Computing and style: Microsoft launches Arc Mouse

Computing and style collide: Microsoft launches Arc Mouse
Portable style with high-end design

AUCKLAND - September 10, 2008 - Microsoft today raised the style stakes with the unveiling of a revolutionary crescent-moon-shaped mouse designed to be just as fashionable as it is functional — the Arc Mouse. With its unique foldable design, Arc reduces in size by almost half for portability when it is snapped shut, but provides complete comfort as a full size mouse when flipped open.

The Arc Mouse allows people to show off their personal style thanks to its sleek, thin crescent shape.

“Arc truly makes the once-humble mouse a fashion accessory,” said Microsoft’s Julia Nicholls, Product Marketing Manager for Mice and Keyboards, Microsoft ANZ. “Just as importantly, its foldable form factor makes Arc a great travel companion. It takes up minimal space while making maximum impact.”

The Arc Mouse’s elegant, foldable shape allows it to easily slip into any bag while on the go and expand to a comfortable full size mouse in one easy motion – much like a clamshell mobile phone. Its micro USB transceiver quickly snaps into the bottom of the mouse using a magnet and is so small it sticks out less than one centimetre while plugged in, meaning there is no need to remove it from a laptop while travelling.

The Arc Mouse features high-end details in every aspect of its design — its strong metal hinge can be opened and closed with confidence.

Product Features
- Battery life indicator shows two colours: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low.
- 2.4GHz wireless technology gives consumers a confident wireless connection and a range of up to nine metres, even in crowded wireless environments.
- Carrying case is included and uses a magnetic flap to easily snap shut and protect the mouse while on the go.
- High-performance laser tracking offers smooth tracking and excellent responsiveness and precision.

In a June 2007 report, “The Age of Style in Consumer PCs,” Forrester Research Inc. predicted that between now and 2012 will be the “age of style” with consumer choice and personalisation becoming an important factor in a purchase decision.

Check out images of Arc at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/gallery.mspx

The No. 1 Best-Selling Notebook Mouse Gets a Face-Lift
Microsoft has also announced a facelift for the US number one best selling notebook mouse1, The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000. It delivers comfort on the go with an ambidextrous shape designed by Microsoft’s in-house ergonomist for comfort in either hand and a snap-in receiver.

This mouse is equipped with High Definition Optical Technology and a snap-in receiver that helps conserve battery life as it turns off the power when snapped into the bottom of the mouse. The mouse also features a two-colour battery life indicator, and works straight out of the box.

Pricing and Availability:
The Arc Mouse will be widely available in December 2008 for a recommended retail price of $99.003. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 will be available in November 2008 for a recommended retail price of $69.003

Both products will be backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft Corp.

About Microsoft Hardware
For 25 years, 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. 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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1 Source: The NPD Group Inc, based on U.S. retail and commercial dollar sales from March 2005 to January2008.
2 Many users average more than six months of battery life.
3 Recommended retail prices. At participating retailers. The price a customer pays will be determined by their retailer.

ENDS

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