Several new mice from Microsoft Hardware offer better responsiveness and precision, particularly for notebook users and gamers, while a new keyboard boasts ergonomic improvements. Microsoft Hardware often introduces new products in the fall in hopes of convincing back-to-school and early holiday buyers to add premium hardware to their PC and software purchases. Most Microsoft Hardware products are sold through retail outlets.

The following products are among the new offerings:

• The US$55 Laser Mouse 6000, designed for gamers, lets users switch between high-speed movement and precise control, change weapons, or execute preprogrammed action sequences with a single mouse click
• Three notebook mice (ranging from US$35 to US$65) include a new tool for magnifying a specific portion of the display and a compact Tilt Wheel for vertical and horizontal scrolling
• The latest revision to Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard lineup, the US$65 Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, offers features meant to combat repetitive stress injuries, such as a detachable palm lift that can be used to change the angle of the keyboard by lifting its base and a new curvature that brings the surface of keys closer to the user's fingertips.

In October, Microsoft Hardware will release a version of the Xbox 360 game controller that works with both Windows games and the forthcoming console.

Microsoft Hardware is at www.microsoft.com/hardware/default.mspx.