Microsoft expands its hardware line
The software maker moves beyond mice and keyboards with its first laptop-cooling base station.
Microsoft is introducing a new technology to help keep laptops cooler. Unfortunately, it's not software.
The company on Tuesday introduced its first Notebook Cooling Base, an inch-thick stand with built-in fan. Available in white and black, the laptop-chiller is powered over a USB connection.
The product will sell for $30 when it hits the market in July and represents a new direction for Microsoft's hardware unit, which is best known for its mice and keyboards.
At one point, the company sold wireless networking gear, though it got out of that business in 2004.
Microsoft on Tuesday also announced new colors for its trendy-looking Arc Mouse. Later this month, the $50 mouse will be available in the decidedly non-beige shades of frost white, eggplant purple, deep olive green, and marine blue. It's already on the market in red and black.
