Microsoft Unveils Two Windows Aero Keyboards

by Marco Chiappetta — Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 09:36 AM EDT

New peripherals bring stylish and affordable options for the digital lifestyle.

REDMOND, Wash. - March 11, 2008 - Microsoft Corp. brings the beauty of Windows Aero from the PC to the devices that surround it with its latest keyboard and mouse desktop set, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system with its striking design.

The new desktop set includes an ultrathin Comfort Curve keyboard and rechargeable mouse, delivering ultimate performance and comfort. The keyboard features a Windows Aero-inspired translucent design, floating Hot Keys and instant access to Windows Flip 3D, making this desktop a perfect companion for today’s Windows Vista-based PC. Today Microsoft also debuts the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, an ultrathin, stylish yet affordable keyboard designed to fit the digital lifestyle.

Wireless Laser Desktop 7000: The Sleek “Little Black Dress” of Peripherals

Smoked translucent border brings the subtle elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard.
Floating My Favorites Keys deliver one-touch access to users’ most-used Web sites, files and folders. Users simply push and hold a key to assign it to the current destination, just as they would with a car stereo’s preset buttons.
Amazingly sleek, thin design complements any living room or office décor and features quiet touch keys.

Digital Media Keyboard 3000

Microsoft also announced today the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, designed to fit today’s digital lifestyle. This affordable keyboard allows users to bring digital media to life with one-touch access to photos, Windows Media Player, My Favorites Keys and Zoom. This sleek, thin keyboard is also optimized for Windows Vista, with quick access to Flip 3D and the Windows Start Button.

Pricing and Availability
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will be widely available in April 2008 for an estimated retail price of $129.95 (U.S.). The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 will be widely available in June 2008 for an estimated retail price of $29.95 (U.S.). The Wireless Laser Desktop7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000 are now available for special pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in April and June respectively, when the products are widely released.

Tags: Wind, Microsoft, Windows, Keyboards, Keyboard, DS, DOW, Win, OS, aero, MIC, window, board, Two, WS, unveil, key, AR, icrosoft, Micro, K

Marco Chiappetta

Marco's interest in computing and technology dates all the way back to his early childhood. Even before being exposed to the Commodore P.E.T. and later the Commodore 64 in the early ‘80s, he was interested in electricity and electronics, and he still has the modded AFX cars and shop-worn soldering irons to prove it. Once he got his hands on his own Commodore 64, however, computing became Marco's passion. Throughout his academic and professional lives, Marco has worked with virtually every major platform from the TRS-80 and Amiga, to today's high end, multi-core servers. Over the years, he has worked in many fields related to technology and computing, including system design, assembly and sales, professional quality assurance testing, and technical writing. In addition to being the Managing Editor here at HotHardware for close to 15 years, Marco is also a freelance writer whose work has been published in a number of PC and technology related print publications and he is a regular fixture on HotHardware’s own Two and a Half Geeks webcast. - Contact: marco(at)hothardware(dot)com