Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (Light Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After using this keyboard, I can say that it's almost perfect.
The nicest feature on this keyboard is the backlit keys. Every key and button is evenly lit in a soft white light. The backlight activates as soon as your hands get within about an inch of the keyboard. It dims, brightens, or shuts off depending on the light level of the room. You can also set it to never come on, or to go straight to maximum brightness once you begin using it, regardless of the light level. Plus it looks great.
The touch pad on the keyboard is more functional than you would think given its size, but it's no replacement for a mouse or even a normal laptop touchpad. It's more useful in the directional pad mode for controlling Media Center.
The included software (which had to be updated) caused my computer to hang a few times while I was installing it, and also forced me to install that annoying "Validation Tool" before I could download another update for the Bluetooth driver. You can probably skip this and just download the software update if you want, because it has no noticeable impact on performance.
The function keys on the top of the keyboard are touch-strips and not actual buttons. It definitely looks nice, but it's pretty easy to accidentally touch one and trigger it while you're trying to hit a number key, before you get used to the layout. That being said, you'll get used to the layout pretty fast coming from a normal keyboard. It's ergonomic and comfortable without being too much of a shock. The biggest changes are that there is no number pad, and the Windows key is now in the bottom center of the keyboard with a "function" key is in its place.
The mouse that comes with the keyboard is the Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. It works well enough and is very accurate. The scroll wheel is the smooth scrolling type, so there's no real tactile feedback when you scroll. At first I didn't like it, but now I actually like it better than a normal scroll wheel. It has an "accelerated scrolling" feature that allows you to scroll rapidly or very slowly depending on how fast you spin the wheel. The side buttons are in strange (uncomfortable) locations though.
As far as wireless performance goes, there is no lag from either the mouse or the keyboard. The mouse takes about half a second to wake up if you haven't used it for a few minutes, but the keyboard has a proximity sensor so it will normally wake up before you even touch it. Neither the mouse nor the keyboard have dropped their connections once.
If there's one thing I really didn't like, it's that the documentation that came with the keyboard is pretty sparse. It comes with a quick start guide, and a "manual" that reads more like an advertisement. The manual also gives you a link to go to in order to "learn more" about the keyboard, but the link just sends you to a flash version of the same advertisement-like manual you just read.
Aside from a few minor flaws, this keyboard and mouse set is excellent. I would definitely recommend it, especially to anyone who uses Media Center on a HTPC, because this is where it's features really shine.

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The ultimate rechargeable keyboard and mouse for Windows Vista and PC entertainment, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is designed to make it easier than ever to control PC media from your desk, your lap--or even from the comfort of your couch.
Desktop Features The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is the first ever rechargeable mouse and backlit keyboard solution. Microsoft's exclusive charging hub allows you to recharge both the mouse and keyboard in one easy-to-use place. Meanwhile, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology allows you to connect wirelessly right out of the box using "First Connect Technology" from up to 30 feet away with virtually no interference. Give yourself room to move; wireless mouse and keyboard products let you work without worrying about tangled wires. Plus, you'll know when power is low when the battery status indicator senses battery life is running out. An intelligent power system adjusts battery life depending on performance needs.
Integrated USB ports in the charging station give you the flexibility to download images from your digital camera or plug in your thumb drive or other USB device--right from your desktop. You'll also appreciate intelligent backlighting on the keyboard, which comes on automatically when you approach the keyboard and turns off when you're away. Backlit keys only glow when the lights are low, saving valuable battery life.
Mouse Features The sleek, symmetrical design of the mouse features an authentic brushed aluminum that feels as good as it looks. Meanwhile, 4-way scrolling lets you scroll four ways for greater efficiency and comfort with tilt wheel technology. You'll also enjoy high definition laser technology; Microsoft high definition laser mouse products are more precise, more responsive, and deliver smoother tracking.
Too many open items on your desktop? Click the scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows, then point and click to select. You can also point and click to enlarge and edit detail using the Magnifier.
Keyboard Features In addition to intelligent backlighting, the keyboard features a navigation pad that lets you command your PC from your lap or the comfort of your sofa with integrated cursor control. The keyboard lets you place your hands naturally and work comfortably using a distinctive and ergonomist-approved "Comfort Curve" design with quiet touch keys. The sleek design of the keyboard reduces clutter on your desk, fits on your lap, and complements your flat screen monitor
There's also a Windows Start button; press it to launch your Start menu and search your PC or the Web if you have Windows Vista installed. Meanwhile, you can use the Windows Live call button to access your Windows Live Messenger buddy list; then select an Online Contact and start a video conversation. Use the Windows Gadgets button to gain one-touch access to gadgets such as weather information, news updates, traffic maps and slide shows of online photo albums.
Media Controls allow you to easily navigate to your next track, previous track, play, pause and volume control, while the Windows Media Center start button gives you instant access to your digital media. Lastly, you can access the folders, files, and Web pages you use most with one-touch "My Favorites" Keys.
What's in the Box

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