Microsoft’s Newest Desktop Strikes Perfect Balance of Performance and Comfort

REDMOND, Wash. — March 20, 2007 — Microsoft Hardware is expanding its line of peripherals, providing a new option in hardware accessories for Windows Vista™-based PCs with the launch of the Microsoft® Wireless Laser Desktop 4000. This stylish new keyboard and mouse combination includes the popular Comfort Curve Keyboard design, a High Definition laser mouse, and one-touch access to Windows Vista and Windows Live™ features.

“Windows Vista has officially hit the market and we are excited to continue delivering the best hardware products to complement the dynamic computing experience of the new operating system,” said Sean Butterworth, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. “The Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 is the latest in our growing line of products optimized for Windows Vista and illustrates how we continue to diversify our product line to meet a broad range of consumers’ desktops needs.”

The desktop features several new tools to bring Windows Vista and Windows Live functionality to users’ fingertips, including these:

  • The Windows® Start Button launches the Windows Start menu to allow users to search for or access documents. If users have Windows Vista installed, they can search their PC or the Web directly from the Windows Vista Start menu.

  • The Windows Gadget Button provides one-touch access to information such as weather, news, stock quotes and more.

  • The Windows LiveCall Button provides one-touch access to start an instant messaging session or a video call — it’s speed dialing for webcams.

The Wireless Laser Desktop 4000, which comes with the popular Wireless Laser Mouse 5000, provides several smart features to make the most of users’ computing time. Features include these:

  • Comfort Curve Keyboard features keys that are angled at six degrees to deliver more comfort in an easy-to-use layout.

  • Zoom allows users to easily zoom in and out of digital pictures, maps and more.

  • My Favorites Keys deliver one-touch access to users’ most-used Web sites, files and folders.

  • Customizable Hot Keys, including Messenger, Mail and Web/Home, allow users to quickly launch their favorite programs.

  • Instant Viewer tool enables users to view all open windows at once, with one click of the mouse, to see each project they are working on and easily switch between applications for added productivity.

  • Magnifier tool is a unique mouse tool that enlarges any section of the screen, enabling real-time magnified viewing and editing of images, documents, Web sites and more.

  • Tilt Wheel delivers revolutionary four-way scrolling capabilities from the mouse for smooth vertical and horizontal control and ease when navigating long Web pages or spreadsheets.

Pricing and Availability

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 will be available in April 2007 for an estimated retail price of $79.95.

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 was 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. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

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.

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