Microsoft's First Desktop Designed for Mac

News Release

Microsoft Delivers First Desktop Designed Exclusively for Mac Users
Ultimate desktop performance, comfort and design to meet Mac users’ needs.

Auckland, New Zealand - May 31, 2006 - Microsoft today announced the availability of the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac, its first Mac-specific desktop complete with a stylish wireless Comfort Curve Keyboard and a wireless High Definition laser mouse. With this new desktop set, the Microsoft Hardware division combines comfortable design with High Definition technology to deliver the ultimate in cutting-edge performance, luxury and style to any Mac user. The futuristic silver finish complements the Mac design to make a mark on any desktop while providing the freedom of wireless control.

The Microsoft® Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features Microsoft’s first keyboard designed specifically for the Mac. The key layout is consistent with Mac-only keyboards. To truly meet Mac users’ needs, this is Microsoft’s only keyboard without the Windows® Start button. The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is compatible with the new Intel-based Mac machines as well as PowerPC models, and has Hot Keys that map to Mac programs such as iTunes and iPhoto.

“The Microsoft Hardware team are excited to provide this Mac-only keyboard and mouse to strengthen Microsoft’s line-up of products for Mac users, which includes our productivity suite, Office 2004 for Mac,” says Brigitte Reed, HRD product manager for Microsoft New Zealand. “This launch further demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the computing experience for Mac users.”

Classy Comfort

For greater comfort at work or in the home, the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac’s Comfort Curve Keyboard encourages natural hand and wrist positioning in an easy-to-use layout for enhanced comfort and productivity. The Comfort Curve design is preferred by a ratio of 3-to-1 over flat, straight keyboards, and includes a cushioned palm rest for supreme comfort.1 Designed and tested by Microsoft’s in-house ergonomists and usability experts, the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is the ultimate in comfort and performance for Mac users and includes the following key features:

- Mac Modifier Keys. Control, Option and Command buttons are right where users need them.

- Zoom Slider. Consumers can zoom in for a closer look at digital pictures, maps and more.

- My Favourites Keys. Five keys that can be customized to instantly bring up favourite photos, folders, files and Web pages.

- Eject key. This key enables users to easily eject CDs and DVDs.

- Hot Keys. These buttons offer one-touch, immediate access to programs consumers use the most, including those for e-mail, chat, music, photos and the Web.

High Definition for the Mac

The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features a sleek silver wireless High Definition laser mouse. Microsoft’s cutting-edge High Definition technology is two generations ahead of standard optical mouse products and gives the mouse ultimate precision and responsiveness.2 In addition; the mouse utilizes Microsoft’s Intelligent Tracking System for smoother tracking without interruptions or skipping, even over unique surfaces. For enhanced performance the mouse also features a Tilt Wheel for navigating and viewing documents and spreadsheets with ease. One-click access to Microsoft’s Magnifier tool makes the Mac magnifier feature more accessible for real-time document enlargement.

“The Hardware team has been creating Mac-compatible peripherals for many years,” Brigitte Reed says. “They always value the feedback from customers; for this product they went back to the drawing board with the specific requests from our Mac users. They’re very proud to deliver Microsoft’s first Mac-specific keyboard and mouse that provide the tools and features Mac users need to be productive.”

Pricing and Availability

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac are available from late July for a recommended retail price of NZ$199.003.

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.

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1 Based on Microsoft internal research, P. Johnson, Ph.D., University of Washington, “ErgoMax ergonomic study,” 2004

2 Standard optical technology = mouse products with 0.35 microns or older CMOS technology.

3 Actual retail price may vary.

Information contained herein relates to a pre-released product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product 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 and IntelliMouse 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.

ENDS

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