REDMOND, Wash. Sept. 6, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a new line consisting of six powerful High Definition products: five new mice and a cutting-edge High Definition Laser desktop. Whether at work, at home or on the go, users can now choose from this exclusive full suite of High Definition Optical and High Definition Laser mice for superior performance on the PC.
Microsoft’s new cutting-edge High Definition Optical and Laser Technology is two generations ahead of standard optical and laser mice and delivers unprecedented advantages in the following areas:1
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Improved responsiveness. With 1,000 dpi (dots per inch), each of these High Definition mice delivers the right amount of responsiveness in relation to hand movement, requiring less hand motion in small spaces such as coffee tables or airplane trays.
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Greater precision. Microsoft® High Definition mice capture 6,000 FPS (frames per second) to accurately track hand movement to prevent stopping or skipping, even when moving very quickly. The engine operates at a higher processing power, enabling the mice to do more in less time. All the High Definition mice are equipped with a state-of-the-art chip, developed by Microsoft, which requires less power and maximizes efficiency, delivering an average of more than six months of battery life.
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Smoother tracking. Each of the new High Definition mice feature the proprietary Microsoft Intelligent Tracking System —the brains of the tracking technology that reads the information the sensor is relaying — for smoother tracking without interruptions or skipping, even over unique or uneven surfaces.
“More than ever before, people want higher performance from all types of products — from cell phones to TVs to automobiles,” said Tom Gibbons, general manager of the Hardware Group at Microsoft. “We developed this exclusive line of High Definition mice because higher-performance peripherals create a better PC experience. Featuring our proprietary tracking technology, our new High Definition products raise the bar for mouse performance.”
High Definition on the Go
With laptop computers becoming more popular for work and play, the demand for reliable, mobile mice is increasing. In addition, a recent study showed that notebook mouse users experience a lower incidence of pain compared with users who don’t use an external pointing device.2Answering this need, Microsoft Hardware is introducing three new High Definition notebook mice that make laptop computing easier, more convenient and more comfortable.
Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000, Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000 and Notebook Optical Mouse 3000, all introduced today, make working and playing while on the go more enjoyable.
These three new notebook mice are outfitted with smart navigational features that include a new Magnifier tool for real-time enlargement and editing of any section of the screen, making viewing and editing hard-to-see text or pictures easier than ever. A new compact Tilt Wheel, designed specifically for notebook mice, enables vertical and horizontal scrolling.
Microsoft’s first laser notebook mouse on the market, Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000, undeniably delivers more comfort, convenience and control than notebook touch pads and toggle sticks. Featuring High Definition Laser Technology, a snap-in USB receiver and an average of more than six months of battery life on just one battery, this mouse is sure to work anytime, wherever you are. Designed by in-house ergonomists, this mouse features a comfortable, ambidextrous design with rubber sides and finger grooves that makes computing on the PC more enjoyable.
Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000, an ergonomic and eye-catching wireless mouse, and Notebook Optical Mouse 3000, a wired, athletic-design-inspired mouse, are equipped with High Definition Optical Technology for greater precision and control.
High Performance and Style
Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 is outfitted with High Definition Laser Technology and smart navigation features, delivering the ultimate in cutting-edge performance, comfort and style. This desktop set, including a Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and a Comfort Curve Keyboard design, is outfitted in a futuristic silver finish, adding style to any desktop.
Smart features such as the new Magnifier tool and Tilt Wheel on the included laser mouse, along with a Zoom Slider, My Favorites Keys and customizable Hot Keys on the keyboard, make accessing and viewing documents, spreadsheets and images on a PC easier than ever. The Comfort Curve Keyboard features keys angled at 6 degrees that intuitively encourage natural hand and wrist alignment, in an easy-to-use layout for enhanced comfort and productivity.
High Definition for the Desktop
Continuing its commitment to give customers the most reliable, innovative and high-performance tools possible, Microsoft is introducing a new desktop mouse, Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, and is reintroducing its hugely popular Wireless IntelliMouse® Explorer as Wireless Optical Mouse 5000.
Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, Microsoft’s first laser mouse for a desktop, is equipped with proprietary High Definition Laser Technology for superior accuracy, precision and control. This mouse features a Magnifier tool for real-time enlargement and editing of any section of the screen, a Tilt Wheel that makes navigating and viewing spreadsheets and documents easier, and a silver finish that makes it an appealing desktop addition.
Combining the popular ergonomic design of Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer, smart features including a new Magnifier tool and Tilt Wheel, and exclusive High Definition Optical Technology, Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 now delivers more comfort and control on the desktop.
Pricing and Availability
Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 will be available by September 2005. The other products introduced today will be widely available by October 2005 for the following estimated retail prices:3
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Wireless Laser Desktop 6000: $104.95 (U.S.)
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Wireless Laser Mouse 6000: $64.95 (U.S.)
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Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000: $54.95 (U.S.)
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Wireless Optical Mouse 5000: $54.95 (U.S.)
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Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000: $44.95 (U.S.)
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Notebook Optical Mouse 3000: $34.95 (U.S.)
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.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 Microsoft Internal Research, standard optical technology = mouse products with 0.35 microns or older CMOS technology
2 Sommerich, C.M. 2002, “A Survey of Desktop and Notebook Computer Use by Professionals” Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 46th Annual Meeting. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Santa Monica, Calif.
3 Prices are U.S. estimated retail prices. Actual prices may vary.
Microsoft and IntelliMouse are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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