Microsoft Hardware Group reportedly unveiled some notebook-focused accessories this week. The company on Tuesday introduced its first Notebook Cooling Base, an inch-thick stand with built-in fan. Available in white and black, the laptop-chiller is powered over a USB connection. So the news unfortunately does not regard any new software.

The product will sell for $30 when it hits the market in July and represents a new direction for Microsoft's hardware unit, which is best known for its mice and keyboards. Microsoft justified its decision by the fact that notebook sales are now outpacing desktop PCs three to one. The first product specifically aimed at notebook buyers is a notebook cooling base “designed to make notebook use more comfortable with a built-in fan and sleek form.” The company claims that the 1.16” thick device will fit any notebook and is “contoured to rest on both desks and users' laps.”

The unit has a single, USB-powered cooling fan to actively circulate heat. In terms of design, there's nothing too out of the ordinary with the Microsoft Cooling Base. It's got a single powered fan in the center and it places you laptop at a more ergonomic angle.

Microsoft also has expanded the color selection for its popular Arc Mouse, adding frost white, eggplant purple, deep olive green and marine blue to the mix. These special edition hues will be available this month and are priced at $49.95. The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 will also ship in a limited-edition color palette, including blue sapphire, red garnet, pink topaz, green emerald and purple amethyst for $29.95 apiece.