Microsoft SA has introduced a range of input devices, including mice with a built-in magnifier function and ergonomically designed keyboards.
The products, launched in Cape Town yesterday by Microsoft SA home and entertainment group manager Cindy White, include keyboards, updated versions of the Digital Image photograph organiser system, the Encarta 2006 electronic encyclopaedia and three new games - Age of Empires III, Dungeon Siege III and Fable: The Lost Chapters.
While most users focus on the PC, White said, very little attention is paid to the input devices such as mice and keyboards.
"It is the PC that dominates the attention of employees, yet it is the input devices that enable us to have direct interaction with our PCs," she said.
The mice and keyboards are divided into two broad categories: "Comfort" and "Entertainment". The first range includes the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, the Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 and the Comfort Optical Mouse 3000.
The Entertainment range consists of the Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Centre Edition and the Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 with Microsoft Digital Image standard 2006.
"Ergonomics has been a key feature of mouse and keyboard designs. The keyboards are designed for those who spend a considerable part of their day in front of one and the 'magnifier` function on the mice is particularly useful for gamers or those using spreadsheets," she said.
The magnifier function opens a window-type view that magnifies the image under it. The size of the window and the intensity of the five levels of magnification can be controlled from the mouse.
Microsoft sells between 6 500 and 8 500 mice and between 1 500 and 2 000 keyboards through retail outlets every month in this country, said White.
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