Microsoft Unveils Its Most Full-Featured Mouse Ever; Wheel-Equipped IntelliMouse Pro Offers Outstanding Comfort
REDMOND, Wash., May 28, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Microsoft® IntelliMouse® Pro pointing device. IntelliMouse Pro features an advanced design that embodies years of user testing and the latest thinking in ergonomics. Microsoft’s popular wheel control, which now allows zooming and universal scrolling functions, gives IntelliMouse Pro outstanding comfort and efficiency.
“Every element of IntelliMouse Pro, from its unique arched shape to the texture of the rubber grip around its base, is the product of extensive user research,”
said Tim McDonough, product manager for the mouse line at Microsoft.
“Microsoft’s world-renowned ergonomics team designed IntelliMouse Pro to be as comfortable to use as possible.”
The new high-arching shape of IntelliMouse Pro provides support to the palm and fingers, and its slope – downward and to the right – helps users assume a natural position very similar to that of the hand at rest on a table or desk. The rubber base of IntelliMouse Pro is designed to make the mouse easier to hold and grip. Each feature was designed with the user’s comfort in mind.
The Microsoft IntelliMouse wheel, located between the left and right mouse buttons on IntelliMouse Pro, automates scrolling and zooming functions. With a simple roll of the wheel forward or backward, users can scroll without the use of scroll bars in applications based on the Windows® 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT® 4.0 operating systems; by rolling the wheel while holding the CTRL key, they can zoom to any magnification quickly and easily in Office 97-compatible applications.
IntelliMouse Pro ships with an improved version of the Microsoft IntelliPoint driver, version 2.2, which gives users customizable universal scrolling in applications running on Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0. IntelliPoint also allows users to control how fast the on-screen arrow moves when the pointing device is moved and lets users choose from a variety of cursor shapes, from oversized arrows (for greater visibility) to animated cartoons (just for fun). IntelliPoint also allows users to customize cursor behavior – for example, causing the pointer to
“jump”
onto the most often-used response button when a dialog box appears.
The Microsoft Mouse Family
Characterized by their comfort, durability and style, the Microsoft family of pointing devices offers something for everyone. Microsoft employs the latest ergonomic design principles and conducts extensive user testing to create intuitive, easy-to-use pointing devices. Microsoft Mouse products and IntelliPoint driver software are designed to enhance the Windows experience and make PCs easier to use.
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, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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