Microsoft expands its hardware line

Notebook Cooling Base, available in July, will cost $30.

(Credit: Microsoft)

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.

The $50 Arc Mouse will be available in frost white, eggplant purple, deep olive green, and marine blue.

(Credit: Microsoft )

[nopinktoday]

Oooo, do want ^_^!

[terminalblue]

those mice look pretty cool, but it seems like the would be nigh impossible to use an you lap or other awkward surface where you might end up mousing in a hurry. i bet theyd look cool on a desk or at a restaurant. but not practical for every situation

[gefitz]

Boy those mice look like if I used them for more than five minutes you'd have to take me to a hospital and repair my arm.

[newfreedom2k]

Good point. I always make purchases based on what the product looks like without ever having given it a test drive. That's how I bought my new car -- I just looked through the windows at the interior and bought the one I thought would be comfortable :-p

[kevsmail]

The palm support on those mice are weak and narrow. I strongly suggest you try one out before buying...

[newfreedom2k]

Totally disagree -- I'm a standard size male hand and it fits perfectly in terms of support and "clicking comfort."

[mediocrates--2008]

I LOVE my arc mouse - my favorite mouse ever for my desktop. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all ergonomic solution, but those bulbous "ergonomic" mice kill me in the elbow & shoulder. This mouse is like heaven in my hand. :-)

[ks4au]

A better way to keep the laptops cool is to move the vent fans to the top of the laptop next to the keyboard. I have a habit of using my laptop in bed on sick days, and if I lay my laptop on the bed with the air vents down, it gets quite hot, however, if I am not using it for some long period of time, I lay it on the bed upside down, and it does not get a temperature even as high as leaving it setting on a desk.

It would be up to the manufacturers to move the stupid vent holes, but I suspect there is a planned failure rate designed to have us replace the laptops.

[Kev_Orng]

Isn't Microsoft's hardware unit best known for its video game system and its music player? :)

[jayboston]

Yea, the best video game system on the market, although I can't say that for the music player, never used it. I've got an iPod like everyone else. I will say that the microsoft entertainment keyboard 8000 is unbelievable. Very happy customer over all with MS hardware

[fiman16]

new technology? laptop fans have been available for ages.

[Eludium-Q36]

Hey Ina, I'd like my Microsoft product reviews without the snide remarks, leave that to the trolls underneath. If you don't like Microsoft or their products DON'T REVIEW them! Let someone else do it who'll give a more objective - not fanboy or hater - review. So many of you reviewers are so immaturely biased I often wonder why I still come to Cnet reviews, it's just a disaster.

[Carol Wiencek]

What is windows IE8? I have been emailed that it is available now, but what should I do? Thanks for any help. Have a most blessed day. Sincerely, Carol