Home  >  News & Events  >  News  >  News Details

News Details

Agilent Technologies Ships 100 Millionth Optical Mouse Sensor

December 16, 2002

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2002--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that it has shipped its 100 millionth optical mouse sensor since the release of its first navigation sensor in the fall of 1999. Agilent pioneered optical sensing for mouse technology and supplies these sensors to all optical mouse manufacturers worldwide.

Today, optical mice range from inexpensive entry-level models to high-precision versions, with scroll wheels and up to five programmable function buttons. There also are miniature mice that are perfect for use with laptop computers and cordless optical mice that use power-saving technology for long battery life. Agilent offers sensors ranging from low-cost 400 count-per-inch resolution for entry-level mice to sensors providing up to 800 count-per-inch resolution, and at speeds of up to 40 inches per second with automatic power conservation -- perfect for maximum-precision corded or cordless mice.

"Retail sales of optical mice are growing at an accelerated rate, and an increasing number of computer OEMs are bundling optical mice with their mid- to high-end systems" said Jason Hartlove, vice president and general manager of the Agilent Sensor Solutions Division. "Agilent has the high-volume manufacturing capacity to support this growing demand."

Optical navigation sensor technology works by taking thousands of digital pictures per second with a resolution of up to 800 counts per inch (CPI) to determine the movement of the on-screen cursor. Optical mice eliminate the need for a mouse pad and offer more precise pointing and movement than mechanical mice. And because optical mice have no ball or cavity, no cleaning is necessary, making them more reliable and longer lasting.

More information about Agilent's optical mouse sensors is available at www.agilent.com/view/opticalnavigation.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 36,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6 billion in fiscal year 2002. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please direct reader inquiries to Agilent Semiconductor Products Group at +1 800 235 0312, or e-mail us at semiconductorsupport@agilent.com. Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.

--30--cs/sf*

CONTACT: Agilent Technologies Inc.
Mark Alden, 408/654-8741
mark_alden@agilent.com