Microsoft Hardware: The Fall 2008 Lineup

This week, I attended Microsoft's fall 2008 hardware launch event. Here's some information about some of the products that the company is launching, along with some photos I took at the event. I'll have more to say about some of these products in the next few weeks.

Arc Mouse

The Microsoft Arc Mouse started as a concept project aimed at the YoMo (young mobile) market, a group comprised largely of college students and young professionals. But Microsoft found that the arc designed appealed to a far wider group of people. The style of the mouse is born from utility, with a little more casual attitude than your typical mouse. It folds up for traveling. I'll be looking at this mouse more closely for a review in the weeks ahead.

Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse

In the past, large mice were seen as being for desktops, while small mice were aimed at laptops. No more: With more and more people turning to mobile computers, Microsoft's mice are still available in a variety of sizes, but each is aimed at different kinds of individuals, not different computing needs. But the 2008 Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse are, of course, most obviously defined by their use of Microsoft BlueTrack Technology, which is more accurate that laser or optical and works on far more surface types. I'm currently using an Explorer Mouse and will review it soon.

SideWinder X8 Mouse

Microsoft is also bringing its BlueTrack Technology to its vaunted line of gaming mice with the SideWinder X8. The company says this mouse offers the best frame rate, speed and acceleration on the market and a tracking range from 250 to 4,000 dots per inch (dpi).

Wireless Laser Desktop 6000

The Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 combines the Windows Aero-inspired Wireless Keyboard 6000 comfort curve keyboard with a full-sized Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (the latter of which launched earlier this year). The keyboard offers translucent borders, and an ergonomic layout that straddles the line between standard and split keyboards.

Wireless Media Desktop 1000

The Wireless Media Desktop 1000 is aimed at media enthusiasts and includes an ultra-thin keyboard with one-button access to Windows Vista's multimedia features, including Flip 3D, as well as an ambidextrous optical mouse.

LifeCam Show

The innovative LifeCam Show works equally well on the desktop or with a notebook computer thanks to a bundled 11-inch stand, a laptop clip, and two attachment discs. It includes a 2 megapixel sensor and can take 8 MP stills. I'll be reviewing this product soon.

LifeCam VX-5500

Aimed at those who value fashion and mobility, the LifeCam VX-5500 ships with blue, red, and white interchangeable faceplates, and can be folded up into a flat package for traveling. It features a VGA (640 x 480) sensor for video and can shoot 1.3 MP stills.

Photos from the launch event

--Paul Thurrott
September 10, 2008

2008 Hardware Lineup Availability and Pricing

Arc Mouse (Sep 2008) $59.95

Explorer Mouse (Nov 2008) $99.95

Explorer Mini Mouse (Nov 2008) $79.95

SideWinder X8 Mouse (Feb 2009) $99.95

Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 (Sep 2008) $99.95

Wireless Laser Keyboard 6000 (Sep 2008) $59.95

Wireless Media Desktop 1000 (Sep 2008) $49.95

LifeCam Show (Oct 2008) $99.95

LifeCam VX-5500 (Oct 2008) $59.95

Related reading: Fall 2008 Microsoft Hardware

Explorer Mouse Mini Review
Explorer Mouse Review
Microsoft Arc Mouse Review
Lifecam Show Photos
Microsoft Arc Mouse Photos
2008 Microsoft Hardware