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Microsoft debuts entertainment-specific input devices

Microsoft debuts entertainment-specific input devices

Lara Luepke
Tuesday, Microsoft announced two entertainment-specific input devices, the Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition and the Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 keyboard and mouse set with Microsoft Design Image Standard 2006.

The Remote Keyboard is a three-in-one unit that combines remote keyboard and mouse capabilities, making it easier to turn up the volume and point and click without moving from your couch--it has a 30-foot range. It looks pretty sleek, and if it truly replaces our clumsy coffee-table clutter, we're all for it.

The Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 pairs a keyboard and mouse with Microsoft Digital Image Standard 2006 software. This package is intended for photo enthusiasts, and the keyboard features dedicated buttons for zooming and common editing tasks. Take away the software, and this desktop set looks a lot like the other sets we've seen from Microsoft: the Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader and the Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite for Bluetooth.

Both the Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 and the Remote Keyboard will hit the market in September and cost $105 each.