BIOS: Technology Means Business

Microsoft’s Hardware Group has expanded its High Definition line of mice to include more affordable models.

In an apparent response to consumer demand for higher-performing peripherals at work or play, Microsoft is relaunching its best-selling mouse, the Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse, to feature the company’s proprietary High Definition technology.

Rounding out the line expansion are two new desktop mice - one optical and one laser. In keeping with Microsoft Hardware’s commitment to offering its customers the best in performance and value, the line now includes a High Definition laptop and desktop mouse for less than $30 (£17).

‘Since we launched our High Definition line just last September, we have sold over a million units,’ said Rusty Jeffress, general manager of the Hardware Group at Microsoft. ‘We design our proprietary chip technology to provide our customers with the best possible performance so they enjoy their computing experiences no matter where they are.’

For laptop users, the new Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 offers an upgraded version of the Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse, the best-selling laptop mouse and overall best-selling mouse in the US throughout 2005.

Laptop users find themselves working in small spaces - from the seat of an airplane to a cramped coffee shop - where sometimes the only place to use their mouse is on a corner of the airplane tray or a small café table. With the updated High Definition technology, you should be able to enjoy smooth and precise tracking regardless of the surface. In addition, this mouse has a smaller receiver than the previous version, which makes it more portable and easier to stow.

For the desktop, the Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 features a five-button, ambidextrous design, Magnifier button for real-time enlargement and editing of any section of the screen, and a Tilt Wheel that makes navigating and viewing detailed spreadsheets and documents even easier. The new Wireless Optical Mouse 2000 is an affordable high-performance mouse featuring High Definition Optical Technology, an ambidextrous design with silver accents and three buttons.

With 1000dpi, all Microsoft High Definition mice apparently deliver the right amount of responsiveness in relation to hand movement, requiring less hand motion in small spaces such as coffee tables or airplane trays.

Microsoft High Definition mice capture 6000fps to accurately track hand movement and prevent stopping or skipping, even when moving very quickly. The mice are equipped with a chip, developed by Microsoft, which requires less power and maximises efficiency, delivering an average of more than six months of battery life for wireless mice.

Microsoft’s Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 ($39.95/£22) is currently available, Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 ($49.95/£29) will be available by late April 2006, and Wireless Optical Mouse 2000 ($29/£17) will be available in June 2006.

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