Microsoft's New Mice Get Touchy

Dom · Sep 11, 2004, 05:59 AM

Microsoft is introducing a new line of keyboards and mice this week, including some with fingerprint readers that lets users scan a finger instead of having to enter a log-in name and password when accessing online services or logging on to the PC.

A keyboard, mouse, and a stand-alone fingerprint reader were added to Microsoft's hardware lineup. The products are aimed at consumers and are meant for convenience use only. Strong, or hard-to-guess passwords are still recommended for sensitive data such as financial information or for access to corporate networks, Microsoft says.

The Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader is expected to retail for $109, while the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer with Fingerprint Reader will sell for $85. The Fingerprint Reader by itself is expected to retail for $55.

As part of its annual keyboard and mice product line refresh, Microsoft also is introducing a new gently-curved keyboard with keys placed at a 6 degree angle. The keyboard promotes a more natural hand and wrist alignment but offers the same layout as a traditional flat keyboard, according to Microsoft.

The ergonomically designed, curved keyboard is part of the Wireless Optical Desktop Comfort Edition, which also includes a mouse. It is offered as an option for users who want more comfort, but don't like the split keyboard that Microsoft first introduced in 1994, dubbed the Microsoft Natural keyboard.

The Wireless Optical Desktop will sell for $85.

[Read More]

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Source: PCWorld

Sep 11, 2004, 05:59 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft's New Mice Get Touchy Microsoft is introducing a new line of keyboards and mice this week, including some with fingerprint readers that lets users scan a finger instead of having to enter a log-in name and password when accessing online services or logging on to the PC. A keyboard, mouse, and a stand-alone fingerprint reader were added to Microsoft's hardware lineup. The products are aimed at consumers and are meant for convenience use only. Strong, or hard-to-guess passwords are still recommended for sensitive data such as financial information or for access to corporate networks, Microsoft says. The Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader is expected to retail for $109, while the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer with Fingerprint Reader will sell for $85. The Fingerprint Reader by itself is expected to retail for $55. As part of its annual keyboard and mice product line refresh, Microsoft also is introducing a new gently-curved keyboard with keys placed at a 6 degree angle. The keyboard promotes a more natural hand and wrist alignment but offers the same layout as a traditional flat keyboard, according to Microsoft. The ergonomically designed, curved keyboard is part of the Wireless Optical Desktop Comfort Edition, which also includes a mouse. It is offered as an option for users who want more comfort, but don't like the split keyboard that Microsoft first introduced in 1994, dubbed the Microsoft Natural keyboard. The Wireless Optical Desktop will sell for $85. [Read More] ______________________ Source: PCWorld