REDMOND, Wash., July 22, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the Microsoft® IntelliMouse
™pointing device, the newest, top-of-the-line member of the input device family that includes the industry standard Microsoft Mouse 2.0. By streamlining certain navigational tasks, Microsoft IntelliMouse sets a new standard for pointing devices. Its intuitive functionality makes it easier for users to navigate within the upcoming Office 97 suite of applications as well as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3.0 and the Explorer feature of the Windows® 95 operating system.
Microsoft IntelliMouse Wheel Delivers Faster, Easier Navigation in Microsoft Office 97
“The best innovations are often the simplest,”
said Rick Thompson, vice president of the hardware group at Microsoft.
“With Microsoft IntelliMouse, users of Office 97, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and Windows 95 will experience intuitive navigational control, enabling complete focus on the work at hand.”
Microsoft IntelliMouse frees users to concentrate more directly on their work. The mouse features a wheel, located between its two standard buttons, that provides Office 97 users with an efficient tool for scrolling, zooming and data zooming.
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Scrolling is as simple as rolling the wheel, or pressing down on the wheel and moving the mouse. IntelliMouse eliminates the need to use scroll bars.
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AutoScroll provides a
“hands-free”
way to read documents. This
“teleprompter”
mode gives users control over the speed at which a document automatically scrolls. -
Zooming provides users with a bird’s-eye view of the work at hand, making it easy to quickly locate and then zoom in on particular areas of a spreadsheet or document.
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Data zooming provides a quick way to collapse and expand Word or PowerPoint® presentation graphics program documents in outline views.
Navigating the Internet Is a Breeze
Microsoft IntelliMouse also supports easy scrolling and data zooming in Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and Windows 95 Explorer. By eliminating the need to use scroll bars within Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, IntelliMouse allows users to focus more on the information in front of them. In addition, users can read Web pages with their hands free by activating the AutoScroll mode. Connecting to hot links in Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 is easy with the IntelliMouse wheel, and users no longer need to use the
“Back”
key in Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 to back out through previously visited Web pages. Each click of the Microsoft IntelliMouse wheel takes them back one page, and a hearty spin of the wheel will return users to their home page.
IntelliMouse also offers scrolling and data zooming in Windows 95 Explorer, enabling users to quickly find files and expand and collapse menu trees.
Third-Party Application Support
In addition to being compatible with Office 97, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and Windows 95 Explorer, IntelliMouse will also be supported in the near term by other Microsoft applications, applications from vendors participating in the Office 97-compatible program, and a number of third-party applications.
Easy to Install, Comfortable to Use
Microsoft IntelliMouse is easy to install and set up. Like all Microsoft mice, it includes IntelliPoint software, which allows users to customize mouse functions for greater ease of use. Designed with the same attention to quality and ergonomics that distinguishes Microsoft Mouse 2.0, IntelliMouse is highly durable and comfortable to use.
Pricing, Availability and System Requirements
Microsoft IntelliMouse is scheduled for availability in November 1996 for approximately $84.95 (U.S.). IntelliMouse is backed by a full three-year warranty from Microsoft. To take advantage of its wheel button, IntelliMouse requires Windows 95. (The MS-DOS® operating system version 2.0 or later and the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1 or later support Microsoft IntelliMouse without the wheel function.)
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, IntelliMouse, Windows, PowerPoint and MS-DOS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
For online product information:
Microsoft hardware Web site: http://microsoft.com/hardware/
