Microsoft Mac keyboard drops the Windows button

May 31, 2006, 09:57 AM —  Macworld.co.uk — 

Microsoft has announced its new Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac in the U.S.

This is the company's first Mac-specific desktop set, consisting of a wireless keyboard and wireless laser mouse.

The kit includes Microsoft's first Mac-focused keyboard design, which is Microsoft's only keyboard without the Windows Start button. The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac is compatible with Intel and PowerPC Macs.

The keyboard includes Mac Modifier Keys: Control, Option and Command buttons are where you'd expect to find them. There's also a Zoom Slider, so consumers can zoom in for a closer look at what is on their screen.

The keyboard also offers five customizable keys; a media eject key and Hot Keys. The Hot Keys offer immediate access to a user's email, iChat, music, photos and the web.

The mouse utilizes Microsoft's Intelligent Tracking System for smoother tracking without interruptions or skipping. It also features a Tilt Wheel for navigating and viewing documents and spreadsheets. One-click access to Microsoft's Magnifier tool makes the Mac magnifier feature more discoverable for real-time document enlargement.

"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."

"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."

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac will be available this summer for an estimated retail price of US$99.95, U.K. price hasn't been confirmed as yet.

Macworld.co.uk

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