All Systems Go: Microsoft Hardware Is Ready for Windows Vista

REDMOND, Wash. Sept. 13, 2006 Microsoft Hardware today announced that its award-winning line of mice, keyboards and LifeCams will be fully compatible with Windows Vista™ once the operating system is launched to retail customers.1 Continuing the Hardware Group’s history of enhancing software experiences, the company also is launching three new desktops that will connect users to the Windows Vista experience with the touch of a button.

The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 and Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 will take advantage of Windows Vista, allowing users to easily accomplish everyday tasks, instantly find what they are looking for and enjoy the latest in entertainment. New features that bring key Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows Vista functionality to users’ fingertips include the following:

  • The Windows Start Button offers one-touch access to the Windows Vista Start menu, with search functionality built in for searching the Internet or the PC.

  • The Gadget Button reveals or hides the personalized information consumers use most, such as weather and sports.2

  • The Windows Live Call Button provides users with the easiest way to start an instant messaging session or a video call. It is like speed dialing for webcams.

  • The Media Center Start Button allows users to instantly access media, including movies and music.3

Pricing and Availability

The new Microsoft products introduced today will be available for the following estimated retail prices:4

  • Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000: $249.95 (U.S.), available February 2007

  • Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000: $149.95 (U.S.), available January 2007

  • Wireless Laser Desktop 6000: $99.95 (U.S.), available September 2006

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. Microsoft IntelliMouse® Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com’s December 2005 list of “The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years” as the first mainstream optical mouse that “brought gunk-free pointing devices” to a broad consumer base.

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 The products will have limited functionality with beta versions of Windows Vista. Users will need to download a Windows Vista software update to be fully operational at the public launch. Habu™ will have limited Windows Vista functionality.

2 The Gadget Button will launch WindowsLive.com on Windows XP and the Dashboard on Mac OS X.

3 This feature is only on the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 and the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000.

4 Prices are U.S. estimated retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.

Information contained herein relates to pre-release products that may be substantially modified before their first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the products when first commercially released. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the information contained in it.

Microsoft, Windows Vista, Windows, IntelliMouse and Habu 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.

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 Microsoft’s 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 Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

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