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Goodbye, Boring Beige Mouse: Microsoft Recharges Peripheral Perception With Innovative New Mice

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 5 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Microsoft Corp. today added two new desktop mice to its line of award-winning input devices with the new Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, giving consumers more choice and flexibility in their computing experience. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 debuts a new desktop mouse design, combining a full-size mouse for supreme comfort with a portable snap-in transceiver for easy mobility. Microsoft also announced the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, offering top-notch technology and recharging at an affordable price point. Both mice come packed with high-end technology features in sleek designs to deliver supreme performance and comfort.

Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 - Desktop Comfort Meets Mobile Design

The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 offers a unique concept in computer peripherals, blurring the lines between desktop and notebook mice by creating a full-size mouse with a portable snap-in transceiver for easy storage and mobility. With more than one-third of consumers buying full-sized desktop mice for their notebook computers(1), this mouse delivers on a growing computing need: moving easily from on the desk to on the go, without compromising on size and comfort.

"Our research shows that consumers are more mobile than ever when it comes to using their computers," said Sean Butterworth, product marketing manager at Microsoft. "With the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, they can easily take their notebook computer and mouse with them, from the desk to the kitchen or to their local coffee shop, without having to compromise on size and comfort."

Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 - Go Green With Rechargeable Convenience

Microsoft offers a stylish, rechargeable mouse at an affordable price with the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, joining the company's line of rechargeable input devices that includes the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 and Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. By choosing a rechargeable mouse, users can reduce their battery consumption by up to 80 percent over three years of use.(2) The horizontal charging station provides a sturdy base, and the battery status indicator lets users know when it is time to charge. The Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 also offers high-end design elements, a mini transceiver and an ergonomic shape for hours of comfortable use.

Get Confident With 2.4 GHz

The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 feature 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.

High Definition Laser Technology and Smart Software

Both mice feature Microsoft's High Definition Laser Technology, which delivers unprecedented advantages with improved responsiveness, greater precision and smoother tracking. The new Microsoft mice also offer these dynamic productivity features:

— Smart software connection. One click of the wheel provides instant access to the Windows Vista Flip 3D feature, letting users flip through open windows and quickly switch between applications for added productivity. — Magnifier tool and Tilt Wheel. Users can perform popular commands with a single touch.

Pricing and Availability

The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 will be widely available in March 2008 for an estimated retail price of $49.95 and $69.95 (U.S.),(3) respectively. These mice are available now for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in March, when they are widely released. More information about the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 and the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/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.

(1) Proprietary Microsoft survey of 2,042 U.S. consumers with computers, May 2007 (2) Microsoft internal research. (3) Actual retail prices may vary.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.