Essential Desktop Entertainment Accessories

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

Our newest reviews include essential products that our staff use at our desktop media center when working on our websites and preparing music reviews. With the support of Microsoft, the staff were provided the high-tech Wirless Entertainment Desktop 7000 to test drive this spring. The 7000 is the latest addition to Microsoft's family of wireless keyboard/mouse pairs and it precedes the introduction of the 8000 due this autumn.

The 7000 is a significant step above earlier Microsoft Wireless Desktop combinations. It is also the latest in the supplier's family to feature the many advantages of BlueTooth connectivity. A new USB-transceiver that works exclusively with the latest Microsoft Entertainment product family--simultaneously supporting keyboard and mouse--is seamlessly wed to the computer via a rapid setup and ultra-simple connectivity with the new and bulletproof Intellitype Pro 6.1 software. The price of the 7000 package is an incredible value against individually priced items and competitor's offerings.

The 7000 includes a gently-curved, wireless, conventional battery-powered, ultra-thin keyboard. The Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 7000 has been packed with plenty of multi-media ready features including quick launch buttons for Windows Media functions and playback controls that mate with all popular software applications including Windows MediaPlayer and iTunes. Batteries are projected to last about a year with average use. The software alerts the user when batteries run low.

The typing and media function keys have a crisp feel and our users adjusted to the curve with little effort. The thin profile completely eliminates the need for a wrist-rest. Microsoft paid close attention not only to style and function but to manufacturing quality. Our staff were impressed with everything from the feel of the added function buttons to the battery doors. A touchpad in the upper right hand corner duplicates mouse functions to permit the 7000 to serve perfectly as a wireless remote for computer-based home entertainment centers. The "F" keys atop will be loved by some but criticised by others. These are extremely thin profile touch points that, like some of the other abnormally placed keys, take practice to learn completely.

The 7000 package also includes the stunning Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000, a flat charging station and a wall power adapter. Unlike chargers that attach via USB, power is available to charge the mouse while the computer is turned off. The mouse contains a single rechargable AA battery. The mouse includes Microsoft's latest wheel that in addition to scrolling, tilts left and right and clicks down. In addition to left and right click buttons, the mouse includes additional left and right buttons that default to back and zoom functions automatically. The mouse incorporates a charge indictor LED and seems to hold a charge forever. Our testers have yet to discharge it and have likely only recharged it two or three times since entering service.

The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 is a welcome addition not only to the home office but to a multi-media center in both office and home environments. The combination is now priced only slightly above the mouse alone. The keyboard and mouse work well both as a matched pair and individually. Our staff were so impressed with the products that the new USB-based transceiver and Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 have become the standard issue across the team.