Microsoft unveiled a new line of computer peripherals on Wednesday, including a $250 wireless keyboard and mouse compatible with its upcoming Windows Vista operating system.
The new products feature a one-touch button for the Windows Start menu and
incorporates features to help users more easily navigate Windows Vista, due out to
consumers in early 2007 after nearly five years of development.
"As we promote Vista, this will be a key component," said Matt Barlow, director of
marketing at Microsoft's PC Hardware division.
Microsoft sells millions of mice, keyboards and other computer peripherals a year,
adding to revenue in its entertainment and devices division.
The premium Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 comes with a one-inch (2.5
centimeter) thick keyboard that is wireless up to 30 feet and an accompanying
wireless mouse and goes on sale in February.
The keyboard has back-lit keys and a navigation pad to control the computer cursor
directly from the keyboard. Both the keyboard and the accompanying mouse is
rechargeable when hooked into a charging station.
A less expensive wireless keyboard and mouse set with similar features, but
without the metallic trim, will go on sale for $150 in January, Microsoft said.
Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft also unveiled a new mouse for presentations, a
new Web camera and a wireless game controller for computer games.