Microsoft Hardware has a great set of products that work very well with Windows Vista and Windows 7. When Windows 7 hits stores this fall, Microsoft Hardware will release new software that will allow the current line-up of Microsoft Hardware products (mice, keyboards, LifeCams, gaming devices and notebook accessories) to take advantage of new capabilities being introduced with Windows 7 such as the new Windows Taskbar and Device Stage.

Microsoft Hardware will be releasing new software with a feature called Taskbar Favorites, specifically designed for Microsoft keyboards from Microsoft. This feature will give users a quick way to access the applications represented on the new Windows Taskbar in Windows 7. Taskbar Favorites will automatically map the order of applications on the Windows Taskbar to the “My Favorites” hot keys on a Microsoft Hardware keyboard such as the Digital Media Keyboard 3000. “My Favorites” hot keys are a series of buttons on the top of Microsoft keyboards (circled below).

And using Windows Flip, with the press of a button people will be able to see a live preview of all their open windows. This allows people to more quickly navigate between open windows and choose a desired application.

Also, all Microsoft Hardware products will be recognized and shown as actual images of the product when you open the Devices and Printers folder.

In the above screenshot, you will see that my Digital Media Keyboard 3000, Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 and LifeCam Show all show up with actual product images making it much easier to work with the hardware.

The final versions of the software for Microsoft Hardware mice and keyboard products, which will include Taskbar Favorites and Device Stage and Windows Flip support will be available June 26th at the Microsoft Hardware Windows 7 Web site. The final versions of the Microsoft Hardware software for LifeCam products will be available July 31st.

For more information, see this press release on Microsoft PressPass.

Normally, a mouse would not really be given much attention. As long as it aids the PC user in the proper interface to be able to perform necessary tasks in the gaming and work sector, nothing else really matters. But this new mouse, the Bella HD mouse seems to offer something different for the avid gamer and graphic editor users.

Bella bills this wireless RF pointing device as an HD Mouse, but its neat trick is not in its 1600 dots-per-inch rez or 3000 frames-per-second response. Aimed at video editors, it gives you gestural control, so when you move your wrist forward and back, or left to right (x and y axis), you can intuitively jog-shuttle through video clips.

Working on Macs and PCs, Bella’s software lets you create 20 presets for each piece of software you’re running, giving you lots of opportunities for customization of its five buttons. With its 20-foot range that can go through walls, we’re thinking of its possibilities with a home theater PC, shuttling through clips to find just the right spot, or programming in a volume control.

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Game developers can really improve gaming requirements this time around as suitable interface devices have become more advanced and appealing today. With that in mind, 3Dconnexion introduces the SpacePilot PRO to provide easier access to the power of professional 3D applications, fewer interruptions in the design workflow, and superior comfort.

Specifically, the SpacePilot PRO features a new color LCD Workflow Assistant, second-generation QuickView Navigation technology, Intelligent Function keys, and an improved design for enhanced comfort and control. With better assistance and graphic, you can expect better graphic rendering and output based on the new tools available in the market today such as that of this one by 3Dconnexion.

“3Dconnexion’s 3D mice have rewritten the rules on the way design engineers and professionals interact with 3D environments,” said Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “Our new SpacePilot PRO builds on our market-leading industry experience, delivering the most powerful 3D mouse we’ve ever made. It enables increased performance that ultimately results in better designs, created in less time.”

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Touch Screen technology is obviously the new craze as far as providing an alternative interface in the world of PC computing. One day, they may even replace the standard keyboards or mice, two PC components that are needed to enjoy the privileges of using a PC.

At the moment, the real issue is cost. Technology comes with a price and apparently this is one aspect that is the stumbling block of consumers who want to make the jump to new technology. Actually that has always been the case. As far as which technology to use, here is one design that is bound to point us towards that concrete proof of PC interface shifts.

Proposed to be sold as a stand-alone unit the HP LiM (Less is More) concept is set to feature a 19? transparent touch OLED screen along with a wireless keyboard. The touch screen slides down to create a more ergonomic touch experience and easy navigation. It also features a virtual trackpad thus cutting down on mouse costs.

It does seem enticing to look forward to promising tomorrows. But the matter of cost is also another thing to consider. During these times of economic recession, all we can do is wait for economies to improve. If not, all of these will remain concepts and restricted to people who can really afford them.

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One thing about computers today, unless you are readily familiar with keystrokes and commands, chances are you will need a mouse to assist you in making the right clicks. But the question of how to maintain a mouse to become useful for a longer period of time remains.

We have seen a lot of mice manufactured by familiar brands like Logitech and A4Tech through the years and while the standard rollover mice have their issues such as soliciting dirt is concerned, the entry of optical mice has so far become a good address towards this problem.

Prior to the optical mouse, other forms of interface such as the trackball had its share of attention but never really made quite an impact. Other than needed to familiarize yourself by using your thumb to move the pointer on your screen, it has some ergonomic issues that may cause your hand to develop some strains in doing so.

So with that said, is the optical mouse really the PC user’s dream? It seems so. But like the ordinary mouse we know, you have to take care of them as well. Be sure not to drop them since they are sensitive. Whether this is by accident or on purpose, it can still be damaged.

There are others who choose to use the traditional mouse. They can simply clean the mouse rollers for it to be competent. But the fact remains that people today want something that has lesser issues. And for the optical mouse, it seems to be the wise choice if you want easier interface with your PC and work-related ventures.

A couple of days ago, my old wireless desktop set (mouse and keyboard) had its receiver die on me. So I had to go out and grab another wireless desktop set for my PC. Microsoft offers some great wireless desktop sets but I decided to go with Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 510.

The Logitech Cordless Desktop S 510 is Certified for Windows Vista and has some great features:

• Fast 27 MHz wireless performance.
• Programmable F-Keys that can be set to open favorite applications, websites, or files.
• One-Touch Controls that let you access music, video, volume, email, and the Internet.
• Power Management lets you go longer with a low-battery light and auto-off.
• Tilt Wheel plus Zoom allows you to go side to side or in and out on photos, websites or even spreadsheets.

I took some Unboxing shots to share.

The design of the keyboard is light, thin and simple which is really great.

I see a lot of keyboards with their One-Touch Controls on the top of the keyboard - the S 510 keyboard has the One-Touch Controls on the sides. Volume (music) controls are on the right and on the left is the zoom, internet and sleep/hibernate controls.

The mouse is pretty basic but has the great Tilt Wheel plus Zoom feature that lets me scroll side-to-side instead of just up and down. This is really useful. The Wireless Receiver for the S 510 is made in semi-transparent plastic giving a really interesting effect as you can see inside to the circuit board.

Overall, I'm really happy with my decision to go with Logitech's Cordless Desktop S 510. Logitech also has a really neat website for their Certified for Windows Vista products worth checking out.