Dubai October 12, 2008: Raising the style stakes, Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of a revolutionary crescent-moon-shaped mouse designed to be just as fashionable as it is functional -- the Arc Mouse. With its unique foldable design, Arc reduces by almost half for portability when it is snapped shut, but provides complete comfort when opened to its full size. 

The Arc Mouse allows consumers to flaunt their personal style with its black, sleek, and thin crescent shape. It is truly an accessory, adding to the fashion PC trend that is taking the technology industry by storm.

The Arc Mouse's elegant, foldable shape allows it to easily slip into any bag while on the go, and expand to a comfortable full size while in use. Its micro transceiver quickly snaps into the bottom of the mouse using a magnet, and is so small it sticks out less than 1 centimeter while plugged in -- there is no need to remove it from a laptop while traveling.

The Arc Mouse features high-end details in every aspect of its design -- its strong metal hinge can be opened and closed with confidence, and testing shows that its sturdy shape can hold more than 25 pounds. With the following performance features, Arc Mouse is top in its class:

Battery life indicator shows two colors: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low.

2.4GHz wireless technology gives consumers a confident wireless connection and a range of up to 30 feet, even in crowded wireless environments.

Carrying case is included and uses a magnetic flap to easily snap shut and protect the mouse while on the go.

High-performance laser tracking offers smooth tracking and excellent responsiveness and precision.

The Arc Mouse, in black, will be available in November 2008 for an estimated retail price of AED 249. The Arc Mouse has a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft Corp. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

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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.

For more information, please contact:
Tarek Joseph El Moukachar
Account Manager
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
P.O.Box: 28063,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
T: +971 4 3344550           
F: +971 4 3344556
www.asdaa.com;
www.burson-marsteller.eu
b-taem@microsoft.com

© Press Release 2008