Take photos and videos, for example. It’s been said that the best camera is the one that’s with you. Nothing makes it easier to have a camera with you at all times than a great smartphone, and we recommend the Nokia Lumia 900. It comes with an 8-megapixel camera with a Zeiss lens—among the best optics made—along with full 30 fps 720p video. This means you can capture amazing photos and videos, and share them with the folks at home right away. And the Lumia 900 is super slim, which makes it easy to slip into your pocket and carry around.

If you’ll be traveling with your laptop in tow, we know a mouse you should meet. The Arc Touch Mouse is our most portable to date. To turn it on, pop it up into a comfortable curve. Then, when you’re ready to pack it away, fold it flat. It’s built to stand repeated use, so you can take it on as many trips as you like. It’s also wireless and equipped with BlueTrack Technology, so you can use it almost anywhere* without getting wrapped up in a cord.

*BlueTrack Technology does not work on clear glass or mirrored surfaces.

For those of you planning to pack a bit lighter and leave your laptop at home, the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Slate is a perfect lightweight alternative. The battery lasts up to 8 hours, which means you can watch a movie or two during your flight and still have some juice left to check your email when you land. It also comes with a built-in webcam, so you can stay connected while you’re away.

Which gadgets go with you everywhere? We’d love to hear it in the comments.

*Source: Windows Team Blog

- Hardware Team

Throughout our 30 year history, we have been specifically focused on creating hardware that lights up the Windows experience—a fact that was true in 1982 and still rings true today. As we celebrate this pivotal milestone, we find ourselves in an era where touch technology is all around us—and staying true to our founding principles, Microsoft Hardware remains committed to delivering products that enhance the PC experience in all its forms.

With this in mind, Microsoft has introduced several peripherals throughout the past few years—our Touch Portfolio of products— that embrace the touch experience within a peripheral form factor.

Microsoft Touch Mouse—The Microsoft Touch Mouse delivers a complete multi-touch experience for users who desire total control over their PC experience. Its 360-degree scrolling makes it an ideal tool for quickly navigating all Windows interfaces using one-, two-, and three-fingered gestures. And, its sleek design and ergonomic shape combines the classic functionality of a traditional mouse with advanced gestures that make everyday tasks more fluid and intuitive.

Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse—With the Explorer Touch Mouse, we took touch strip technology to the next level by delivering a strip with four-way scrolling, allowing users to navigate both horizontally and vertically with the swipe of a finger. The mouse also features three scroll speeds detectable through haptic feedback, speeding up everyday tasks with a modern scrolling experience in familiar form.

Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse—Designed with mobility in mind, the Arc Touch Mouse was the first addition to our Touch Portfolio. With a sleek collapsible design, it was our first mouse to feature touch scrolling—where the flick of a finger starts hyper-fast scrolling, and a simple tap brings it to a stop.

For more information on Microsoft Hardware’s Touch Portfolio of products—and to learn how they will integrate with the new Windows 8 operating system—click here.

As many of you are aware, we are commemorating our special 30^th Anniversary milestone with a limited quantity of 30^th Anniversary Arc Touch Mice—and we’ll be giving one away! There’s still a chance for you to win. Just tweet what you love about the 80s and include the hashtag #MSHWturns30. We’ll pick 1 winner from the top 100 tweets that will be eligible to win one of these commemorative hand-painted 30^th Anniversary Arc Touch mice.

What is your title at Microsoft and when did you start with the company?
I am the Industrial Design Manager for Microsoft Hardware.  I originally started as an intern with Microsoft Research 7.5 years ago.  After that, I joined the Microsoft Hardware Group where I started designing keyboards, mice and communication devices and most recently, the Arc Touch Mouse.

What are the steps in developing a product? How do you go from conception to prototype?
This process is about a 12-month long journey.  We first determine what problem we are trying to solve for – what are the needs, how can we address them in a way that’s meaningful to consumer’s lives and complement what they already have.  We aren’t sitting in a design studio making assumptions about customer needs – we spend time with our customers, observe them using PCs, interact with them, speak with them about what they feel they aren’t getting with their computer peripherals.  Once we have that understanding, we come up with a solution.  There are a lot of iterations and prototypes ranging from foam core to a machined working prototype.  This process helps us make mistakes early on so our final product is flawless and executed perfectly.  Once we feel good about the engineering and design solutions we have made, we take the prototype to our manufacturing partners.  This is the most fascinating part for me – working with the rest of the team of nearly 40 individuals across a range of functions that are all working together to bring this to life.

What is the Arc Touch Mouse and what were your influences in regards to its design?
Arc Touch Mouse is designed for quick use, mobility and easy storage.  It curves for comfort and flattens to pack for people who still want the comfort and productivity of a mouse while on the go. When you’re done you can flatten Arc Touch Mouse to turn it off, and slip it into your pocket or bag as easily as a cell phone. The design principles we had in mind when designing Arc Touch Mouse were very much grounded in customer needs.   The customers wanted to have a mouse with them, but it was an inconvenience to have another object in their bag.  We wanted to create a mouse that was easy to carry, but also comfortable when you wanted to use it as a mouse. The design aspects that we spent a lot of time thinking over were pride in craftsmanship, authenticity and attention to detail.  These principles are not only relevant in software design, but hardware design too.

What do you think differentiates Microsoft Hardware from other companies?
We have the ability to impact such a broad range of customers and offer products that work seamlessly across all the different products and services Microsoft offers.  That is something not a lot of brands can do – having that range and scope as designers is something we take very seriously within the Microsoft Hardware Design Group.  There are only 12 of us in the whole world that have the opportunity to put a Microsoft logo on a product and we don’t take that for granted. We want to make it count on every product we design.

This is the 30 year anniversary for the Microsoft Hardware Group. How have products evolved over the years and what does the future hold?
For the past 30 years our organization has been focused on developing input devices for Windows PCs and we need to continue to focus on that as this will always be the goal of the Microsoft Hardware group.   People ask me if I think the mouse will be in our future and my answer is always yes. When you need to select that one pixel on your screen, there is no other tool better than a tangible object in your hand to do so.  We need to remain focused on developing input devices that define that best way to interact with PCs for the future and pave the road for peripherals as interaction models shift and evolve into different platforms and operating systems.

How has Microsoft’s reputation changed over the last few years within the design community?
What’s amazing is that Microsoft as a brand has a tremendous amount of respect in design. It’s not often that we get to interact with designers across the country let alone from overseas. At a recent event hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) for their International Design Excellence Award Ceremony (IDEA), we had a chance to not only interact with designers from all around the world in different industries, but we were also recognized by this community as the best in category for Industrial Design. We don’t strive to win awards. That’s not our end goal… But to be recognized by this community is something we don’t take for granted. It’s very gratifying to be recognized for design as a Microsoft brand. In fact, Windows Phone Design Team was also recognized as People’s Choice Award and Best in Category. It really came to life for me when we were being recognized by multiple organizations… We received the Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum/Europe and also received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. And then the Smithsonian, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum added the Arc Touch Mouse as part of their permanent collection! It’s very cool to see all design groups across the company being recognized for their hard work. I think it’s a result of us hiring the right people and fostering creativity while demanding perfection from everyone in the team.

What advice do you have for young designers?
Overall, young talent should learn just enough to get motivated and don’t try to understand the entire process, it can be daunting for someone with a creative mind — ignorance is bliss in this instance and is the key to get going.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy house renovation and have been renovating my home for the past three years.  It’s hard for me to zoom out and do things quickly, but I enjoy it – it’s just like designing a product but on bigger scale.  I enjoy traveling and have recently been to Hong Kong and Tokyo.  I also enjoy cooking – my wife is a pastry chef and I’m trying to learn the savory, culinary part of the meal and my wife takes care of the desserts.

- Hardware Team

1. Laptop
   This new class of ultra-fast, ultra-compact laptops is the new standard for mobile productivity. Models such as the Acer Aspire S3 running Windows 7 provide lightning-fast computing, all in a tiny package that has never looked so good.
   
2. Arc Touch Mouse
   The road is no place for superfluous wires and bulk. With the Arc Touch Mouse, you have a fully wireless mouse that folds flat for easy storage. What’s more, the Arc Touch Mouse’s BlueTrack Technology allows you to use your mouse on just about any surface, even the leg of that guy sleeping next to you on a train.
   
3. Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000
   Having a good Bluetooth keyboard is invaluable when it comes to remotely operating your computer during presentations, or just as a more ergonomic alternative to your laptop’s built-in keyboard. In addition, with Bluetooth technology, you get wireless connectivity while saving space in your computer’s USB array
   
4. LifeCam HD-6000 and LifeChat LX-3000
   As a mobile worker, the world is your office, so shouldn’t it have all the proper accouterments? With an HD webcam and USB headset, you can turn any place into a conference room, and now with the Skype Certified LifeCam HD-6000 and LifeChat LX-3000, you’ll feel like you are face to face no matter where you are.
   
   
   
5. Smartphone with Wi-Fi Hotspot capability
   We’ve all been there, you need to access the Internet but a Wi-Fi connection is nowhere to be found. Luckily, many phones such as a Windows Phone 7.5 feature an Internet sharing capability for laptops and other devices. With the press of a button, your phone turns into a wireless hotspot that can provide a shared Internet connection for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.²

– Hardware Team

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Year of the Dragon will be available in red and gold, two meaningful colors. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes good fortune and joy that wards off evil and gold symbolizes wealth and happiness. The intricate dragon design was created by premier artist Nod Young, who mixes Chinese culture with technology to produce amazing results. In order to bring a modern twist to an ancient tradition, Nod used inspirations from the famous Nine-Dragon Wall of Beihai Park, a royal garden in China, and Dragon Ball – a popular cartoon. His goal was to shift the perception of the Dragon from solemn and dominant to a more intimate and relaxing symbol for people of all ages and traditions to enjoy.

The Arc Touch Mouse Year of the Dragon flaunts a delicate, paper-cut crouching dragon design by up-and-coming designer Lin Xu Pan who incorporated the five-finger claw dragon which is traditionally used for exclusive royal use –symbolizing nobleness. Each mouse also includes the signature of the featured artist on the mouse so you’ll have a real piece of artwork in the palm of your hand.

What’s Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?
Those born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They are also natural-born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what it takes to stay on top. Click here to learn more about your zodiac sign.

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Year of the Dragon is available now for $29.99 (U.S.), and the Arc Touch Mouse Year of the Dragon will be available soon for $59.95 (U.S.).

Which one will you choose to celebrate?

-  Hardware Team

- Hardware Team

But for our latest project we didn’t have to look far — we found inspiration in the technology of one of Microsoft’s latest products. We were captivated by the fluid, rhythmic patterns of people using the Microsoft Touch Mouse. Their finger paths and hand movements beautifully flowed in an organic nature —it was like watching an orchestral conductor — so we wanted to release a limited-edition graphic for the Touch Mouse that spoke to the beautiful motion, and we knew just the artist that could bring that to life.

We asked New York-based artist Deanne Cheuk, known for her illustrative typography, to develop a new design that captured the motion of the Touch Mouse. Deanne worked to integrate circuit boards and symmetry in her line work design. The result is the new Touch Mouse Artist Edition pattern — etched with an intricate, calligraphy-like motif — that echoes the tracing motion a person performs over the Touch Mouse.

Not only will you be inspired by the beauty of the Touch Mouse Artist Edition, but also your fingers will be able to keep up with your brain! Navigating is faster and easier with unique multitouch gestures of the Touch Mouse using one, two, or three fingers — designed specifically for Windows 7.

The Touch Mouse Artist Edition will be available at Best Buy and Microsoft Store soon for $79.95* (US).

We’ve captured the inspiration behind the design in this short video, check it out!

-Lindsey Kujawski, user experience designer

*Estimated retail price. Actual retail price may vary.

The most exciting development, though, has been the addition of touch capabilities. The Touch Mouse (coming soon) and the Arc Touch Mouse (available now) are both sleek examples of how the introduction of touch has changed the way we use mice by blending the versatility of a touch pad with the comfort of a mouse. You can now scroll and pan, navigate, and manipulate content using touch gestures—without sacrificing ergonomic efficiency. The Arc Touch Mouse also includes thoughtful features that make even the most basic actions something special. For instance, rather than pressing a power button, you simply curve the mouse to turn it on and flatten it to turn it off and take it with you. It’s a smart, powerful mouse that’s meant to be as impressive on your desk as it is in your hand, and we’re proud to announce that it just won a 2011 International Design Excellence Gold Award.

Entering the contest is simple – just snap a photo of the spot that best represents your mobile lifestyle. Maybe it’s your favorite spot under a tree in your local park, or a swanky airport lounge. Feel free to get as creative as you like! Then upload it, along with an explanation of why that image best represents the mobile lifestyle you have or dream of having.

After you enter, your friends can vote on your photo, getting you that much closer to winning a prize pack which includes the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse. The contest officially runs from Jan. 25-March 1, 2011 and the winner will be selected based on the most number of votes received.

The first 25 entrants will automatically win an Arc Touch Mouse, and the Grand Prize Winner will receive an on-the-go prize pack that includes:

• Asus Eee Slate EP121 pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium (MSRP $1099+$199)
• Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse (MSRP $70)
• 500 GB portable hard drive (MSRP $124)
• Office 2010 Home and Student (MSRP $149)
• Timbuk2 Messenger Bag (MSRP $129)

Whether it’s down the road at your favorite coffee shop, or halfway across the world, the Arc Touch Mouse can help take you there. It works on nearly every surface, meaning there are unlimited possibilities for your mobile lifestyle. So show us where you go! Good luck!

Whether you’re looking for something to excite a busy mom on the go or the teenaged gaming enthusiast who barely breaks from the computer for meals, our team has done the research and is here to help!

For the Visionary Designer or Early adopter…

• If only hardware could take the runway, the Arc Keyboard would steal the show. Weighing in at less than a pound, the Arc Keyboard throws the standard keyboard a chic curve. It’s small enough to move easily around the house, with sleek lines to fit in seamlessly with any stylish home accessory. Best of all, the domed keyset of the Arc Keyboard is comfortable to use whether resting on a lap or on the kitchen counter.

• Find a new level of elegance in the Arc Touch Mouse: With clean lines and edges, the Arc Touch Mouse is made for the way we live today. Its flat shape makes it easy to throw in a bag or stack on a notebook. When you’re ready to work, just pop it up into its curved form. And a touch strip with vibration feedback means easy, controlled scrolling.

For the Mobile Maniac…

• Boldness and sophistication bring life to the selection of colors and patterns found with the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 and 4000. Both of these mice provide portable, wireless freedom in a comfortable, compact shape – a must for the mobile enthusiast on your gift list.

For the Well Connected…

• The LifeCam Studio is the perfect gift for someone who wants the next best thing to being there in person.  Keep in touch with family and friends across the country or chat with the BFF you rarely see because of work, school, or other commitments. 

• Even better! Pair LifeCam Studio, which offers a 1080p sensor for the best possible image at any resolution, with the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, the first consumer IM program with HD video calling.
• And if you’re looking for a webcam under $50, the LifeCam HD-5000 offers a 720p HD sensor and Auto Focus—it’s the only cam to do this for the price.

For the Ultimate Gamer…

• Call the shots and don’t miss a minute of the action with the SideWinder X4 Keyboard. A virtual command center at your fingertips, this new keyboard gives you powerful programming and versatility to enhance your work or game play. But it wouldn’t be complete without a gaming mouse as the perfect partner in crime!

• Do you know someone who feels the need…the need for speed? Keep the action fast and furious by giving the SideWinder X3 Mouse. With features that put you ahead of the competition, this versatile gaming mouse delivers speed, performance, and comfort for either hand.

Sound too good to be true? We promise it is.

Check out these and other great gifts at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ and let us know if you get BIG smiles for bringing Microsoft Hardware home this holiday.

-Microsoft Hardware Team