Slim keyboards for cool computing

Slim keyboards for cool computing
Microsoft provides design and comfort for the desktop

AUCKLAND – September 10th 2008 ( Microsoft today announced two sleek desktop sets — the Wireless Media Desktop 1000 which helps bring the digital lifestyle to life and the newly-updated Wireless Laser Desktop 6000. Both of these stylish desktops are designed to give computer users more options for their workspaces.

A Comfort Curve design complements the sleek lines of the refreshed Wireless Laser Desktop 6000, making for hardware that looks and feels good at the same time. The slick design and media centre options on this keyboard-and-mouse combination make it a smart choice for digital media enthusiasts.

“People continue to use full-size mice and keyboards with both desktop and notebook computers, even as their computing habits change,” said Julia Nicholls, Product Marketing Manager for Mouse and Keyboards, Microsoft ANZ. “Comfort, performance and design remain key considerations for consumers from desk-workers to road-warriors and PC enthusiasts.

Wireless Media Desktop 1000
The Wireless Media Desktop 1000 is the perfect companion for the media enthusiast, providing quick, one-touch access to photos, Windows Media Player and My Favorites Keys. Designed specifically to fit the digital lifestyle, the sleek, compact design complements the décor of the living room or office.

The Wireless Media Desktop 1000 allows you to quickly and easily switch between applications for added productivity1. With the added feature of one touch Media Centre controls, users can bring digital media to life at the push of a button. The ultra-thin keyboard gives users full use of Windows Vista with quick access to Windows Flip 3D2 and the Windows Start Button. This affordably-priced desktop set also includes an optical mouse that works for left or right handed people thanks to its comfortable ambidextrous design.

In addition, this keyboard features top technology tools such as:

- Customisable Hot Keys, for Messenger, Mail, Web/Home and Media Player, enabling users to quickly launch their favourite programs.
- Enhanced F Keys make it easy to complete common tasks with one touch.
- Spill-resistant keys feature integrated water channels in the keyboard to drain liquid away.

Wireless Laser Desktop 6000: User-friendly with a sleek design
The Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 offers stylish design at an affordable price. This set includes the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, a full-size mouse with a right-handed ergonomic design that features a snap-in transceiver so notebook users can easily take the mouse with them on the road. The Windows Aero-inspired keyboard has a smoked translucent border and sleek, compact shape.

Featuring Microsoft’s best-selling Comfort Curve layout, this keyboard delivers supreme comfort by encouraging a more natural hand position with a slight six-degree curve. The Comfort Curve design surpasses other industry styles, with more than seven million units sold worldwide1. The keyboard’s quiet touch keys also add to its appeal. In addition, this keyboard features top technology and productivity tools:
- 2.4GHz wireless technology gives consumers a confident wireless connection and a range of up to 30 feet, even in crowded wireless environments.
- One-touch access to Windows Flip 3D allows users to flip through open windows in a stack and quickly switch among applications for added productivity.2
- My Favourites Keys deliver one-touch access to users’ most-used websites, files and folders. Users simply push and hold a key to assign it to the current destination, just as they would with a car stereo’s preset buttons.
- Media Centre controls allow users to access popular media activities such as play, pause and volume with one touch.
- Battery life indicator shows two colours: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low.

The Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 is an updated design of the currently available model.

Pricing and Availability
The Wireless Media Desktop 1000 and the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 will be widely available in October 2008 for recommended retail prices of $99.003, and $179.003 respectively.

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 Based on Microsoft sales data.
2 For Windows, Flip 3D requires a PC running Windows Aero. If you are using Mac OS X 10.3 or higher, the Flip 3D button or Instant Viewer tool will start Exposé when used with Mac.
3 Recommended retail prices. At participating retailers. The price a customer pays will be determined by their retailer.

ENDS

Visit the Microsoft Hardware Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/nz/hardware/

For product images visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/gallery.mspx

For a look at Microsoft Hardware’s past 25 years of innovation visit
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/innovation/history.mspx

More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

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