Microsoft unveils new Mac-compatible keyboard, mice

Microsoft today unveiled several new Mac-compatible mice and keyboards, including the new Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse for mobile computing, Wireless Optical Desktop with an ergonomic design (pictured at right), a value-oriented Standard Wireless Optical Mouse and Digital Media Pro Keyboard with a new Zoom slider. The new products are expected to ship by the end of the month. (The company also released new Bluetooth-capable mice and keyboards as well those with integrated fingerprint recognition technology, but the company said those were not compatible with the Mac.)

Microsoft announced its Wireless Optical Desktop with a new keyboard design. It features a new curved keyboard featuring angled
keys that intuitively encourage natural hand and wrist alignment for
additional comfort. Microsoft says that its research found that people preferred this new design by a ratio of 3-to-1 over flat keyboards. Also included is Wireless Optical Mouse, a symmetrical mouse that averages more than six months' battery life and also features Microsoft's scroll wheel with Tilt Wheel Technology, allowing users to scroll side-to-side just by simply tilting the wheel (in addition to traditional vertical scrolling).



The Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse includes a small (adjustable) receiver that snaps into the bottom of the mouse when not in use, which automatically turns off power to conserve battery life. Working up to three feet away from the receiver, Microsoft says it typically delivers more than three months of battery life on a single battery . The compact mouse, available in Slate or Winter Blue, features a symmetrical form with rubber side grips for added comfort and offers smooth tracking on nearly any surface.



Both the Wireless Optical Desktop ($85) and the new Digital Media Pro Keyboard ($35, left) feature a new Zoom Slider that lets users quickly and easily zoom in and out of images and documents. Microsoft also introduced its new Standard Wireless Optical Mouse ($35), an affordable wireless optical mouse that offers more than six months of battery life and a unique integrated button design that delivers "a new way to click." It is available in either a black or white finish.

Filed under: peripherals