Microsoft offers Mac-specific keyboard, Why?
By Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 31 May 2006 16:35
Microsoft has launched its first Mac-specific desktop (keyboard and mouse combo) it's a fine looking product, and no doubt very useful but it's hard to see the strategy behind it.It's not even produced by Microsoft's Apple Business Unit, which focuses on software, but by the Microsoft Hardware team. Commenting on the launch, Scott Erickson, director of product management and marketing for the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft, said: "We are excited to see our colleagues on the Microsoft Hardware team provide this Mac-only keyboard and mouse to strengthen Microsoft's line-up of products for Mac users, which includes our productivity suite, Office 2004 for Mac."
It's Microsoft's first keyboard designed specifically for the Mac, the key layout is consistent with Mac-only keyboard, and "to truly meet Mac users' needs, this is Microsoft's only keyboard without the Windows Start button". Goodness me, a Windows-less keyboard from Microsoft. What next?
It's compatible with the new Intel-based Mac machines as well as PowerPC models, and will have all the Mac modifier keys, Control, Option and Command buttons "right where users need them," and a few other bells and whistles to boot.
Like the Zoom Slider that enables user to "zoom in for a closer look at digital pictures, maps and more"; five keys that can be customised to instantly bring up favourite photos, folders, files and Web pages; an eject key lets users easily eject CDs and DVDs; and Hot Keys that offer one-touch, immediate access to programs consumers use the most, including those for e-mail, chat, music, photos and the Web.
And the mouse is no ordinary optical rodent but uses "cutting-edge high definition technology [that] is two generations ahead of standard optical mouse products and gives the mouse ultimate precision and responsiveness".
In addition, the mouse uses Microsoft's Intelligent Tracking System "for smoother tracking without interruptions or skipping, even over unique (sic) surfaces. The mouse also features a tilt wheel "for navigating and viewing documents and spreadsheets with ease". All in all, it looks like a bargain at $US99.
As for the why, it seems that the Hardware unit at Microsoft is something of a separate entity pursuing its own vision to "create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC... offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience."
It's been going for two decades and its greatest claim to fame is the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, launched in 1999, and which earned a place on PCWorld.com's December 2005 list of The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years as the first mainstream optical mouse that "brought gunk-free pointing devices" to a broad consumer base.
