Reliable mice and keyboards boost workplace morale

If it feels like you are more productive at work than ever, take heart; it's
probably true. According to a new survey commissioned by Microsoft Hardware,
increased productivity is brought to you by a close relationship with your
computer. The survey revealed that two out of three office workers spend at
least six hours a day using a computer, and nearly 25% said they spend eight
hours a day at the computer.

With employees spending more time in front of the computer screen-more
hours in fact than many of us spend sleeping-the quality and comfort of mice
and keyboards takes on critical importance. That's why Microsoft Hardware is
developing sophisticated and reliable products that help keep workers productive
and comfortable day after day.

"With employees spending more and more time on the keyboard, we are
dedicated to providing them with high-quality products that are as reliable as
they are innovative," said Tom Gibbons, General Manager of the Hardware
Group at Microsoft Corp. "For more than a decade, we've gone to great
lengths to ensure that our products are rigorously tested to perform in the
harshest conditions imaginable, including the modern office."

The survey also emphasized the need for reliable computer products,
suggesting that few employees have the expertise to fix their computer devices
when they break. In fact, nearly two-thirds of respondents perceived repairing
their mouse and keyboard to be more difficult than repairing a flat tire.

Additional survey results outlined consumer perceptions of mice and
keyboards. Eight out of 10 computer users believe that high-quality mice and
keyboards have an important impact on their ability to be productive at work.
Nearly 60% of survey respondents said high-quality mice and keyboards would even
boost morale in the office. In addition, when asked to rate a selection of mice
and keyboard manufacturers, Microsoft was the company respondents most
associated with reliable, high-quality hardware peripherals. (Survey
participants came from the general population of computer users and were unaware
of any Microsoft involvement in the survey.)

DQC NEWS BUREAU