Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been waiting for this keyboard since December. Microsoft has had problems in production and deadlines about this product. As of the day I write this, Microsoft's website "Press Pass" still publishes an article saying this keyboard and mouse set will be released "January 2007." That didn't happen. But it is here now and I'm not too impressed, even though I'm satisfied.
I was debating between getting this product and the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard (these keyboards are media-centered keyboards, no numerical keypads in addition). I've used the diNovo Edge and I've liked it. I purchased this Microsoft product because it is both slightly cheaper and comes with a matching mouse.
The diNovo Edge has a lithium Ion battery and a recharging station which looks nice but is impractical because it stands the keyboard on an edge so that it cannot be used while charging (looks cool). This 7000 keyboard, however, is powered by 4 AA batteries, but this keyboard is just as slim and sleek as the diNovo keyboard. On another Microsoft webpage that profiles hardware like this, it is advertised that 4 AA batteries power this keyboard for "an average of over nine months." What is weird (and almost unnecessary) is to make the mouse (unlike the keyboard) come with a recharging base. It is as if Microsoft started with the newer (yet to be released) 8000 model of this keyboard/mouse set (which is going to cost more) and just started subtracting features. For example, whereas the diNovo and the 8000 model of this product have light-up features for dark room usage, this 7000 model does not. Also, the 800 comes with a hub that both the mouse and keyboard use instead of just a hub for the mouse (as in the 7000).
For me, I was disappointed when I started typing on this 7000 model keyboard because the key-depression sounds are as loud as my laptop or PC (some people however like a stronger physical and audible feedback from the keys as they type). diNovo has soft key-depression, and even though this 7000 model wasn't advertised with soft keys I hoped it was a basic feature. The Bluetooth technology works as expected. My favorite feature is the keyless Function buttons which can be redefined for your specific shortcuts. My mouse came with differing pressure levels for the right and left clicks and this has been irritating (the left-click is very sensitive).
In sum: the 7000 keyboard has a cheaper feel than the diNovo (mine is made of hard plastic and the diNovo is partly made of fiberglass); but I shook around this keyboard and pressed on its sides fairly hard: it's pretty durable. This is currently one of the most sophisticated keyboards on the market and it's the most Vista-ready keyboard currently. It's sleek, ergonomic, and rests no higher than your watch on the table. I'm satisfied.

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Now you can transition between work and fun with unprecedented ease and comfort. This ultra-thin entertainment desktop set with a rechargeable mouse delivers top-notch performance with virtually no interference--from up to 30 feet away.
Give yourself room to move; wireless mouse and keyboard products let you work without worrying about tangled wires. The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 features 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity with First Connect technology that makes it easy to connect wirelessly right out of the box. The desktop set includes a rechargeable mouse and keyboard with battery status indicators that flash when batteries need recharging.
Mouse Features The mouse's 4-way scrolling feature takes advantage of Microsoft's Tilt Wheel technology, letting you scroll four ways for greater efficiency and comfort. Meanwhile, the Instant Viewer function allows you to click the scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows. Then you just point and click to select the window you want. Another feature, the Magnifier, lets you point and click to enlarge and edit details on your screen.
Keyboard Features The keyboard features an ultra-thin, ergonomist-approved "Comfort Curve" design that allows you to place your hands naturally and work comfortably using the distinctive quiet touch keys. This sleek design also reduces clutter on your desk, fits on your lap and complements your flat screen monitor. Meanwhile, an integrated navigation pad with cursor control makes it easy to command your PC from your lap or the comfort of your sofa.
Use the Media Center Start Button to gain one touch access to Windows Media Center, or press the Windows Start Button to launch your Start menu and search your PC or the Web if you have Windows Vista installed. The Windows Live Call Button accesses your Windows Live Messenger buddy list, while the Windows Gadgets Button gives you one-touch access to gadgets such as weather information, news updates, traffic maps and slide shows of online photo albums. Plus, when you're playing music or videos media controls on the keyboard allow you to easily navigate to your next or previous track. Or use the media controls to play, pause and control volume. Lastly, the "My Favorites" hot key makes it easy to access the folders, files, and Web pages you use most.
What's in the Box Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 keyboard and mouse, rechargeable batteries, software CD-ROM, and Microsoft Mini Bluetooth Transceiver.

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Logitech MX 610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using right-handed mice for years, most of them 'ergonomic', which is to say 'carpal-tunnel-inducing for anyone left-handed'. This is the first left-handed mouse I've ever used, and it really is amazing being able to have all the nice ease-of-use functions right-handed users have had for so long, such as thumb buttons, a comfortable grip, and so forth.
The mouse itself took me a little while to get used to. I was using a Logitech G7 cordless mouse just prior, which had extremely fine-tuned response and tracking. The MX 610 doesn't possess quite that fine-level of granularity, but is still rather nice and precise; I only notice the difference when photoediting, where I'm a little less sure than I was before. However, the added comfort is a WELCOME change!
Battery life seems to be decent; I got about a month on the first set of included batteries, consisting of daily use for several hours usually. The MX610 uses 2 AA batteries rather than rechargeables. Some like disposables, some like rechargeables - I'm in the middle on the subject (I've liked and disliked both for various reasons at times), so it's for you to decide if this is a major attraction or detraction.
The MX610 lefty fits well into my (rather large) hand and both buttons are easy to use/press. The wheel is also easy to access, and extremely easy to scroll. As is the case with many current mice, it supports both vertical and horizontal scrolling, and the horizontal scrolling is easy to do (unlike on some Microsoft brands of mice).
The two thumb buttons for forward/backward web navigation are a little clunky to get to (they seem to be set up high, in my opinion) but I don't use them often.
This mouse possesses two light-up buttons as well - a blue button for incoming instant messages, and a green for incoming email. Both of them are extremely poorly-placed, almost on the top right corner of the mouse. Neither of them are particularly easy to access, either via thumb or index finger; I usually have to lift my hand off the mouse to get to them. As I mentioned, however, I have big hands, so your mileage may vary.
There's also built-in volume control up/down buttons just to the front of the mail/IM buttons. Those are slightly easier to click with my index finger when needed, but still a bit clunky.
As with most decent Logitech mice, all the extra buttons (mail, IM, volume, web navigation) can be reprogrammed to do whatever you want out of a variety of functions.
All in all, I find this mouse extremely worth the purchase if you're a left-handed user who wants a usable mouse that isn't a generic righty/lefty scroll mouse, and who wants to have some navigation buttons and extra goodies. The feel of the mouse is very comfortable, and overall it's definitely a quality mouse. Lefties finally get a break in the computer world!

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At last laser precision for lefties only. The Logitech MX™610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse lets left-handed users enjoy the comfort and control of an advanced laser mouse— without compromising their natural work style.

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Gyration Air Mouse GO Plus with Compact Keyboard GYM1100CKNA Review

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(More customer reviews)
*******HOW LONG HAVE I OWNED THE GYRATION GO AIR MOUSE & COMPACT KEYBOARD?*******
I have owned this Compact Keyboard and Go Air Mouse Combo for well over a year. I bought it to replace my IR (infra red) Silitek SK-7551 compact keyboard + pointing device for my Home Theater PC (HTPC).
*******WHY DID I NEED IT?*******
Since I have an HTPC it's connected to my HT receiver in my living room and its used to play back DVD, music, stream online video (YouTube). And usually in an HTPC setup the the actual computer case is next to the TV and HT Receiver while you sit a couple of feet away (11ft in my case) from the set up. So you need a wireless keyboard/mouse and remote to work everything.
I have had some sort of an HTPC for about 6 years and in these years the MOST used device (besides the universal remote) is the MOUSE. The SK-7551 retailed for $25 but is no longer made. The OLD mouse was a pointing device in my Silitek Keyboard which meant I had to cradle the weight of the entire keyboard just to use the mouse. So I realized that I need a separate mouse and keyboard but did not want to spend on high end stuff like Logitech DiNovo. Plus the Silitek Keyboard was IR which means I needed to ALWAYS point to the receiving station (placed under the TV) for me to make it work. *******SO HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?*******
Note the OLD keyboard on my HTPC was an IR or infra red keyboard which means the two sensors MUST be in the line of sight to work. That was the bad news, the good news was that it was immune from interference. Any RF product that run at 2.4 Ghz (like the Gyration Keyboard&Mouse) will have some interference. Even a microwave can cause some interference.
Here are some observations:
1) The Gyration KEYBOARD is a compact 88 keys RF keyboard and it's very light. But I do have some delay between initial keystrokes and them appearing on screen. But once the letters start appearing on screen the delay is minimal. But it can get irritating but you get used to it.
2) If you plan to use this as the ONLY keyboard & mouse connected to your PC you need to enable USB mouse and keyboard in your BIOS. The RF receiver that comes with the product plug into your USB device. Otherwise you cannot use the mouse or keyboard when you are in the BIOS.
3) The RF USB receiver seems to work better when plug it in the front USB ports. This could be because my HTPC has 802.11G PCI card with antenna in the back and plugging it in the back with both devices on 2.4Ghz may not be a good idea. But if you have a toddler in the house like I do, that's not very feasible to put it in the front USB port. So I bought 3 ft USB extension cord and plugged one end in the rear ports but the actual RF receiver is safely hidden in the TV cabinet. Since its RF it works through walls.
4) The STAR of the system in the Gyration GO Air Mouse. It can be used as an optical mouse and if you pick it up it becomes an gyro controlled air mouse. It works "pretty well" most of time. The Go Air tools software controls hand gestures and they work well too. But I cannot get the back and forward swipe motions for Firefox to work. Every time I gesture to go back in the FireFox browser it will do it but it will also open ANOTHER Firefox window. The solution is to open an IE window, minimize it and then use Firefox. When you do this the back and forward motion in Firefox works fine. This is a Firefox specific problem...its irritating but I have learned to live with it.
The above problem only happens with back and forward gestures in the Firefox browser, if you use IE you wont have to deal with it. The short cut to programs are really cool and they work well.
The other problem is with the battery. It does not hold charge that long (and I mean like a standard on your table bluetooth or wireless mouse), the solution is pretty simple keep the mouse + charger as close to your couch as possible this way you use it and when you are done put it back on the charge and its always on the charge till you need it. It will hold a charge for about 2-3 hours enough for you to get through a DVD movie.
*******OK OK...DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT WE BUY IT?*******
I did NOT buy this from Amazon, there was a very very slickdeal for this combo and it cost me about 1/4th of it's current Amazon Retail (at the time of writing).
Do I think its a great product for $100 + ? No, go for a Logitech DiNovo Mini for a little more.
Do I think its a great product for $50-100? Meeh, it depends.
Ok so is it a great product for under $50 ? ABSOFRIGGINGLUTELY :-)


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Waterloo Premium Arm, Keyboard Tray & Mouse Tray Package Black Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking at keyboard trays then you know that there are plenty of products to chose from with pricing ranging from $29-$500 or more. This one is priced around $100, and is of the highest quality that I have tried. I had one of the earlier models from the same manufacturer, and recognized this by its picture. I bought 9 of them for the workstations in my office, after having bought and returned the Ken****ton ones that cost about the same price, but are made of cheap flimsy plastic. This is made of sturdy composite materials and metal. Mouse tray slides out either side and is also sturdy. Hands down the best value out there

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