REDMOND, Wash., and NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2004 — Good Housekeeping today granted its Good Housekeeping Seal to the 2003 line of Microsoft®
mouse and keyboard products, which set a new benchmark for the industry as the first desktop peripherals to earn this symbol of quality. Microsoft Corp.s award-winning desktop products are known for intuitive features, comfortable designs and colorful styles that enable easier and more enjoyable movement and control of PC activities.
“Mice and keyboards are often taken for granted, but quality products can significantly improve your experience, whether you are working with the family budget or digital photos,” said Patricia Haegele, senior vice president and publisher of Good Housekeeping. “Microsofts mice and keyboards passed our rigorous testing with all types of PC activities, and we are proud to grant Microsoft the Seal for meeting our meticulous standards of quality.”
The Good Housekeeping Institute thoroughly examined the features and functionality of Microsofts desktop peripherals to ensure the packaging claims were accurate and the products relevant to todays consumer. It evaluated Microsofts scroll wheel with Tilt Wheel Technology, which features advanced navigation capabilities and an intuitive design that is quickly becoming a standard on the desktop and in the industry.
The 2003 line of Microsoft mouse and keyboard products are the first desktop peripherals to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal. Click image for high-res version.
Microsofts Tilt Wheel Technology actually boasted greater initial sales than its optical technology in the first six months of availability. The first of its kind when it was introduced in 1999, Microsoft Optical Technology also was quickly adopted by consumers and businesses worldwide, and is now the mouse tracking standard with improved accuracy and precision over the mechanical ball.
“Our efforts in worldwide research as well as in-house design and testing result in products that are relevant to todays consumers and businesses,” said Tom Gibbons, general manager of Microsoft Hardware. “We appreciate Good Housekeeping for recognizing the quality that our mice and keyboards offer, with smart, easy-to-use features that make everyday computing better. These experts, as well as everyday users, have noted the benefits of Tilt Wheel Technology and are making it a standard on the desktop, just as they did with Optical Technology.”
If any product bearing the Good Housekeeping Seal or advertised in the magazine proves to be defective within two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price.
The Microsoft mice and keyboard products backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal are available now at the following estimated retail prices:*
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Wireless Optical Desktop Elite: $104.95
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Wireless Optical Desktop Pro: $104.95
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Wireless Optical Desktop: $84.95
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Basic Wireless Optical Desktop: $64.95
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Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer: $54.95
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Wireless Optical Mouse: $44.95
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Natural MultiMedia Keyboard: $54.95
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MultiMedia Keyboard: $34.95
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Internet Keyboard: $29.95
About Good Housekeeping
Since 1909, the Good Housekeeping Seal has been a highly recognized statement of the magazines renowned Consumers Policy. The Good Housekeeping Consumers Policy, published in every issue of the magazine, states that if a product bearing the Seal proves to be defective within two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price. The most recognized and trusted consumer insignia in the United States, the Good Housekeeping Seal has backed high-quality products for nearly 100 years. No other magazine in the world offers this kind of service to its readers.
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 and 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.
*Prices are U.S. estimated retail prices. Actual prices may vary.
Microsoft, IntelliMouse and Natural are either registered trademarks or trademarks 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.
For a high-resolution image of the Good Housekeeping Seal: Visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/nov04/11-16MSHWGHSealPR.asp .
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