Microsoft Hardware Innovations Earn No. 1 Best-Selling Positions


REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 15 / -- Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) kicks off the holiday season with significant momentum as it announces two market-leading products: its Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse has remained the No. 1 best-selling notebook mouse and overall best-selling mouse (desktop and notebook combined) in the U.S. (1) for the past 12 months, and its stand-alone Fingerprint Reader also reached the No. 1 position in the market. (2) Microsoft's award-winning hardware peripherals are known for innovative features, comfortable designs and unmatched performance that enable easier and more productive PC experiences.

Introduced in September 2004, Microsoft® Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse and Fingerprint Reader were the company's first entrants into the wireless notebook mouse and fingerprint recognition technology categories. The Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse was designed to deliver the highest performance available in a compact size for mobile computing, and the Fingerprint Reader offered unmatched simplicity and convenience for easing password fatigue. After its release, the Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse became an immediate bestseller and has maintained that position, helping to make Microsoft the No. 1 brand for wireless notebook mice.

"This is a very hot segment that continues to expand; notebooks have increased as a percentage of total systems shipped from 19 percent worldwide in 2000 to 32 percent today," said Crawford Del Prete, senior vice president of Communications, Hardware, Services and Software Research at IDC. "Customers want products that are convenient, easy to use and simple to connect, particularly in mobile environments. These products address these requirements quite well."

These bestsellers are perfect stocking stuffers: The Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse, with its small, compact size, is ideal for business professionals on the go, and the Fingerprint Reader is a great addition for home users seeking more convenient access to their favorite online sites. The Fingerprint Reader enables quick and easy access to the PC with the touch of a finger, so consumers can navigate through online shopping, e-mail and flight reservations without having to search for their passwords. With its ambidextrous and ergonomic design, the Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse marked Microsoft's first-ever notebook mouse with a snap-in receiver that fits conveniently into the bottom of the mouse to conserve battery life when not in use.

About Microsoft Hardware

For more than two decades, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design, and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) The NPD Group/NPD Techworld (September 2004-August 2005)

(2) The NPD Group/NPD Techworld (September 2004-August 2005)

Source: Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: press only, Julie Smith, +1-206-223-1606, or julie.smith@edelman.com, or Liz DeBord, +1-206-223-1606, or liz.debord@edelman.com, both of Edelman, for Microsoft

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

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