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Microsoft adds new mice to BlueTrack range

by Parm Mann on 20 May 2009, 11:42

Tags: Wireless Mouse 5000, Wireless Keyboard 3000, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qascw

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It was way back in September 2008 that Microsoft bid farewell to laser with the launch of its BlueTrack mice, but the works-on-virtually-any-surface tracking technology hasn't really been expanded upon... until now.

To the delight of lefties the world over - including HEXUS.community reader digit - Microsoft has today launched two new ambidextrous BlueTrack mice: the Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 and the Wireless Mouse 5000.

As the name suggests, the Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 (pictured below) is designed for on-the-go notebook/netbook users and features Microsoft's first nano USB transceiver - sticking out only 0.8cm from a USB port and stowing neatly into the mouse when not in use. It's priced at $49.95, and yes, "about time" will be the cry from Logitech VX Nano users.

Featuring Microsoft's proprietary BlueTrack technology, it promises to work on more surfaces than traditional optical or laser mice, and that very functionality is also available to desktop users via the new Wireless Mouse 5000 (pictured below).

Unlike the existing BlueTrack-equipped Explorer Mouse, the Wireless Mouse 5000 promises comfort for either hand and is priced at $39.95 as a standalone product. For those in need of an entire solution, there's also the $69.95 Wireless Desktop 3000 bundle - consisting of the Wireless Mouse 5000 and the Wireless Keyboard 3000.

The keyboard (pictured below), looks a little plain but features 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, a thin-profile design, quiet-touch keys and a soft-touch palm rest.

There's no mention yet of UK availability, but all three products are available to pre-order for US shoppers at Amazon.com.

*Update*
The following UK etailers now have pre-order links available - thanks to HEXUS.community member Kjnowak for the heads up:
Amazon.co.uk - Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 - £49.99
Play.com - Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 - £32.99
Both items are expected to be released on June 17th.



HEXUS Forums :: 7 Comments

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Actually just found it on Amazon for pre-order for £49.99 for the bundle. I would post the link but i have less than 5 posts so not allowed yet.

EDIT Also just found it on Play for £32.99 as a pre-order.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Wireless-Desktop-3000-MFC-00007/dp/B00284AM90/

Considering the $70 RRP, that works out at £51.95 at the current exchange rate inc VAT.

So a pretty darn good price.

It's also the first keyboard and mouse set I've actually seen and thought about replacing my trusty Logitech EX110 with.
looks good
Assuming all the buttons work nicely with Mac OSX this could be time to finally replace my VX 220… not that i need to this thing is fantastic but some back and forward navigation buttons would be nice
Biscuit
Assuming all the buttons work nicely with Mac OSX this could be time to finally replace my VX 220… not that i need to this thing is fantastic but some back and forward navigation buttons would be nice

try ‘USB Overdrive X’ :)