“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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Mr. Paranoid wrote:
“Microsoft spelled backwards is Tfosorcim. Close enough to exorcism to me.”
Windows Live is Evil Swodniw.
Office Live is Evil Eciffo.
What next? MS forehead implants? MS Bluetooth assimilators? (we’re part-way there with those spooky cell phone headsets!) Let the theories begin…
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WHo would pay $100 for a microsoft product package that’s probably not as good as the one that came with the computer
I mean, one that can be bought as an option from Apple
all my apple keyboards have a cd/dvd eject button.. what the f***?
It’s too early for April Fools jokes
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I won’t be buying. hahahahaha
As far as the “eject” button is concerned, he was referring to other THIRD PARTY keyboards that target Mac & Windows.
Intel was not evil. Apple always was specific in stating that it felt certain processors were better. First the Motorola 68000, then the Power PC. At the time, compared with the concurrent Intel Pentium chips, they had an argument. In recent years it has become apparent that IBM and Freescale were unable or unwilling to to push the PPC in the direction that Apple needed, and the Pentium chip has been able surpass Apple’s chips in performance. Intel’s Core Duo is the first in a long line of new Intel chips. I see no conflict in Apple moving to this superior architecture. Intel was never portrayed as evil, just that at certain times in the Mac history, we felt that the Mac processor was better. I still think the PPC chip is a better architecture, but you’ve got to go with a manufacturer that is more in sync with your plans. IBM is no longer on the same page with Apple while Intel is.
I think this is great news and shows interest by Microsoft to further develop for the Mac market. With software going away in bits, I’m glad to hear of this announcment. Microsoft makes very good keyboards and Mice. I hope it’s an ergonomic keyboard and everything matches the style and color of Macs. I won’t use mismatched anything. I’m too spoiled with beautiful Apple hardware and don’t want anything to detract or look piecemeal. It’s nice to see anyone interested in making us goodies, as long as they are good.
For years I have a Microsoft not specific Apple mouse !
What a bunch of paranoids!!!
Sheesh, afraid of a mouse or keyboard that has the Microsoft label on it. The product is probably made by the same third party Chinese company that makes the mice and keyboard for 10 other companies that sell them under their brand.
Microsoft also puts out some nice games:
Age of Empires, Flight Simulator,Halo, Mech Warrior and others. Close Combat used to be one of my early favorite games – published by Microsoft.
After juggling batteries with a battery recharger, I’m going back to a wired keyboard and mouse. It’s also more environmental. I’d use wireless for an iHome though – assuming I were to buy one.
I still don’t get the logic behind wireless mice and keyboards. If they’re going to positioned right in front of the computer, do they realy need to be wireless? I have a freind with a wireless mouse and he’s forever shaking it about, turning it on and off, changing the batteries. I told to get a dedicated line, ie an old fashioned one that simply plugs in.
>G Spank wrote: Microsoft makes GREAT KEYBOARDS AND MICE. They do. I don’t mind Apples keyboard, but the mouse sucks. The mighty mouse sucks…
Completely agreed! The MM/Titmouse sucks!
I do hope that MS will keep the design to the essentials. My mouse – a wireless Logitech MX700 – has 5 additional buttons not including the right and left click ones. None of them get used.
MS Apple mouse should be wireless with right/left and scroll/click buttons… 3 total.
Apple… cut em some slack and let them use the Apple logo for the “Apple” key.
>G Spank wrote: Microsoft makes GREAT KEYBOARDS AND MICE. They do. I don’t mind Apples keyboard, but the mouse sucks. The mighty mouse sucks…
Completely agreed! The MM/Titmouse sucks!
I do hope that MS will keep the design to the essentials. My mouse – a wireless Logitech MX700 – has 5 additional buttons not including the right and left click ones. None of them get used.
MS Apple mouse should be wireless with right/left and scroll/click buttons… 3 total.
Apple… cut em some slack and let them use the Apple logo for the “Apple” key.
>G Spank wrote: Microsoft makes GREAT KEYBOARDS AND MICE. They do. I don’t mind Apples keyboard, but the mouse sucks. The mighty mouse sucks…
Completely agreed! The MM/Titmouse sucks!
I do hope that MS will keep the design to the essentials. My mouse – a wireless Logitech MX700 – has 5 additional buttons not including the right and left click ones. None of them get used.
MS Apple mouse should be wireless with right/left and scroll/click buttons… 3 total.
Apple… cut em some slack and let them use the Apple logo for the “Apple” key.
>G Spank wrote: Microsoft makes GREAT KEYBOARDS AND MICE. They do. I don’t mind Apples keyboard, but the mouse sucks. The mighty mouse sucks…
Completely agreed! The MM/Titmouse sucks!
I do hope that MS will keep the design to the essentials. My mouse – a wireless Logitech MX700 – has 5 additional buttons not including the right and left click ones. None of them get used.
MS Apple mouse should be wireless with right/left and scroll/click buttons… 3 total.
Apple… cut em some slack and let them use the Apple logo for the “Apple” key.
New info on MacBook Pro battery life, etc.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10853916/site/newsweek/
Jake
I use a Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro with my Macs. It has a Hot Key for Eject, as well as Back, Forward, Stop, Refresh, launch Prefs, launch Safari, launch Entourage, mute, Volume +/-, Play/Pause, Stop, Pre, & Next in iTunes, show Finder, launch Calculator, Sleep/ShutDown/Restart, and last Application.
I also use a Microsoft Intellimouse Optical 1.0A.
Too bad Microsoft’s software doesn’t live up to their hardware.
BTW I have an Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse (Oct 05 rev) brand new in the packing for sale.
Queezie wrote:
“Sheesh, afraid of a mouse or keyboard that has the Microsoft label on it.”
It’s not the product, it’s the company.
Why help Gates and Ballmer? Any profit goes directly into MS’s pockets. Unless of course the kb & mouse are loss-leaders, then I might buy several.
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I totally agree as a rabid Machead where Apple can do no wrong, the Mighty Mouse clearly needs some work.
However remember that setting up a Apple wireless keyboard and mouse requires a root level access software to run, in this case it’s Apple’s so security is of the upmost importance to them.
Microsoft’s security is terrible, so installing their root code in your Mac is a reciepe for disaster.
I can see those who find a regular M$ keyboard and mouse (not wireless) to thier liking, so what?
As a Apple fan I dislike giving any money to the Redmond beast, but since it’s person’s choice and not a security issue, then fine.
But it’s always like this M$, give them a inch and they take a yard.
Microsoft is drooling at the prospect of being able to run Windows on a Mac.
Can you imagine what that will do to Mac OS X market share?
Apple – We sold 4 million Mac’s last quarter
Microsoft – Funny, we sold 3.5 million versions of Windows Vista for Mac last quarter because Apple was too stupid to keep us off their hardware and all the developers figured it was a waste of time making Mac OS X versions.
Wireless keyboard and mouse are about the dumbest things one can own. Total waste of battery power and electricity.
I had one – after a week I switched back because I got tired of putting new batteries in the mouse after 4 days.
Microsoft keyboard and mouse are good – my daughter uses one.
I have a logictec mouse – works good.
The Apple mighty mouse…hmmmm – not for me.
I don’t know what they’re talking about. The first thing I do when I get a new Mac is order a Microsoft keyboard and mouse for it. My media buttons across the top work just fine, and the “Media” button itself is the hotkey for the DVD/CD.
They make a great keyboard and mouse. If Apple made an ergonomically designed keyboard, I’d probably use that. But they don’t, so I go to MS for the next best thing. Logitech? Blech.
MacDude your dire visions regarding Windows on Apple smell true.
And then one wonders why a software company would even develop software for a Mac anymore – if everyone can just plop in Vista and run the windows version on a Mac.
Next Microsoft will bring out its “iPod”, copy the iTunes concept…plus have Vista (copy of OSX kind of) and Apple will fade into the sunset.
In the end what it means is that Apple has to license OSX to other hardware makers. No matter how I try to twist it or see the other side of why running windows on a Mac is good, it just is not a rosie picture.
Don’t run Windows, run WINE. That way M$ doesn’t get your $$$.
When I needed to buy a new keyboard and mouse for my iMac, the only one a major retailer carried that was USB was a Microsoft wireless. I bought it with a tad bit of guilt, but it works very well and is well made. I didn’t have to install anything… it just plugged in and worked.
As for all the comments about Office for Mac and IE for Mac, etc… the point is that this keyboard will not be usable on a PC… only a Mac, hence Mac-specific. You’re misunderstanding what the writer is saying. Office is a cross-platform program, as is IE, media player etc. This keyboard is designed ONLY for use on a Mac.
A bunch of parasites…Microsoft can go to hell
Microsoft s*cks
Great article in Newsweek! Most interesting part for me was Steve Jobs response to this question:
NW: At the Consumer Electronics Show last week, there didn’t seem to be any iPod killers.
SJ: The problem is, the PC model doesn’t work in the consumer electronics industry, where you’ve got all these companies and some does one thing and another does another thing. It just doesn’t work. What’s going to happen is that Microsoft is going to have to get into the hardware business of making MP3 players. This year. X-player, or whatever.
I’d have to sandpaper off the massive ‘Microsoft’ advertising logo’s..
On second thoughts I’d prefer to stick with a trackpad with SideTrack and one button.
But what the hell, good for Microsoft recognising Mac is going to grow leaps and bounds…because they wouldn’t do this if they thought otherwise.
why don’t Microsoft make a PC for Apple? You know, one that can run OSX for half the price.
I guess that’s what the WMP crew have all been working on then …
WHY are so many people against the mighty mouse, I love it, I think its the best mouse out there. M$ design team sucks.
I love Bill Gates.
Mice? Yuck. I’ll stick with my Kensington ExpertMouse with the scroll wheel!
http://us.kensington.com/html/2200.html
Besides, I learned to draw with pencil and pen, not a bar of soap!
Go WACOM!
I LOVE my Macally IceKey keyboard.
http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/input_device/icekey.html
BTW, I wish Apple would enlarge the trackpad on the PowerBooks… er… MacBooks (ugh) and include a stylus. (they have a patent for it!) That would be MUCH more useful than a silly little remote control! Plus, it would leave room for the goddam FireWire 800 port that they somehow LOST.
Anyway, from what I’ve heard and read, MS makes some decent mice. The Mighty Mouse is NOT the best mouse in the house, either folks. the trackpea is cute, though. Apple should have done better!
Choice is a good thing, people. In this instance you vote with your wallet and your vote counts!
No mac user worth their salt aint gonna buy this crap from Microsoft!
I wonder how many millions $ it cost MS to design a keyboard and mouse that no one will ever want.
Yet another loss leading sink hole for Microsoft’s profits – just like the Xbox.
We can’t make a decent mp3 player or an OS that isn’t virus and spyware ridden but we do make a damn good keyboard and mouse.