Latest in Desktop Chic: Black and White

April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Who says white can't be worn before Memorial Day? Microsoft today unveiled four new special edition hardware products: Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition, Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition, Optical Mouse Special Edition and MultiMedia Keyboard Special Edition. Dressed in icicle white and matte black, these mice and keyboards defy the old computing fashion style guidelines and deliver more individualized desktop options.

A recent New York Times article, "The Beige Box Fades to Black," explores the new trend of how manufacturers have shifted from offering computer finishes in the traditional beige to a broader choice of colors, including shining white and sophisticated black.* In response, Microsoft Hardware introduces its special edition line of mice and keyboards with new color options, tailor-made for today's computers and available for a limited time only.

"Microsoft's Hardware Division continues to innovate in ergonomics, function and style, producing comfortable, responsive mice and keyboards," said Roger Kay, an analyst at IDC.

Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition delivers six feet worth of wireless freedom with a gleaming white and chrome-accented mouse, keyboard and shared receiver. The sleek keyboard features a multimedia center and Hot Keys, which enable users to launch music playlists, surf the Internet or control streaming video -- all at the touch of a button. The ambidextrous mouse uses precise Microsoft Optical Technology and offers a wider scroll wheel. These stylish white devices operate on both PC and Macintosh platforms.

This eye-catching desktop joins Microsoft Hardware's existing mice and keyboard lineup, which includes additional color options such as bright Astral blue, grayish Anthracite blue and platinum.

"Whether it's a cell phone, PDA, or mouse and keyboard, consumers want personal devices that are an extension of their personality and individual style," said Matt Barlow, director of sales and marketing for the Hardware Division at Microsoft. "We will continue to expand the color options and finishes for our lineup of desktop peripherals, while offering industry-leading performance and comfort."

The mice and keyboards introduced today will be available to consumers for a limited time only at the following estimated retail prices:

• Wireless Optical Desktop Special Edition features an icicle white finish with silver accents and is available now (as of April 2003) for $84.95.
• Wireless Optical Mouse Special Edition, wrapped in a shining white finish, features an ambidextrous design and a wider scroll wheel. It is available now for $44.95.
• MultiMedia Keyboard Special Edition, designed in a matte black finish, offers one-touch multimedia controls and time-saving Hot Keys. It is available now for $44.95.
• Optical Mouse Special Edition, dressed in a matte black finish, offers ambidextrous comfort and a wider scroll wheel. It will be available in May for $34.95.

More information on special edition and existing products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ .

* Steve Lohr, The New York Times, "The Beige Box Fades to Black," April 18, 2002

Source: Microsoft Corp.