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Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite Keyboard and Mouse

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite Keyboard and Mouse

List Price: $104.95
Your Price: $74.89
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Very Comfortable, Increased My Productivity!
Review: I was lucky enough to have my workplace pick these up for me. After years of working on a laptop, I was a bit wary of all the bells and whistles these two devices afford. I have quickly adjusted and find them both amazing.

The keyboard has "Favorites" buttons, which I have programmed to my five most used applications (e.g. email, browser). There is a "media center" control at the top, which allows me to quickly mute the volume, should I need to speak to someone. There are also other buttons for messenger, web pages, My Documents, the calculator, and logging off, all of which are very convenient. There is also a wrist rest built in, ensuring that your palms are high enough when typing.

The mouse has two buttons as well as a vertical and side-to-side scrolling wheel, which allow me to quickly scroll through doucments without having to move my hand. There are also two really convenient buttons under my thumb, which allow me to navigate back and forward through web pages. If you are left handed, the same buttons are available on the left hand side of the keyboard, meaning that you may not even have to take your hands off of the keyboard to do much of your navigation.

I have the wireless receiver about a foot from the mouse and the keyboard, and do not have signal trouble. There are other people who use the keyboards and mice in the same office, and we don't have any cross-signaling issues.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Bad product!
Review: I would have imagined that wireless technology would work - guess not!
Good points
- Looks cool with a leather like feel and high-tech finish
- Connectivity for both PS2 and USB
- Back and Forward key on the keyboard
- Integrated wrist pad

However, there are a lot of problems as well:

- Keyboard tilt-wheel press does NOT work!
- Mouse tilt-wheel press - have to force it like hitting a hammer
- No keyboard lights whatsoever - never know whether Caps lock or Nums Lock is ON/OFF!
- Cannot turn off mouse or keyboard to save battery when not in use - the manual suggests taking out the batteries when not in use for long periods (would be nice to have a switch!)
- The keys are all differently placed and slightly smaller than the Intellipoint Pro keyboard - what's with the LONG delete key that covers both Page Up and Page down? I guess someone at Microsoft is deleting stuff a lot :-)
- Response time for horizontal scroll and overall mouse response very sluggish even with the fastest setting
- Windows XP - as suggested, installed software - which required a reboot. Then connected the wireless keyboard and mouse and it detected the devices and then again reboot! In this day and age, having to reboot multiple times is just not good

Overall summary - Do NOT buy this piece of rubbish!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Not perfect (especially for gaming)...but darn close.
Review: I'm a developer, gamer, and I've built my own systems from scratch for the last 15 years-I've owned a wide variety of Logitech and MS input devices, most recently Logitech's MX Duo and this set. Neither is without their flaws, but ultimately I got rid of the MX Duo for this one.

Easy part first: The keyboard is great. It's definitely MS's best to date, and possibly the best one currently available. They seem to have figured out quite a bit from their previous boards, and this one does away with a lot of the useless features that previous ones had, and which Logitech boards are full of (like buttons for "Webcam", who needs that?). Extra buttons for multimedia, F Lock, and other doodads have been distinctively reshaped and repositioned, and they're just better, period. The leather-like palm rest, also great. They've retained their non-standard Delete cluster layout, which takes a little getting used to but I actually prefer it now over the traditional setup. Keystroke feel, very good. Not clicky or heavy but just right in my opinion. Also fairly quiet.

The board just LOOKS good too, especially if you have a black case or other black accessories. The keys are actually somewhat translucent, so you'll be able to see that coffee, OJ, and pet hair that inevitably makes it in there.

The new Favorites buttons are very useful, which give you five programmable buttons to go right to a website or file, or launch an app/game (getting this last to happen is a little more work, like making a new shortcut, but for websites and files, you just hold the button down until it programs). There's a worthless additional scroll wheel and buttons on the left side; if they ditched that, and maybe had backlit keys like some of the new electroluminescent ones, you'd have yourself a perfect keyboard.

The mouse is a little more of a mixed bag. To me the most important quality is shape and ergonomics, because I've had my fingers go numbish with using the wrong shape for hours on end. Logitech used to rule here, but they've gone in a different direction lately, and I find their MX designs to be very bad like that. My rightmost two fingers trail off and are uncomfortable; the MX overall has some unpleasant curves and edges to it. Looks good, feels not so good. The MS shape is supportive and much, much more comfortable, so it wins there, hands-down.

The new tilt wheel feature for side-to-side scrolling...is worthless. Enough said. But it's just there to ignore, and doesn't get in your way. It's not a revolution like the addition of the up/down scrolling mouse wheel was. You definitely won't be doing it by accident.

As a gamer, I like the mouse's response. I'm not a super-frag-twitcher who has to have 1500dpi or die, but it responds a lot more smoothly than my previous tailed Logitech optical, and seems about as smooth as the MX700. First-person shooters are a much better experience with it. I'd have to say that the MX700 has a smoother slickness in its slide on the pad, and the response seems maybe marginally better, but this one is just fine for me.

BE AWARE, if you're a gamer, that the wheel does NOT have detents-if you don't know the term, that means the 'clicks' or 'stops' when you roll it. It just rolls smoothly. This is way better for nongame scrolling; for work and surfing it's much better than the detents. Not so good for weapon select in the heat of battle. It takes a lot of getting used to, and the driver software makes it much worse-even on the lowest sensitivity, an accidental touch of the wheel can spin you through three weapon choices. Detents are better for gaming. Logitech has them, Microsoft doesn't. This alone might cause you to steer clear of the mouse if your thing is gaming. Also the middle button has a very heavy throw to it and it's difficult to get quick action out of in games when you assign it to a critical function.

This would be a perfect mouse if they made a gamer edition which has the detents, ditches the whole side-to-side scrolling nonsense, and made the middle click lighter.

Wireless issues: MS wins. Logitech was finicky about where its receiver was placed, and until I got it right, stuff wouldn't respond correctly. The MS receiver doesn't seem to care that much, but it did have issues with using the PS/2 keyboard plug (I leave mine dangling, and go USB-only).

On the other hand, the MX receiver is also a recharger for the mouse batteries, even when the computer isn't on (you do pay the price of another power cord running to the back of your computer at the USB plug). MS would do well to imitate that feature. I've only had mine for a couple of weeks so I can't speak to battery life, but even if they died this minute, I'd be keeping this set. The receiver also has lights on it for Num Lock, Caps, and F Lock-the board doesn't. I like that too. Logitech's receiver is similar there.

Far and away the worst part of the whole thing is the software. MS's current generation of Intellipoint/Intellitype drivers, 5.0, absolutely blows (and was never great to begin with). They limit you to only a few choices for what the keyboard and mouse buttons can be programmed to do, and they won't let you just use the excess mouse buttons as "Mouse 4" and "Mouse 5" so that games can assign functions to them. The programmability should be infinite, and it isn't. Logitech definitely has the upper hand with driver capability (they also go overboard on the features, it's kind of a theme with them). Also sadly missing is the ability to have "F Lock" on by default, although the new F Lock button is much better placed and easier to hit. Maybe they'll fix this in a future release, maybe not.

Overall, with those flaws noted, I'm very happy with this set. I'm even thinking about buying a second one so I can use it at work.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Works great on Macs and PCs
Review: I'm using an Iogear GSC102U KVM/USB switch to use this keyboard /mouse combo with both my PC and Mac. It works perfectly with both, and the Intellitype/Intellipoint software makes the keyboard and mouse completely customizable on both platforms. Key feel is great, and the additional scroll wheel on the keyboard is very helpful. Highly recommended.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: It's OK But Nothing To Write Home About
Review: I've had this for quite some time as it was purchased for me when I broke my leg and could not sit at my computer desk for 2 months. I do like Microsoft but have always purchased Logitech because they just seem to get it right more often than not. Nonetheless, again, since this was a gift, I have held off on purchasing a wireless set from Logitech but am now reconsidering.

Pros:

* Surprise, no wires.
* The keys on kb type softly and are not that "cheap" feel that you can get with some keyboards.
* I like the idea of a scroll on the kb itself.
* Fits my hands comfortably and the wrist rest is particularly nice.
* Do not have to have "direct sight" with receiver. Very nice.
* Looks sharp.

Cons:

* Despite many efforts to adjust key speed, often times the keys will double type or not type at all.
* What is with the placement of home, end, pg up, pg down and that gargantuan delete key?
* Same ol' same ol' about the F keys.
* The mouse. Oh man the mouse sucks. I have sat here and watched the cursor move on its own and the mouse has a horrible response to my actions. As others have mentioned, if you play games, this mouse is not the one to get. It will either "catch" or move across the screen in a completely different area than where you wish it to go. This happens on a CONSTANT basis, not just once in awhile and it has nothing to do with batteries. I have had to revert back to my wired mouse to get the response that I like.
* Some of the mouse keys require you to break out the sledgehammer to get them to respond.
* Also, back to the kb...again, no light indicator to let you know if caps lock is on or off. You will have to physically hit caps lock button and watch the screen to see what position it is in.

Overall the unit is decent for the price and those who do nothing more than surf the internet or type in their LiveJournals all day long will like this unit. For anyone who is a serious computer user or gamer...I advise you to look elsewhere.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: I Can't Believe I Wasted My Money On This Combo
Review: If you're new to PC hardware, let me give you a quick tutorial. There are two big dogs in the mouse and keyboard business: Microsoft and Logitech. I owned Logitech equipment when I used WIN95, and I switched to Microsoft during the end of my WIN98 days. I purchased one of Microsoft's first optical mouses and I loved it. (Optical mouses are without a roller ball, they come with a laser to track your mouse's movement.) I used that baby so much, the Microsoft logo eventually wore off. But... it was bound to happen, my beloved mouse started acting strange as it got older and my keyboard was a little worn out too so I decided it was time to upgrade. This time I wanted to not only stick with an optical mouse but upgrade to the new wireless keyboard/mouse combos that are becoming so popular. Looking through respectable PC review sites and magazines, the Logitech models had recieved the best reviews and had the lowest prices but the Microsoft model was the only one left in stock. I had great success with the previous Microsoft mouse I purchased and I admit, I fell for the hype of having a Microsoft keyboard with hotkeys specifically set for a Microsoft operating system.

Well, I've owned this combo for about a month now and my final assessment is -- I can't believe I wasted my money on this! Does the wireless ability work great? You bet your Bill Gates it does! Which is why I'm raising this rating to two stars. But I'm VERY disappointed with everything else. First of all, to use this mouse, you'll need the newest Intellipoint 5.0 drivers. Somehow, somewhere, Microsoft decided that ALL PC users only used their computers to browse the web and designed their new drivers (and the keyboard) with this in mind. No longer can you designate any key or function to a specific mouse button! You can only designate generic commands such as minimize, paste, and cut to your mouse so if you're like me and use the PC for just about everything, you're ruined. So much for having 3 extra mouse buttons because the original 2 buttons and the scroller are the only useful items!

As far as the keyboard, I thought I would love all the new hot keys on this model that were designed for someone who uses Windows but in the end, the scrollable volume and calculator buttons are the only ones that I bother with. I just find it easier to click the icons on my monitor to check my email, my documents and other common appliations that also have convenient hot keys on the top of my keyboard. I also find it easier to go into my browser and click "Favorites" instead of using the five preset "My Favorites" hotkeys on the keyboard which will automatically pop-up your favorite preset websites. I don't think I've ever bothered to use the mouse scrolling bar and two mouse keys included on the keyboard as I'm so used to keeping my right hand on a mouse. The only two positive remarks I have about this combo are: 1) The wireless capabilities are impressive. I've never tested them beyond 10 feet but everything seems fine and 2) The batteries don't wear out as fast as I thought they would. You will need to keep 2 AA batteries in both components and so far after at least a month of heavy PC usage, my batteries are still highly charged. (At least according to the mouse control panel.) Fortunately, Microsoft includes 4 AA batteries in the box but we deserve a lot more after forking out money for this soon to be discontinued prouct. My advice is to check out some of the Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combos because this combo is worthless.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Good Looking, but Impossible to use.
Review: Left scroll is a nice feature, but keyboard layout is terrible.

There are certain things you should never change,

when you design a keyboard, beause once you start

typing without looking at the keyboard it is very hard to readjust

I personally don't like these:

Topmost left button is not Escape, but rather - Adjust favorites. It doesn't belong there it belongs where other favorites buttons are. I can't hit Esc anymore without looking at it.

The Insert button moved to the PrintScreen and is very inconvenient, because you wont be able to reach it with any of your fingers, and if you are Ctrl-Ins Shift-Ins person you will understand me. This keyboard is not for you. Another inconvenience about this is that you can not use Alt-PrintScr anymore because it becames a Alt-Ins... And you have to use the "Function Lock" button to switch it to original.

And Most anoying thing is that all F keys are reassigned. And turned into the MS Shortcuts every time I restart the computer.

Again have to press "Function Lock" every time. You may say what is the big deal. It is for me because I still use some programs where F2 is Save, and every time I am trying to save anything it undo my last changes instead!!! yes F2 is Undo now.

It is good looking keyboard and mouse is exelent, but I just can't use it.

I spent more time watching it and trying to prevent my self of pressing a wrong button...

For those of you who just started typing - go ahead you will get used to it,

but for me and people who spent last 20 years with computer,
it is a little "Focus Shifted".

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Has it all maybe too much
Review: Let me first say simply I hate wires, I am the type that can orginize all my wired componants at night and by morning the wire elf has tangled them into a hopeless mess. I was delighted when I recieved this keyboard and mouse combo for Christmas.

Features:
A wired reciever for input from both the Mouse and Keyboard, a 4 button plus a tilt wheel optical mouse and a keyboard with more buttons then I had ever imagined plus another tilt wheel.

The Mouse itself has lost it's roller ball and that saves time and durability as there are less moving parts to clean and break. All buttons are customizable using the Intellipoint 5.0 included software. Some of the features are the normal open, shortcut and scroll. You can also apply back and forward which I chose not to use. The wheel can also zoom which is great for tired eyes. My issue with the mouse is it changes itsel on it's own one minute it's open and close then next it's back and forward The tilt wheel feature I have not found it's usefullness as of yet.

The Keyboard:
Buttons, buttons and more buttons.....One touch for everything but cooking your food! This may sound like a dream come truwe but don't forget the more it has the more resources it can use! Most if not all can be found within your Winmdows desktop including Media Player Controls (waste of time for me)Favorites, Email, and believe or not Messenger. Yes MS has given it's software a cameo apperance and the stage is crowded. I am impressed with the concept but it's like putting all your reletives in your studio apartmant, they all just crowd each other out. The tilt wheel is in my opinion the most useless thing and doesn't belong on a keyboard That makes 2 tilt features I don't use. (Mouse has one)

Pro's
Great reception exceeding the maximum stated of 6 feet, style is awesome and matches my PC

Cons:
More features I don't use then I do, Resource hog, bulky keyboard

I recommend this for those searching for a wireless combo

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Nice but has significant flaws
Review: Liked the quality feel of the keyboard and especially the buttons. On so many keyboards, including MS's cheaper models, the buttons always feel cheap. Not this one. This is a nice-looking keyboard and the wireless worked very well using Msft's placement rules. The thing I liked best, however, was the quality and convenient kb scroll wheel. No other kb has a similar feature that is even close to the quality of the microsoft wheel.

There were, however, a few things I disliked enough about this kb enough to ultimately return it: 1) Being mostly a user of ergo keyboards, I just couldn't get used to this straight one, especially since the keys on this kb seemed thinner than the average straight kb (probably so that everything could be crammed on here) 2) As many have mentioned, the default setting for FLock can't be changed, which is really annoying to those of us who prefer keyboard shortcuts, 3) I hate the new arrangement of the placement keys; I especially disliked pgup and pgdn being in a line of three keys. I was always hitting some key other than them. I just could not adapt to it.

If you have smaller hands, like straight kbs, and do not use keyboard shortcuts, you may well like this unit. It just wasn't for me... and that's too bad because I really liked the scroll bar and some of the buttons.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: works great, laptop beware
Review: Most of everything has been said about this component. I can say I satisfied with the purchase. Laptop users should know this though! Some laptops (e.g. Dell Inspiron 8x00) have low power usb ports for the sake of saving battery power. This means the range will suffer horribly, possibly less than 1 foot. All is not lost, invest in a quality POWERED usb hub, and it will boost the range to the spec range of at least 6 feet.


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