Its always the goods that make’th the man, and no other company than Microsoft makes sure that the hardware that it launches epitomizes style and substance although it might have functional problems later on (read red ring of doom for the Xbox 360).
The one thing I personally like about Microsoft is that they take their markets pretty seriously. They do not allow any market around the globe to feel deficient of their wide range of products and India is certainly one of them. From a gamers perspective the Xbox 360 is here, so is their Live service and their rather wide range of AAA titles is available on time at par with the rest of the globe.
Such are the conditions that have made the console so popular all across the country (yeah Sony feel thy wrath for not launching Metal Gear on the same date in India).
A couple of days ago Microsoft launched its latest range of hardware products at a fancy pom pom party with fancy models and famous designers, some of which have already been doing rounds across the globe. Here is a fairly lengthy list of products along with their prices that are and shall be available in India. I just had one question in my mind does the price come inclusive of the models who showcased these products.
Arc Mouse (Rs. 5788, October 8, 2008): The revolutionary design of the Arc Mouse combines the comfort of a desktop mouse and the portability of a notebook mouse. Arc Mouse folds to 60% of its fully expanded size when you’re on the go. This one beat everything in the show although it’s rather expensive but the style and comfort that this tiny mouse or mesa calls it a tracking device offers beats most competition. Funny thing though this thing looks like the futuristic version of the Wii controller when viewed from the side.
Wireless Media Desktop 1000 (Rs. 4522, October 1, 2008): Sit back and enjoy fast, easy access to all your favorite digital pictures, music, videos, and more with this sleek, ultra-thin quiet touch keyboard. The companion wireless mouse delivers ergonomic comfort for either hand and advanced productivity with Microsoft High Definition Optical Technology and Instant Viewer.
Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 V3 (Rs. 4320, October 8, 2008): Microsoft Hardware brings performance, style, and comfort to your desktop with the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3.0, a new keyboard and perfectly portable mouse.
SideWinder X5 Mouse (Rs. 3110, November 6, 2008): The latest and greatest gaming features from a mouse that’s built for fast action. Five programmable buttons, including vertical side buttons put all the control at your fingertips, and the high performance laser tracking engine keeps the action fast and furious. Crysis Wars anyone?
LifeCam VX-5500 (Rs. 3283, October 22, 2008): Well if you a tech narcissist or a male model from the twenty-third century this sleek camera adds the pleasure of witnessing your ugly little mole and blackheads on the go in full high definition. Share your world with friends and family, anywhere, anytime. Webcam folds flat to go with you whenever, and wherever, you want to use it. Fits on all monitors, including flat screens and notebooks, or sits directly on your desk.
Explorer Mini Mouse (Rs. 2894, November 13, 2008): Ever had sadistic dreams of working with your mouse whilst sitting on the carpet or a cold concrete floor, Microsoft just gave the perfect solution for all your sadistic desires by coming up with this little product. The Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse, with revolutionary Microsoft BlueTrack Technology, works more places than ever before, including on granite countertops, carpet, even on a wood table or a rough, unfinished park bench. Psst… I heard the defense forces use this technology on a regular basis.
Sidewinder X6 Keyboard (Rs. 5427, November 6, 2008): Did you never like the number pad attached to your keyboard, felt it made your typing a little ugly. The switchable key pad makes keyboard ideal for gaming as well as productivity. I was zoinked when the model who displayed the product took out the number pad in a rather *cough* seductively manner.
LifeCam Show (Rs. 2985, November 6, 2008): A usual web camera with the Microsoft brand tag attached to it.
Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 (Rs.1357, December 3, 2008): Be comfortable while on the go with this compact, mobile mouse. Smooth optical performance, a scroll wheel and four buttons keep you productive. Then simply snap in the receiver to automatically turn off the mouse, saving battery life. A standard mouse which comes with benefits of featuring the logo of a top software corporation.
This does not mean by any chance we have ditched our beloved gamers, watch out for an exclusive hands on and a lengthy discussion on Fable II on October 21, the same day the game releases.
- By Neelesh Mukherjee