Macworld
this January and saw firsthand the very favorable response from Mac
customers."
Classy Comfort
For greater comfort at work or in the home, the Wireless Laser Desktop
for Mac's Comfort Curve Keyboard encourages natural hand and wrist
positioning in an easy-to-use layout for enhanced comfort and productivity.
The Comfort Curve design is preferred by a ratio of 3-to-1 over flat,
straight keyboards, and includes a cushioned palm rest for supreme
comfort.(1) Designed and tested by Microsoft's in-house ergonomists and
usability experts, the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is the ultimate in
comfort and performance for Mac users and includes the following key
features:
-- Mac Modifier Keys. Control, Option and Command buttons are right where
users need them.
-- Zoom Slider. Consumers can zoom in for a closer look at digital
pictures, maps and more.
-- My Favorites Keys. These five keys can be customized to instantly bring
up favorite photos, folders, files and Web pages.
-- Eject key. This key lets users easily eject CDs and DVDs.
-- Hot Keys. These buttons offer one-touch, immediate access to programs
consumers use the most, including those for e-mail, chat, music, photos
and the Web.
High Definition for the Mac
The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features a sleek silver wireless
High Definition laser mouse. Microsoft's cutting-edge High Definition
technology is two generations ahead of standard optical mouse products and
gives the mouse ultimate precision and responsiveness.(2) In addition, the
mouse utilizes Microsoft's Intelligent Tracking System for smoother
tracking without interruptions or skipping, even over unique surfaces. For
enhanced performance this mouse also features a Tilt Wheel for navigating
and viewing documents and spreadsheets with ease. One-click access to
Microsoft's Magnifier tool makes the Mac magnifier feature more
discoverable for real-time document enlargement.
"The Hardware team has been creating Mac-compatible peripherals for
many years," said Rusty Jeffress, general manager of the Microsoft Hardware
team at Microsoft. "We always value the feedback of our customers; for this
product we went back to the drawing board with the specific requests of our
Mac users, and are excited to deliver our first Mac-specific keyboard and
mouse that provide the tools and features Mac users need to be productive."
Pricing and Availability
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac will be available this
summer for an estimated retail price of $99.95 (U.S.).(3)
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than two decades, the Hardware Group has employed innovative
engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing
to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the
software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and
their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering,
industrial design, and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers
an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience.
Microsoft IntelliMouse(R) Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place
on PCWorld.com's December 2005 list of "The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past
50 Years" as the first mainstream optical mouse that "brought gunk-free
pointing devices" to a broad consumer base.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full
potential.
(1) Based on Microsoft internal research, P. Johnson, Ph.D., University
of Washington, "ErgoMax ergonomic study," 2004
(2) Standard optical technology = mouse products with 0.35 microns or
older CMOS technology.
(3) Actual retail price may vary.
Information contained herein relates to a pre-released product that may
be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly,
the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when
first commercially released. This document is provided for informational
purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with
respect to this document or the information contained in it.
NOTE: Microsoft and IntelliMouse are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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CONTACT:
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+1-206-223-1606, or liz.debord@edelman.com, both of Edelman, for
Microsoft Corp.
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