Latest in Desktop Chic: Black and White

REDMOND, Wash., April 24, 2003 — Who says white cant be worn before Memorial Day? Microsoft Corp. today unveiled four new special edition hardware products: Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition, Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition, Optical Mouse Special Edition and MultiMedia Keyboard Special Edition. Dressed in icicle white and matte black, these mice and keyboards defy the old computing fashion style guidelines and deliver more individualized desktop options.

A recent New York Times article,
“The Beige Box Fades to Black,”
explores the new trend of how manufacturers have shifted from offering computer finishes in the traditional beige to a broader choice of colors, including shining white and sophisticated black.* In response, Microsoft Hardware introduces its special edition line of mice and keyboards with new color options, tailor-made for todays computers and available for a limited time only.

“Microsofts Hardware Division continues to innovate in ergonomics, function and style, producing comfortable, responsive mice and keyboards,”
said Roger Kay, an analyst at IDC.

Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition delivers six feet worth of wireless freedom with a gleaming white and chrome-accented mouse, keyboard and shared receiver. The sleek keyboard features a multimedia center and Hot Keys, which enable users to launch music playlists, surf the Internet or control streaming video — all at the touch of a button. The ambidextrous mouse uses precise Microsoft® Optical Technology and offers a wider scroll wheel. These stylish white devices operate on both PC and Macintosh platforms.

This eye-catching desktop joins Microsoft Hardwares existing mice and keyboard lineup, which includes additional color options such as bright Astral blue, grayish Anthracite blue and platinum.

“Whether its a cell phone, PDA, or mouse and keyboard, consumers want personal devices that are an extension of their personality and individual style,”
said Matt Barlow, director of sales and marketing for the Hardware Division at Microsoft.
“We will continue to expand the color options and finishes for our lineup of desktop peripherals, while offering industry-leading performance and comfort.”

The mice and keyboards introduced today will be available to consumers for a limited time only at the following estimated retail prices:**

  • Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition features an icicle white finish with silver accents and is available now (as of April 2003) for $84.95.

  • Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition , wrapped in a shining white finish, features an ambidextrous design and a wider scroll wheel. It is available now for $44.95.

  • MultiMedia Keyboard Special Edition , designed in a matte black finish, offers one-touch multimedia controls and time-saving Hot Keys. It is available now for $44.95.

  • Optical Mouse Special Edition , dressed in a matte black finish, offers ambidextrous comfort and a wider scroll wheel. It will be available in May for $34.95.

About Microsoft Hardware Division

For two decades, the Hardware Division 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 Hardware Division leads the industry in ergonomic engineering and industrial design, offering consumers a variety of personalized peripherals for stylish and comfortable computing experiences. More information on special edition and existing products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ . Those interested can view and download images of Hardware Division products at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/images/gallery/hardware.asp .

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.

* Steve Lohr, The New York Times,
“The Beige Box Fades to Black,”
April 18, 2002

** Actual retail prices may vary.

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.

To view or download Hardware Division product images:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/images/gallery/hardware.asp

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsofts corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsofts Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .

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