Welcome | Sign In
ECommerceTimes.com
Computers

Microsoft Debuts Keyboard Designed for the Mac

Print Version
E-Mail Article
Reprints
Microsoft Debuts Keyboard Designed for the Mac

One crucial element is missing, according to JupiterResearch senior analyst Joe Wilcox. "It looks like a Microsoft keyboard -- not a Mac keyboard," he told MacNewsWorld. "Mac users tend to be very design conscious, and other peripheral manufacturers are aware of that. It is not uncommon for Mac users to make appearance a top purchasing criteria."


How Much is 'Free' Costing You?
Learn how DaveRamsey.com saw a 567% uplift in ROI with Omniture. This complimentary guide and webinar cover the most important factors in selecting an analytics solution. Download Now.

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) has introduced its first Mac-specific desktop, called Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac, which includes a wireless 'Comfort Curve' keyboard and a wireless high definition laser mouse.

In many respects, Mac users will be very familiar with the layout. Mac devotees will find the Control, Option and Command buttons are right where they are supposed to be on this keyboard, for instance. Nor is there a Windows start button anywhere to be found.

The desktop system is compatible with the new Intel-based Mac machines as well as PowerPC models.

"The Hardware team has been creating Mac-compatible peripherals for many years," said Rusty Jeffress, general manager of the Microsoft Hardware team at Microsoft. "For this product, we went back to the drawing board with the specific requests of our Mac users, and are excited to deliver our first Mac-specific keyboard and mouse that provide the tools and features Mac users need to be productive."

Among the design features:

  • A Zoom Slider to allow consumers to get a closer look at digital pictures and maps;
  • My Favorites Keys, which can be customized to bring up favorite photos, folders, files and Web pages;
  • The eject key that lets users easily eject CDs and DVDs.
  • Hot Keys that offer one-touch access to iChat, iTunes and iPhoto.

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac will be available this summer for an estimated retail Increase Customer Sales with Email Marketing -- Free Trial from VerticalResponse price of US$99.95.

Looks Count

One crucial element is missing, according to JupiterResearch senior analyst Joe Wilcox. "It looks like a Microsoft keyboard -- not a Mac keyboard," he told MacNewsWorld.

"Mac users tend to be very design conscious, and other peripheral manufacturers are aware of that. It is not uncommon for Mac users to make appearance a top purchasing criteria."

Microsoft is, without a doubt, still making money from Mac, especially through its Mac Office and MSN Messenger. "In January, they announced a new commitment to support Office Mac for the foreseeable future," Wilcox pointed out.

That said, he is not sure this keyboard is the best use of Microsoft's resources in targeting the Mac client base. "Looks do matter," he concluded.

Appealing to Mac Users

Microsoft believes that the keyboard will strengthen its lineup of products for Mac users, according to Scott Erickson, director of product management and marketing for the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft.

"This launch further demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the computing experience for Mac users," he said. "We were able to preview the product at Macworld this January and saw firsthand the very favorable response from Mac customers."


Print Version E-Mail Article Reprints More by Erika Morphy


More by Erika Morphy

Roku Channel Store Hangs Out Shingle
November 23, 2009
Roku's new channel store is based on a "one screen in the cloud" business model, said Michael Gartenberg, vice president of strategy and analysis with Interpret. "Essentially, what they are doing is taking the TV set -- whether it is a standard appliance or a high-def monster -- and enhancing it with content the consumer wants to see."
Ballmer Gives Shareholders - and Dell - Cause for Optimism
November 20, 2009
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was all smiles at the company's shareholders meeting, as he touted the early success of Windows 7. Ballmer's cheer may have been contagious; after posting a massive earnings decline for the third quarter, Dell needed some good news to latch onto, and the prospect of broad enterprise adoption of Windows 7 could spur PC sales.
AA.com Sucks the Fun Out of Trip-Planning
November 20, 2009
Using AA.com to book a flight was a painful experience. Densely packed, disorganized information was displayed in an unattractive format. On the plus side, it did seem as though the deals American Airlines advertised were real and not mere bait-and-switch lures. For anyone who wants a travel-planning Web site to inject a little pleasure into the experience, though, I say look elsewhere.
Don't miss a story -- sign up for our FREE e-mail newsletters and view the latest headlines at a glance.
Tech News Flash [ View Sample ]
E-Commerce Minute [ View Sample ]
ECT News Network Weekly Newsletter [ View Sample ]
Shortcuts
ECT News Network Information
Reader Services
Corporate
ECT News Network