SideWinder range expands with the launch of the first-ever switchable keyboard and new SideWinder X5 Mouse

Sydney, Australia — 21 August, 2008: Today at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Hardware debuted the SideWinder X6 Keyboard — the most versatile gaming keyboard on the market with the first-ever switchable key pad that can be attached to the left or right side of the keyboard for ultimate flexibility. To round out the SideWinder line, the Hardware team also launched the SideWinder X5 Mouse, a fast, powerful gaming mouse designed to give mainstream gamers that competitive edge.

The switchable key pad makes the SideWinder X6 Keyboard ideal for gaming as well as productivity. The key pad is a standard number pad in normal keyboard mode, but becomes a programmable macro pad in game mode. Complementing the adaptability of the X6 keyboard are features specifically designed for gaming, including the capacity to store up to 90 macros per game and backlighting that helps gamers get into the gaming frame of mind.

“We understand that Aussie gamers don’t want to have to set up a different keyboard each time they want to start gaming, so we went about designing a keyboard that is perfect for gaming and regular computer use,” Said Mr. Scott Jackson, ANZ Group Marketing Manager, Microsoft Australia. “The switchable key pad lets gamers have a fantastic experience whether they’re playing their favourite game or working on a Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentation.”

Customised for you
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard’s switchable key pad allows gamers to program up to 90 macros per game with the help of a set of dedicated macro keys as well as a fully programmable key pad. The X6 also offers the following features to take advantage of its adaptability:
  • Mode switching lets gamers manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes. LEDs show the selected mode.
  • Automatic profile switching detects the application that is running and applies the custom profile.
Designed for Gaming
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is more than a standard keyboard - it was built with gamers in mind, to give them the edge over the competition. To complement this versatility, the keyboard has the following additional features to produce the ultimate gaming accessory:
  • New Cruise Control feature continues an action without having to hold down the key or keys assigned to the action. Gamers can use Cruise Control with up to four keys at a time.1
  • In-game macro record button lets gamers record any sequence of keystrokes — even standard chat messages. Macros are stored on the PC hard drive and can be easily shared.
  • WASD gaming keys, the most commonly used keys for gamers, have front-face lighting for enhanced visibility.
  • Quick-Launch key gives one-touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer, allowing gamers to quickly see the games in their PC’s game library.2
  • Set the mood, Gamers can now enjoy a heightened experience when adsorbed in a game. The two-colour adjustable backlighting helps set the mood. The red backlighting indicates standard keys that are not programmable, while the amber colour indicates custom-programmable macro keys in game mode that can be tuned to the gamers’ preference.
  • Media keys, the X6 also includes full media keys and volume and backlighting control dials to fine-tune the gaming experience.
SideWinder X5 Mouse
Microsoft also announced the SideWinder X5 Mouse, a fast, powerful gaming mouse designed to give mainstream gamers a competitive edge. The nine-button gaming mouse is designed for handling with vertical side buttons, adjustable sensitivity switching up to 2,000 DPI, five customisable buttons, and a Quick-Launch button that instantly launches the Windows Vista Games Explorer.

Pricing and Availability
The SideWinder X6 Keyboard will be widely available in November 2008 for an estimated retail price of $149.953 . The SideWinder X5 Mouse will be widely available in October 2008 for an estimated retail price of $99.953

More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.


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For further information, product reviews, or high res images, please contact:

Jacquie Potter
Pulse Communications
02 8281 3893 / 0414 449 070
jacquie@pulsecom.com.au

Alice Coulthard
Pulse Communications
02 8281 3818
alice@pulsecom.com.au



About Microsoft Hardware

For more than 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com’s December 2005 list of “The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years” as the first mainstream optical mouse that “brought gunk-free pointing devices” to a broad consumer base. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.mshardwareguide.com.


About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

1 Cruise Control does not work with programmable macro keys.
2 The Quick-Launch button will open IntelliType keyboard or IntelliPoint mouse software when using Windows XP.
3 Actual retail prices may vary.


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