“Microsoft Corp. on Friday said it plans to release in the summer a wireless mouse and keyboard for Apple Computer Inc.’s Mac, the first time the software giant has shipped a product specifically for an Apple computer,” Antone Gonsalves reports for TechWeb News. “The keyboard and mouse is expected to ship as a package, with a suggested retail price of $99.95, a company spokeswoman said. Microsoft, however, could not get permission to use the Apple logo normally found on a key at the bottom left of an Apple keyboard, so the key will have a clover instead. The key will perform all of the same functions.”
“‘There are certain features Mac users want that are missing in one keyboard targeting both (platforms),’ the spokeswoman said, citing, as an example, a hotkey for ejecting a DVD or CD,” Gonsalves reports.
Full article here.
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Related MacDailyNews article:
Mac users should not buy Microsoft software (or hardware) – May 16, 2003
Isn’t there a hotkey for that already called ‘Eject’?
Thanks but no thanks. Guaranteed to be buggy as hell.
What they’re saying is keyboards that can be use for a Mac that aren’t specifically mac keyboards don’t have the same media keys. It sounds like they want a piece of the mac keyboard/mouse market.
I don’t blame them. They make good keyboards and mice. If they’re sensible enouhgh to not have the microsoft logo on then (other than on the bottom maybe), then I’d be tempted to ditch my Apple crumb collecting keyboard for one that at least hides the dust/crumbs/hair etc rather than displays it.
Hey a more ergonomically designed keyboard specifically for the Mac? I’m all for it as long as it uses Bluetooth. If not then forget it.
I have no problem with Microsofts keyboards and Mice.
microsoft hardware is usually good. its the software (their main product!) that sucks
I’m sure in typical Microsoft fashion, they will litter the surface of this keyboard with useless buttons and LED’s. I think that all PC assemblers and Microsoft all read from the same book that says the more LED’s the better the design is. Unfortunately, this book was written by a marketing person or a tech-head, not a designer.
Logitech has released a keyboard/Mouse set specifically for the Mac this year also. Personally I’d go with Logitech, I couldn’t stomach having Microshaft at my fingertips. Interesting though how two large Companies are supporting the platform this year. You can see the Logitech set at there website, their is also an image of it in Feb’s Macworld Mag,
I think it’s misleading to say it’s the first time MS has shipped a product specifically for an Apple computer. It ships lots of software for Apple computers. I’m sure all computer geeks knon this but some people who don’t know anything about macs might think it means they can’t get Office or something. I know people who honeslty know NOTHING about Apple’s computers.
is just fine. But why no Apple symbols on it? Some 3rd party kybds have them and some don’t.
I’d probably boycott this kybd even if it turns out to be sleek and elegant. It IS MS after all. I feel guilty about my mouse! Ha.
Microsoft makes GREAT KEYBOARDS AND MICE. They do. I don’t mind Apples keyboard, but the mouse sucks. The mighty mouse sucks. It’s the only area where Microsoft actually does a better job than Apple.
Um…M$ is getting into our world Mac users!
Don’t you get it!
Actually…I don’t know why…except I have a pretty good idea that this company will be releasing a Windows machine…that is, their own hardware, with their own OS of course.
Can’t you see it coming? Hello! Don’t you see their new hardware development section aiming at things bigger than mice and keyboards? (PS – and even XBOX360s)
Do I want a windows machine? Nah. I want an excellent Apple to be there to trounce them.
What will the future hold…seems plain to me.
Problem is… in order to get it to work will require installing shoddy Microsoft code in the root level of your Mac.
This has been a horrible security nightmare for use Mac users, Sony/BMG rootkit, Norton AV, McFee AV all allowing unfethered access to our precious from over the internet.
It’s been suggested the WMF exploit in Windows was purposely done by Microsoft as to have a “backdoor” to any PC visiting their (or anyone who knew about the exploit) website.
It’s not a normal exploit, it was designed on purpose security officials are saying because it was designed as a feature, to allow images to run code at one time in the past, it was never fixed and allowed to exist for a purpose.
It bypasses everything security wise on a Windows machine, the firewall, the router (as it’s a image code) security passwords etc.
In fact it was so bad, that Microsoft’s “software update” automatically installed and rebooted people’s PC’s without their permission.
Now do you really want the evil of Redmond backdooring and auto-booting your Mac?
Just say NO!
Intellimouse Opticals are great mice. I got one just after purchasing my iMac DV 400 and finding the “puck” mouse unusable. Six years later I eBayed it with the computer. Both were still working perfectly (although I had to get the white spirit on the mouse to remove six years of my dead skin cells and dried sweat. Lovely!).
Have to disagree with G Spank for once though. I like the Mighty Mouse, especially the all directions scroll ball.
I am so paranoid of M$, I don´t trust anything made by M$…some of the stuff you start using it and then you start to like it and then before you know it you have bought a Windows PC, looking forward to Vista coming out and think of the other Steve (as in Ballmer) as being cool.
No, I refuse to touch that M$ crap.
Microsoft spelled backwards is Tfosorcim. Close enough to exorcism to me.
Remember when Intel was evil????
“Problem is… in order to get it to work will require installing shoddy Microsoft code in the root level of your Mac.”
Then don’t install MS’s software. There’s no reason the kb & mouse shouldn’t work without special setup. If they do need setup, don’t use them.
Anyone else on Microsoft desktops and how that would affect, well, everything?
“Remember when Intel was evil????”
Intel was always less evil than MS. It’s telling how things are in the PC world when Intel wanted to show “Intel Inside” didn’t have to mean “runs MS-enabled malware”.
“…the first time the software giant has shipped a product specifically for an Apple computer”
Huh? What about Office for Mac? IE for Mac? MediaPlayer for Mac? Messenger for Mac? Entourage? Virtual PC? Mactopia?
Hello, McFly?
I use a wireless Microsoft mouse at home, with my Quicksilver. It’s actually pretty nice, but the driver for it is awful. I ended up using USB Overdrive with it. It goes through batteries like a cheap whore though.
I’d like to get a Logitech MX900 for my Powerbook. I just can’t find the damn thing in any stores! I’d really like to try it first. Oh well, if I can score one for cheap on eBay I’ll jump on it.
It would be interesting to compare the two.
Microsoft: A software company that makes great hardware.
Apple: A hardware company that makes great software/
And in other news . . .
Report: Microsoft scaling back Mac Business Unit, plans to exit consumer Mac software
It’s all making sense now. NOT!
I’m very happy with my logitech mx700. Why can’t they make a white one or atleast one in all silver (black plastic isn’t all that pretty)?
Haven’t tried the mx900 but it should be sweet.
While I’ve never used one, I’ve heard good things about MS keyboards/mice. If it’s quality equipment and it doesn’t require any funky software to work properly, I think this is good news.
Although I like my Mighty Mouse, Microsoft also makes good keyboards and mice. In this case, it’s good to have choice.
If Microsoft want’s to use an apple logo for their keyboards, all they have to do is license it from Apple Records!
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