Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desk

Rating:
Summary: can't beat the 19.99
Review: maybe this is not the greatest wireless keyboard/mouse, but for this price for the combo.... well i say this is pretty good.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of issues
Review: The entire thing is very microsoft-centric. Much of the functionality is lost on a non-msft platform, or if you are not using all microsoft applications (email, media-player, messanger, etc).
* Functions keys don't work normally. You have to press another special F-Lock key to get them to work. If you want to close a lot of windows, you can no longer hold the cntl key and hit F4-F4-F4. It's no longer that simple.
* They did away with the insert key. You can no longer do the shift-del and shift-ins to cut-and-paste.
* Eats up batteries, especially the mouse. Nothing will work correctly if the batteries get low. Once I had to pull the plug on my PC because the batteries got low, and I couldn't use my mouse or keyboard to shut it down.
* You have to be very careful about where you place your mouse and keyboard, they have to be able to make radio contact.
* It doesn't really eliminate any cables, because you have that "pod" thing.

Rating:
Summary: Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desk Review
Review: This is my favorite Keyboard/Mouse combination so far. If you use Microsoft Office, media player, IE, etc., then the changed function keys are very helpful. Pressing one extra button to get to the traditional function keys (a new function key-lock button) isn't much of a trade-off for having common functions like "print" and "spell check" always having the same dedicated key.

I became accustomed to having keys for music, web browser, email, etc, on a previous wired Microsoft keyboard. This keyboard has these, too. All the functions are configurable if you don't use the default MS programs. Like all the MS keyboards, the feel of the keys is the best that is out on the market. The mouse is also top-quality.

I've found battery life to be just fine. My batteries have lasted for months now.

Rating:
Summary: could be better
Review: While I love the fact that there are no cables and the freedom that comes with it, I dislike how the mouse and keyboard will spontaneous stop working. Or how the power supply has to be connected to the port replicator before it will work, and won't work if you plug in the power after starting the laptop.