Microsoft Announces Availability of IntelliMouse TrackBall

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 14, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of its first trackball, the IntelliMouse
™TrackBall. The newest Microsoft® PC input device is the first and only trackball available that incorporates the IntelliMouse pointing device navigation wheel.

Building on the success of its line of PC mice, Microsoft employs in its IntelliMouse TrackBall an advanced ergonomic design that supports the hand to provide a new level of comfort. Unlike traditional thumb-operated trackballs, IntelliMouse TrackBall features an index finger-operated design with mouse buttons located on the unit’s left flank, and an IntelliMouse wheel immediately to the right of the unit’s trackball. The finger-based ball design and IntelliMouse navigation wheel provide precise navigational control for comfortable PC cursor control and Web browsing.

“We designed the IntelliMouse TrackBall to comfortably fit the natural shape of your hand,” said Tim McDonough, product manager of input devices at Microsoft. “Unlike traditional trackballs that force you to use your thumb, IntelliMouse TrackBall works naturally with your index finger, which is better at smaller movements and has greater accuracy.”

The IntelliMouse wheel provides the same functions as the original IntelliMouse pointing device, including scrolling, hands-free AutoScroll and zooming within popular applications, such as Microsoft Word, the PowerPoint® presentation graphics program, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 or later, Corel Office Suite 8.0 and Netscape Communicator.

IntelliPoint 2.1 software is included with the IntelliMouse TrackBall. This software lets users customize IntelliMouse TrackBall wheel functions. For example, users can change the sensitivity of the wheel and map the wheel button to functions such as a double-click or the Help button.

Microsoft IntelliMouse TrackBall requires the Windows® 95, Windows NT® Server version 3.51 or 4.0, or Windows NT Workstation version 3.51 or 4.0 operating system for wheel functionality. The MS-DOS® operating system version 3.1 or later and Windows 3.1 or later support IntelliMouse TrackBall without wheel functions. The trackball must be connected to a PC with a PS/2 or nine-pin serial port. IntelliMouse TrackBall is available now through authorized distributors and resellers for an estimated retail price of $84.95.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft, IntelliMouse, PowerPoint, Windows, Windows NT and MS-DOS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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