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Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth

List Price: $139.00
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Its "microsoft" bluetooth
Review: This is a beautiful keyboard/mouse set.. and thats about it.. It works well for me as a wireless set but it does not function well as a bluetooth hub. (which will be the only reason to justify the cost.) I bought it originally to use it also as a hub to sync with my bluetooth-enabled Sony Clie. It didnot work... I could not believe software giant microsoft would do that, so I blame it on Sony.. After several technical call/email to Sony, and an extra trip to Fry's to get a belkin bluetooth dongle, I discover the shocking truth -- its a "Microsoft" bluetooth device. In simple translation, the tranceiver ONLY works with its keyboard/mouse. I think the only way to increase the functionality is to wait for the XP SP2 (Now there is only SP1 and SP1a which will not help..)
One thing I like about this product is the installation. Microsoft smooth out the installation with randomly generated passkey for you to type it in to start the trusted relationship. This makes the installation much easier.
The battery life on this product seems to be ok for a bluetooth device (which consumes much more power than infrared or radio device) Fortunately, I didnot experience any lag while using the product like others point it out. Before you decide to purchase the device, please make sure microsoft release the update (at least XP SP2) before you purchase it.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS
Review: This is NOT A GOOD PRODUCT. Please, do not waste your time or money as I have. Microsoft has released a Beta product to the public as far as I am concerned.

It looks SPECTACULAR, that's why I bought it. "Ooooh Shiny." Well, get that out of your mind right now, this product sucks... BAD.

If you don't believe me. Buy it. You'll see what I mean. Pick up a Logitech DUO Wireless Combo instead and save yourself a few headaches.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Don't be a fool
Review: This package does indeed include valid Human Input Device (HID) compliant devices (keyboard and mouse). And as such, they will work with ANY tranceiver. The tranceiver driver however, must have HID support programmed in.

This is not some silly Microsoft lock-in technique. (And I think any product with the Bluetooth logo--all three parts have such--is garaunteed to follow at least one part of the Bluetooth protocol). You do not need the MS tranceiver to use the devices (see the Apple/Linux users' reviews).

All these other reviews complaining about not being able so connect to other devices (computers, phones, handhelds, etc.) simply don't understand that their version of the Bluetooth driver they're using doesn't support that part of the Bluetooth protocol yet. The MS driver for their tranceiver does include HID support at least (try using another Bluetooth input device with it). There is nothing wrong with the tranceiver hardware. The software is simply lacking in features.

I know the tranceiver is not faulty, as I personally have connected to my cell phone using the bluez (bluez.sf.net) Bluetooth driver for Linux. Windows users may have to wait for an updated driver for such feats (as of January 2004).

The actual hardware itself is so-so:
The keyboard is pretty standard. However, it does include that annoying, non-standard, F-Lock key to get additional buttons. There are no LEDs on the keyboard (presumably to save batteries). Overall, it is what I expected, though expensive.

The mouse feels very cheap to me. It has a poor battery cover, extra flimsy buttons on the side and a weak feeling scroll wheel. I have somewhat big hands, and it fits better than a logitech mx series mouse. The tracking of the mouse is sub-par however. After using this mouse instead of my Logitech mx500, I immediately noticed a degredation in smoothness and response time. For these reasons, I haven't used the mouse further. I read that it has poor battery life as well, but cannot confirm.

Both devices go to sleep after roughly 12 minutes of inactivity. This is not unreasonable. They wake up with one click and even restore most movements.

If people read before buying, they'd know that the devices aren't really at fault and fare pretty well on their own. If you need to use the supplied Bluetooth hub for non HID activities, you might have to wait for another version of the driver under Windows.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Pile of junk
Review: Typical Microsoft has decided to do their own thing with respect to Bluetooth. So good luck if you get a Bluetooth enabled phone soon (or already have one) or get a Bluetooth-enabled PDA or digital camera or want to set up a Bluetooth network.

Microsoft's Bluetooth once again is NON-COMPATIBLE with just about anything other than their keyboard and mouse. Might as well just get a regular wireless KB/Mouse from Logitech for all the functionality this thing is gonna give you. You'll have a better product and won't have to worry about incompatibility with your other Bluetooth devices.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Stops working all the time
Review: When I first got this I thought it was the ultimate. However, it stops working all the time. To get it working again you need to read four Microsft knowledbase aricles and uninstall - reboot- reinstall the software. About 30 minutes worth of work. If you need something to do for 30 minutes every single week then you can afford the time it takes to keep this running.

We have the same set-up at work and have the same problems there. So it is clearly a flaw in the product.


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