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Last updated: Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Microsoft announced new hardware Tuesday aimed at the fast-growing market for consumers who tote computers from place to place. According to iSuppli, notebook computer sales outpaced desktops for the first time in the third quarter. Worldwide, PC makers shipped 38.6 million notebook computers, up nearly 40 percent year over year. Desktop PCs, meanwhile, grew only 1.3 percent to 38.5 million units. It seems the Microsoft Hardware division is looking to cash in on what many analysts have called a boon for Apple, which sells more MacBooks than desktop computers. As the world waits to discover whether Apple will enter into the netbook market, Microsoft introduced its Notebook Cooling Base along with an Arc Mouse in four special-edition colors. Preventing Overheating Microsoft’s new Notebook Cooling Base promises reliable cooling with a built-in fan and cooling channel to prevent overheating. The base is compatible with any brand of notebook. Microsoft said it contours at an angle that offers comfortable typing and can rest on either a desk or a user’s lap. The base is 1.16 inches thick. A cable-management clip to allows its cable to stored when not in use. The base is USB-powered, so no batteries are needed to operate it. The product is available in white and black for about $30 at Amazon. Color continues to be an important factor for consumers when buying electronics, according to Colorcom consultant Jill Morton. She said, “People form a personal connection to a product in a color they like.” That’s why Microsoft produced its Arc Mouse in special colors: deep olive green, marine blue, eggplant purple, and frost white. But Microsoft isn’t relying on color alone to sell the mice. Redmond touts convenience. The design is collapsible and folds to reduce the size by almost half. Flipping the mouse shut automatically turns the power off to save battery life. The Arc…

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Microsoft Offers Notebook Cooler, Arc Mouse in Colors

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