ActiveWin Exclusive The hardware department of Microsoft seems to have been very busy recently. Microsoft will launch this fall several new hardware products. To follow the launch of the Wireless Intellimouse Explorer, Microsoft will unveil its new cordless desktop solution named 'Microsoft Wireless Desktop' that'll come with a cordless keyboard (similar to the regular Microsoft Internet Keyboard) and the 'Microsoft Wireless Wheel Mouse'. This ambidextrous mouse features five buttons plus one scrolling wheel (but no optical sensor). The cordless kit is expected to be available, sometime, in November for an estimated retail price of $85. The Wireless Wheel Mouse will be available separately in January for $49.

The Microsoft mice family will also house refreshed models. The Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical will keep exactly the same design but will now feature the new 6000 dpi optical sensor for the best accuracy. The actual best seller; the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer will be slightly redesigned to welcome a 6000 dpi optical sensor. Both mice will be provided with the latest IntelliPoint 4.0 driver software enabling the fast scrolling feature that'll react to how quickly you roll the wheel. IntelliPoint 4.01 is expected to be available for public download sometime next week.

Finally the SideWinder family will be completed by the SideWinder GamePad USB. This new comer simply rocks! Microsoft will re-release their first acclaimed and best selling SideWinder GamePad device with a USB interface. The design of the pad remains strictly identical except for the buttons that are now black (instead of being green). The device won't be provided with any drivers.

To see shots of all these new hardware products be sure to click the headline link.