Microsoft Hardware Dresses Up for the Holidays

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 18, 2002 — In a continued effort to meet consumer demand for stylish computer peripherals, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the first of several upcoming special edition hardware products. Covered in a soft black finish, Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition Black debuts as the fashion essential of devices — a stylish companion for any computing occasion.

Designed with ambidextrous comfort, this sleek, black mouse offers freedom from wires and cable clutter. Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition Black glows red and glides with smooth accuracy on most surfaces using signature Microsoft®
Optical Technology. The new mouse is widely available for a limited time for an estimated retail price of $44.95.

“It is great to see color options from a company like Microsoft, especially since color is a key consideration when customers are selecting a mouse,”
said Kevin Balon, business team director for peripherals at Best Buy Company Inc.
“With a significant amount of desktops incorporating black into their color palette, the Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition Black will be a solid choice for customers upgrading their desktop.”

The Microsoft Hardware Group has researched consumers’ varying peripheral preferences and responded with an array of useful and stylish products. During the past two months, the Hardware Group has launched nine new mice and keyboards, including Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth (TM) , Notebook Optical Mouse and MultiMedia Keyboard — each designed to complement computer users’ different lifestyles and attitudes toward technology.

“We’ve found that people view their devices as an extension of their personality,”
said Melinda Graetz, mouse product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware.
“They’re asking for their mice and keyboards to reflect who they are; they want more options now than the one-color-fits-all beige. We are happy to provide a variety of devices that people can choose not only for comfort and performance, but also for individual style.”

For 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 to enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between users and their PC. The Microsoft Hardware Group leads the industry in ergonomic engineering and industrial design, offering consumers a stylish and comfortable computing experience.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by its proprietor and used by Microsoft under license.

Microsoft is a registered trademark 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.

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