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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 (Silver)

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 967562 diNovo Media Desktop Laser Keyboard/Mouse Combo Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this combo for comfort and ease. I don't have any trouble with dropped connection or peeling mouse covers! This is a MEDIA keyboard and should be bought for that purpose or the media pad will go unused. Other then doing some equations once in a while I never use it anymore. I do use the volume controls on the keyboard itself, but once the novelty wears off with the media pad in particular, you just won't use it anymore. One thing I do want to mention is that the white identifying letter, number or symbol have worn off allot of keys on my board making it pretty difficult to identify a key or type if you are not the advanced typist we all would like to be! I, personally, tend to look at the keyboard to type, most of the time, and when the N looks like the M, or, O like the P and so on, it gets very confusing and time consuming to always go back or stop and make the necessary corrections. Other then that, it looks and feels great, and works effortlessly! I have experienced no other problems other then the one I've mentioned. I am overall pleased with the product and it's performance. It also is a VERY quiet keyboard! This to is a big plus not to have the annoying tapping, continuously, whenever you hitting keys! I have severe Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both hands and not because I want to, but because I have to, I am going to switch and buy the cordless desktop comfort laser with the waved board so there isn't so much stress on the wrist and hands to get in the right position for use. But, I am very please with Logitec's products and their performance. I have always turned to Logitec products to go with a name that I know and trust for a great product!


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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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Logitech diNovo Mac Edition Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this keyboard and was notified by Amazon that its delivery would be delayed. I went back to review the keyboard again to see if I wanted to cancel or continue the order. After reading a couple of bad reviews I almost cancelled the order. I had previously purchased and returned the Matias Tactial Pro keyboard which truly was unacceptable, and was about ready to forgo anymore mail order keyboard purchases. Fortunately I decided to continue the delivery and try this keyboard for myself. This is by far the best keyboard I have ever used. I have found none of the issues that previous contributers have cited. The F keys are set up in a logical and useful order that all but the most contrarian users would object to. I have been a Mac user for 20 plus years and find that this keyboard lends itself to all everyday requirements and is flexible enough to allow for customization when special requirements are necessary. Also the tactile response is first class.

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Designed to complement your Mac in every way, this elegant, ultra-slim keyboard brings a high level of comfort and convenience to your Mac. Precision micro-scissor keys and a standard Mac layout let you type faster and more comfortably, and dedicated one-touch controls give you easy access to your favorite applications.

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Logitech diNovo Edge Mac Edition Cordless Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)While it certainly isn't a cheap keybooard, the diNovo Edge for the the Mac is a beautiful keyboard and will compliment your mac. I used to have a msft bluetooth keyboard that I used and it stuck out like a sore thumb next to my iMac (in addition, it didn't have the Mac specific keys like cmd). Once I got my Edge, all was harmonized in the world again. Only con for this product is that if your keyboard power dies, it takes a few minutes to do a quick recharge. Therefore I try to put the keyboard in the cradle at the end of each week to prevent this from happening.

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Logitech diNovo Edge Mac Edition Cordless Keyboard

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Sony VGPWKB5 Vaio Wireless Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)This keyboard is certainly just a luxury item for your computer. Sure there are definitely more practical keyboards out there, sure as heck they are much cheaper, but like the previous reviewer mentioned why not indulge yourself periodically?? The keboard has a very solid feel to it, it not noisy when you type. Its very much like a laptop in construction and design, a Sony Vaio laptop more specifically, it looks nearly identical to my Vaio SZ laptop series keyboard. Sleek and modern, it will definitely get a wow from your friends! What's great is that it immediately worked with XP...no hard to understand instructions, no difficult software, plug in, press two buttons and BAM! your instantly connected. Works like a dream. One slight con is that I cannot get the S1,S2,S3 shortcut buttons to work, it says its for default email, web and calculator. Sadly it doesn't work for neither, BUT that's one thing I can live with, so it's not perfect (it may just be my machine, and don't let this keep your from buying this great gizmo).
I totally recommend this if you have a matching Vaio, because it looks wonderful, and compliments my Sony VGPBMS33/B Bluetooth® Laser Mouse!
5 STARS!!

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Logitech DiNovo Edge Rechargeable Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this to replace the newer Apple keyboard. I was impressed with the build and extra features. However I think the integrated mouse is unnecessary and the device would be much better served with a dedicated number pad. The home, end, page up and page down keys do take a little while to get comfortable with. I'm not a fan of Logitech software and I set up the keyboard without having to install anything in OS X (though I did lose access to the custom function keys). I really liked the key action of the Apple keyboard and found the diNovo only slightly less enjoyable in that respect. Finally I absolutely love the audible feedback when the caps lock key is pressed. If you can get over the price, this is a very nice keyboard.
EDIT: In light of Logitech's newest diNovo keyboard, Logitech diNovo Mac Edition Keyboard, I feel I should adjust my review. Had I known that Logitech would release a diNovo Mac keyboard with a full numeric keypad I wouldn't have been as critical at the lack of said keypad on the diNovo Edge. After 4+ months of use with the Edge, I would still heartily recommend it.

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With an ultra-slim profile and brushed aluminum frame, the diNovo Edge makes a bold statement for your Mac. The PerfectStroke key system makes every stroke natural and fluid. The recharging stand charges the keyboard quickly. The innovative TouchDisc and one-touch buttons lets you control your Mac from across the room with Bluetooth wireless technology.

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Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (Light Silver) Review

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(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (Light Silver)

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.
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Logitech diNovo Edge - Keyboard - wireless - Bluetooth - touchpad - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR USB adapter - black, silver - UK Review

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(More customer reviews)This keyboard plus touchpad met all my requirements- bluetooth, great touch feel to the keys, touchpad built-in. It was pricey- I figured $200 might be justified for this device if I could use it for a few years. I should have looked at the Logitec forum before I bought it. Just recently it started generating repeated delete characters. This happens on different machines, so the problem is the keyboard. According to the forums, sending repeated characters is a common problem with this device, and Logitec support has no answer. Along the way, I popped a key off the keyboard, to see if there was a mechanical problem. There wasn't. I learned that there isn't any way for a user to replace a popped key: according to Logitec technical support, the answer is to buy a new keyboard. It experienced other problems mentioned on the support site, including volume slider being driven by electrical interference in the local environment, which weren't show stoppers for me.
Anyway, the thing looks beautiful, the key touch feels wonderful, but the thing won't work. Save $150, get any other brand.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech diNovo Edge - Keyboard - wireless - Bluetooth - touchpad - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR USB adapter - black, silver - UK

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