On average, Microsoft hardware fares far better than Microsoft software, either critically or commercially or both. Yes, the number of historical Microsoft software products dwarfs the number of hardware products, but Microsoft's hits-to-flops ratio is vastly better in hardware.

If you were to stop people on the street and ask them which Microsoft product is the best in its class, or ask them which Microsoft product they "love," the answer in both cases would probably be: Xbox 360.

Microsoft's track record on hardware is pretty amazing. Its mice and keyboards are among the best-selling ever. (I personally prefer Microsoft mice above all others, and even use one with my MacBook Pro.)

Microsoft's LifeCam webcams and LifeChat headsets are super good products for the money.

And Microsoft's SideWinder line of gaming peripherals are pretty great, too.