Microsoft launches new hardware to complement Windows 7

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft Malaysia yesterday launched several new peripheral products to complement its latest Windows 7 operating system (OS) software. Unveiling two models of keyboards, one mouse and a digital webcam, the new products were aimed at taking advantage of the user-friendly and productivity enhancing features of the well-received new OS, said Microsoft entertainment and devices division marketing communications manager Ian Tan.

“Microsoft is committed to creating peripherals that will enhance your Windows experience,” he said. “That enhancement requires innovation, and our products are known to be both reliable and consistently ergonomic. I am confident that users will be amazed at how useful and easy these products are to use, not to mention how ground-breaking the products are.”

The Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 has a Taskbar Favourites feature that allows users to navigate open applications more easily, without having to fully resort to using the mouse.

It comes with the Microsoft Comfort Curve layout that incorporates a soft-touch palm rest, and is expected to go for a retail price of RM279.

The Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, Microsoft’s thinnest keyboard design yet, weighs 415g (inclusive of two AA batteries), measures 16mm and features a separate calculator-sized number keypad. It was designed exclusively for Bluetooth notebooks and desktops, and was created in response to customer suggestions, and is expected to retail at RM329.

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 features Microsoft’s award-winning BlueTrack TECHNOLOGY [], which allows users to use the mouse on almost any kind of surface. Aimed at making the fairly new technology available to the main mass of everyday users, the mouse is set to retail at RM129, and comes in a range of neon colours.

Finally, the LifeCam Cinema webcam features widescreen HD video with a 720p sensor, autofocus capability (which also includes automatic adjustments based on lighting conditions) as well as ClearFrame technology to boost video quality.

Microsoft says it is the first of its kind for a consumer-based webcam, and is expected to retail for RM285. Microsoft Malaysia, which launched Windows 7 on Nov 6, had said it expected the adoption of the OS to generate a multiplier effect of RM18.50 for its partners for every RM1 in Microsoft sales.