Microsoft’s press release verbatim:
Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac, its first Mac-specific desktop complete with a stylish wireless Comfort Curve Keyboard and a wireless High Definition laser mouse. With this new desktop set, the Microsoft Hardware division combines comfortable design with High Definition technology to deliver the ultimate in cutting-edge performance, luxury and style to any Mac user. The futuristic silver finish complements the Mac design to make a mark on any desktop while providing the freedom of wireless control.
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features Microsoft’s first keyboard designed specifically for the Mac. The key layout is consistent with Mac-only keyboards. To truly meet Mac users’ needs, this is Microsoft’s only keyboard without the Windows Start button. The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is compatible with the new Intel-based Mac machines as well as PowerPC models, and will have Hot Keys that map to Mac programs such as iTunes and iPhoto.
“We are excited to see our colleagues on the Microsoft Hardware team provide this Mac-only keyboard and mouse to strengthen Microsoft’s lineup of products for Mac users, which includes our productivity suite, Office 2004 for Mac,” said Scott Erickson, director of product management and marketing for the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft. “This launch further demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the computing experience for Mac users. We were able to preview the product at Macworld this January and saw firsthand the very favorable response from Mac customers.”
Classy Comfort
For greater comfort at work or in the home, the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac’s Comfort Curve Keyboard encourages natural hand and wrist positioning in an easy-to-use layout for enhanced comfort and productivity. The Comfort Curve design is preferred by a ratio of 3-to-1 over flat, straight keyboards, and includes a cushioned palm rest for supreme comfort.(1) Designed and tested by Microsoft’s in-house ergonomists and usability experts, the Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is the ultimate in comfort and performance for Mac users and includes the following key features:
• Mac Modifier Keys. Control, Option and Command buttons are right where users need them.
• Zoom Slider. Consumers can zoom in for a closer look at digital pictures, maps and more.
• My Favorites Keys. These five keys can be customized to instantly bring up favorite photos, folders, files and Web pages.
• Eject key. This key lets users easily eject CDs and DVDs.
• Hot Keys. These buttons offer one-touch, immediate access to programs consumers use the most, including those for e-mail, chat, music, photos and the Web.
High Definition for the Mac
The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac features a sleek silver wireless High Definition laser mouse. Microsoft’s cutting-edge High Definition technology is two generations ahead of standard optical mouse products and gives the mouse ultimate precision and responsiveness.(2) In addition, the mouse utilizes Microsoft’s Intelligent Tracking System for smoother tracking without interruptions or skipping, even over unique surfaces. For enhanced performance this mouse also features a Tilt Wheel for navigating and viewing documents and spreadsheets with ease. One-click access to Microsoft’s Magnifier tool makes the Mac magnifier feature more discoverable for real-time document enlargement.
“The Hardware team has been creating Mac-compatible peripherals for many years,” said Rusty Jeffress, general manager of the Microsoft Hardware team at Microsoft. “We always value the feedback of our customers; for this product we went back to the drawing board with the specific requests of our Mac users, and are excited to deliver our first Mac-specific keyboard and mouse that provide the tools and features Mac users need to be productive.”
Pricing and Availability
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac will be available this summer for an estimated retail price of US$99.95.
More info: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=078
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Mac users should not buy Microsoft software (or hardware) – May 16, 2003
That is by far one of the ugliest things i have ever seen.
But admittedly, the current Apple keyboards are overdue for a redesign. or hell, go back to the pro keyboard!(like what I’m typing on). I don’t like the fact there’s no incline adjustment, plus i like the look of the USB on their own little extension of the keyboard rather than two holes at the back of the keyboard. But I still would take any Apple keyboard over this trash.
I think Apple is looking for a way to get rid of the battery weight in the MM before making it wireless. Maybe the Pro machines will bring about keyboard/mouse redesigns. Let Apple get the transition finished, then they can go do the periphs
When, oh when, will companies stop advertising accessories as “wireless” when you still need to connect a component to a USB port? I’m sorry, but it’s not “wireless” if I need to connect something with a “wire” to my computer!
DO NOT BUY THIS OR YOUR A FSCKING TRAITOR!!!
No money to Micro$oft, for anything at anytime.
That’s the only way Apple and alternatives can win.
M$ makes over ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN PROFIT PER MONTH
Stop feeding the insanity NOW!!
I’m miss my mighty mouse left-right scroll, and the size of the scroll button. MS is too big.
So, let me get this straight, I can’t plug it into the purple port? Where does it plug in?
Knee-jerk MS hater? Yep that’s me alright, but this does look interesting. Too bad they don’t make a version with a trackball instead of a mouse. I hate mice. If they ship it with matching colored masking tape to cover the MS logo so my knees could settle down long enough for me to get some work done, I’d be very tempted. Although it is a tab bit ugly, but so is my current Macally keyboard and I’m still alive!
Push a button to print. Push a button to retrieve my email.
Still waiting for them to add buttons to wipe my ass for me or secretly adjust me under the desk when my underwear binds up.
> Microsoft makes excellent mice (I have one myself, and would never give it up for any Apple mouse)
—> I agree totally. MS does make great wireless mice and that’s what I use.
As for keyboards, I’ll stick with the standard Apple keyboard. I used to really like the feel of the old SE keyboards – less travel to the keys. I wish they would bring back that feel – somewhere in-between that standard and a notebook feel. On a side note, I thought the more pronounced slant to the look of the letters/numbers etc. on the keys was cool too.
this is ugly and i would never consider it.
that being said, why didn’t they consider using white, like the rest of the apple peripherals product line? this color of silver looks hideous.
also, CURVES are OUT. this might have been decent if it had clean lines. instead, it’s cluttered like everything else they make.
$99!?!?!?!?
they also made a naming mistake. no apple person would ever associate the words “microsoft” and “desktop” together.
That’s not the first made exclusively for Mac?
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2162,CONTENTID=11420
As a designer with arthritis, I forego design for ergonomics when it comes to my keyboard. I find the natural keyboard reduces strain on my hands and wrists. I’d love to see Kenginton or Macally take a crack at designing a natural keyboard for the Mac.
Working in a cross platform environment, I’ve used many MS keyboards and mice. I highly recommend both MS and Kensington mice to people who want a simple USB two button mouse (even for their Macs).
If you have any kind of hand injury or arthritis, stay far away from Apple’s Mighty Mouse. I love the idea behind it, but find my hand hurts within 5 minutes of use. The whole user experience is very un-Apple like. They are usually very thoughtful in their designs toward people with disabilities.
I’ve tried so many “mice,” and the best I’ve found yet for relieving pain in my hand, shoulder and back is the Expert Mouse Pro from Kensington. It’s a “roller ball” that includes many of the functions this Microsoft keyboard offers, namely, six different customizable “launch” buttons that can be programmed to open apps or files, or just run a series of key strokes. Also fabulous is the fact that there are four click buttons, which can also be programmed to perform different functions. I hope this helps some people looking for a great ergonomic solution to mousing.
I like Microsoft’s mice. Right now, I’m using what’s called their “basic” optical mouse, two buttons, scroll wheel, nice symetrical shape. It works great in Mac OS X. It cost me about $6 at a surplus computer store.
I like it and will buy it.
Cool, lots of extra keys, but where’s the Any Key?