Where were you in 1983? Ronald Reagan was president; every child wanted a Cabbage Patch doll; the final episode of "M*A*S*H" aired; compact discs and camcorders were released; and the Microsoft® "green-eyed" mouse hit store shelves. The mouse marked Microsoft Corp.’s entry into the peripherals industry and the beginning of the Hardware Division, formed in 1982 specifically to create a device that would easily navigate the company’s new word processing program, Multi-Tool Word.

"Twenty years ago, we introduced the Microsoft Mouse to help people interact with their PC in a more natural way. As computers have become a significant and essential part of everyday life, our vision for hardware has evolved," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. "Today, we’re focused on providing innovative, stylish and comfortable hardware that opens up new possibilities for people to have fun and be productive."

Since 1983, Microsoft Hardware has designed and developed a wide assortment of computer peripherals to fit customer needs, from mice and keyboards to wireless desktops, trackballs and gaming devices. Microsoft Hardware recently unveiled the largest lineup of mice and keyboards in the company’s history, as well as a full line of broadband networking products, a new category for Microsoft.

Product features have evolved considerably since the first mouse and now include 27 MHz, 802.11b and Bluetooth® wireless technologies, ergonomic design, the industry’s most powerful optical technology and even automotive-grade paint.

Microsoft Hardware Interactive Timeline