Windows Aero for new Wireless Laser Desktop 7000

Microsoft delivers sophistication of Windows Aero to new Wireless Laser Desktop 7000

New peripherals bring stylish and affordable options for the digital lifestyle

AUCKLAND - May 12, 2008 - Microsoft Corp. brings the beauty of Windows Aero from the PC to the devices that surround it with its latest keyboard and mouse desktop set, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system with its striking design.

The new desktop set includes an ultra-thin Comfort Curve keyboard and rechargeable mouse, delivering ultimate performance and comfort. The keyboard features a Windows Aero-inspired translucent design, floating Hot Keys and instant access to Windows Flip 3D,1 making this desktop a perfect companion for today’s Windows Vista-based PC.

Today Microsoft New Zealand also debuts the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, an ultra-thin, stylish yet affordable keyboard designed to fit the digital lifestyle.

Wireless Laser Desktop 7000: the sleek “little black dress” of peripherals

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 brings together productivity-enhancing features and a sophisticated design to create an elegant accompaniment for today’s computers. The following are among its new design elements:

• Smoked translucent border brings the subtle elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard.

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

• Amazingly sleek, thin design complements any living room or office décor and features quiet touch keys.
“This keyboard is a perfect example of Microsoft’s focus on connecting its hardware with Windows Vista, bringing the elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard,” says Danica Aitken, product marketing manager, Microsoft Hardware. “The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 truly brings the best of both worlds together — a beautiful design and a full suite of productivity features — making it the best option for customers desiring a sophisticated accessory for their computer.”

Comfort curve is king

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 keyboard features Microsoft’s best-selling Comfort Curve design, which encourages a more natural position with a slight 6-degree curve. With more than 6 million Comfort Curve keyboards sold worldwide,2 Microsoft Hardware continues to shine as a leader in comfortable computing.

Wireless Laser Mouse 7000

The included Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a stylish, rechargeable mouse that perfectly complements the sleek keyboard. The horizontal charging station provides a sturdy base, and the battery status indicator lets users know when it is time to charge. By choosing a rechargeable mouse, users can reduce their battery consumption by up to 80 percent over three years of use.3

Get confident with 2.4 GHz

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 features advanced wireless technology using 2.4GHz frequency. Benefits include the following:

• Confident connection with virtually no interference. Intelligent technology “hops” frequency when it encounters interference, making it ideal for crowded wireless environments with multiple computers.

• Wireless freedom. Users can sit back and click up to 30 feet away from the transceiver, even if it is out of sight.

• Easy setup and use. Users can just plug in the transceiver and start working.

Digital Media Keyboard 3000

Microsoft also announced today the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, designed to fit today’s digital lifestyle. This affordable keyboard enables users to bring digital media to life with one-touch access to photos, Windows Media Player, My Favorites Keys and Zoom. This sleek, thin keyboard is also optimized for Windows Vista, with quick access to Flip 3D4 and the Windows Start Button.

Pricing and availability

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will be available in-stores 17 May 2008 for a recommended retail price of $219 (N.Z.).5 The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 will be available in-stores 25 June 2008 for an estimated retail price of $59 (N.Z.).5 More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.co.nz/hardware.

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 Requires a PC running Windows Aero (available in Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate editions).
2 Based on Microsoft sales data.
3 Microsoft internal research.
4 Windows Flip 3D button functions as an Instant Viewer button when used with Windows XP; starts Exposé for Mac.
5 Actual retail prices may vary.

ENDS

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