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Imagine the Typical Mouse and Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop
What do you think of when you think of a wireless mouse and keyboard? I think of the freedom to move. The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop does just that. It lets you move wherever you want. With a sleek look and design, and no wires attached, this is not your typical keyboard and mouse!
:: The Features
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The Experience
From the moment you open the box to the moment that this keyboard and mouse are up and running, there are ZERO difficult steps. Here are the things that you will find included when you purchase the Wireless Optical Desktop:
:: Items Included
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Surfaces
When I first installed the mouse and keyboard, I realized that my screen saver was on. I was about to move the mouse, to exit the screen saver, when I realized I had removed the old mouse and keyboard already. I then went across the room to get the new ones. I grabbed the mouse on the other side of the room and instantly: BOOM, the screen saver on the computer exited. At the time, it was sitting on the carpet about 11 feet away from the receiver. My reaction: "COOL!"
The optical mouse works on many different textures/surfaces. It seemed to work almost anywhere in the room I was currently in without losing the connection with the receiver. One problem I found was that it wouldn't work on any high-gloss or reflective surfaces. What does this mean? Well, I still had to use a mouse pad for it to work at my desk.
Design
The wireless keyboard's great design allows it to fit comfortably on your lap, and also at a desk or table with it's detachable palm rest. Both the mouse and keyboard have stylish colors. The mouse is compatable with both right and left handed users. The mouse also features a cool semi-transparent scroll wheel! One missing feature of the mouse is the extra forward and back browser buttons which the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer includes. Another thing that I noticed that did not appear on this keyboard was the usual set of LEDs telling if Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock is turned on. I later found that there is a light on the RF receiver for Num Lock and Caps Lock. With the setup I currently had, the receiver was hiding away so I could not see it. This was pretty nice until I found out that there were LEDs that I wanted to see, placed on it.
Usability
With the easy-access buttons and media center at the top of the keyboard, it is very simple to control your music using Media Player while doing other tasks. An example of this is while you are playing a game and listening to music. Say that you have a huge list of songs you are listening to that are currently playing when suddenly, a horrible song starts! (Oh no!) But fear not, with this keyboard, instead of having to exit the entire game to just go to the next song, you can simply push a single button to skip to the next song. Another way that this could be useful is if you are hosting a party, with your computer playing the music. You no longer need to have your monitor on or your keyboard directly in front of your computer to control the music. You can change the volume or the song at any given time.
Conclusion"
The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop is overall a great package. The 2 Channel RF receiver does a good job of picking up the keyboard and mouse signals for a fair distance. The installation with an easy to follow guide, a simple installation program, and included batteries makes it very quick and effortless. I quickly checked out some prices for this product and it looks like the average is about $65, which is a great deal for a keyboard/mouse combination in my opinion. I would highly recommend this product if you are sick and tired of messing with wires and interested in purchasing a very stylish new wireless keyboard and mouse!
ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 7-31-03
