Looking for a new keyboard and mouse combo? Got a bit of spare cash? Look no further, this is the "Ultimate" keyboard and mouse combo set that Microsoft has ever created.The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 combines a mouse, keyboard and a new charging "dock". The dock allows you to charge both the mouse and keyboard...wirelessly. You simply slip the keyboard under the charging port and it's charging, stick the mouse on top and that's charging too. It was this sole reason I was interested in this combo combined with the fact it has a backlit keyboard.
Lets take a look at all its features.
The keyboard:
The keyboard has a slightly curved design but it's not as dramatic as the "Comfort Curve" range of Microsoft's keyboards. The feel of the soft keys is similar to that of a laptop and is very comfortable if you're typing a lot day to day or feel like writing a novel. The key layout is similar to a normal keyboard, up the top you have the F keys which are "touch" so they sense your finger touch on them rather than actually depress. You also have a re-arranged Windows Orb key, no numpad and various buttons you wouldn't find on a normal keyboard. There's a Media Center button on the right which directs you straight into Media Center, you can also find a navigation pad so you can command your PC from the sofa without the need for a mouse.
On the left hand side there's right/left mouse click buttons, a magnifier button, a gadgets button to show the gadgets on your Sidebar (Vista) or desktop (Win 7). There's also a range of media buttons from channel up (for media center) to volume up and down and skipping audio tracks forward and backwards.
Aside from all the buttons this keyboard is also backlit. It auto senses when to turn on the light and if you turn your PC off in the dark the little Windows Orb flashes 3 times into the ceiling before turning off, a neat little effect just as you're about to go to sleep.
The mouse:
The mouse has a fairly simple and eloquent design and fits nicely in your palm. In addition to the left, middle and right click you have 2 buttons either side which are easily programmable to different functions.
The charging hub:
A simple hub sits near to the front of your keyboard and provides 4 USB ports within it and the ability to wirelessly re-charge the keyboard and mouse. You simply slip the keyboard underneath it and drop the mouse on to the top. It couldn't be any more easier. I've created a 30 second video below to demonstrate how easy this is:
My thoughts:
The design of this desktop set puts it into another league from standard desktop sets but unfortunately as does the price. I have been using this set for approximately 3 months now and find typing a lot easier due to the soft keys. Currently I have the desktop set running in Windows 7 and it compliments it perfectly. It's an expensive set but if you want the ultimate keyboard and mouse combo then certainly look no further, you will not be disappointed.
Keyboard pros:
- Backlit keyboard
- Soft keys
- Excellent media buttons
- Navigation pad
- Wireless charging
- Very thin and lightweight
- No numpad
- Position of the windows key
- The F key "touch" is fiddly sometimes
- Light weight
- Feels great in your palm
- Smooth scrolling through pages with the scroll wheel
- The click scroll wheel middle button is impossible to click
- Right hand button placement is difficult to use
It spoils what otherwise looks like a pretty nice set.
i feel the same, i always buy 17 inch laptops just to make sure I have a numpad. It's so much easier, which means that a keyboard without a numpad doesn't stand a chance for me
I had the 7000 set, and while it looks nice, it wasn't all that great. The mouse wore out too fast (like most MSFT mice) and the keyboard started having problems sending keystokes.
I agree. But this keyboard looks like it belongs with a media center were the numeral pads probably aren't going to be used that much.
Here's an alternative:
Logitech diNovo Keyboard (Cordless) and Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000
Logitech Ultra Flat keyboard (if you dont care if its wireless), and the Logitech MX Air - and its almost half the price to the Microsoft setup.
You should just buy the Microsoft remote. Much easier. That was the best purchase I've ever made.
agreed
This is directed at an entertainment center vices desktop computing. I could definately see using one of these in the living room. The lack of a numpad would be critical for daily use, but ommitting it in this case would greatly reduce the overall size of the keyboard. When surfing from the couch, you really want something compact. It being blue tooth should mean that the range is good.
The key word here is "entertainment" desktop. If you are looking for a wireless solution for your desktop, try the Wireless Desktop 7000; and, yes, it has a full size numpad.
Last edited by bradsday on 31 Jan 2009 - 14:17
The lack of numpad makes this kayboard almost useless for everyday use so then why does it include a mouse ???
I mean i use my PC as a media center and i wanted to buy this keyboard but the price was really too much. I just did not see myself replacing my logitech g15 kayboard and g7 mouse with this set and 350$ CAD for a keyboard to use with my media center was really too much.
The keyboard while small is still a little big for a media center the Logitech diNovo Mini is less expensive (still too much expensive tough) and doesn't look out of place close to your couch.
I've gotten that with my rechargeable Microsoft bluetooth mouse (the mouse from this set) before. Whenever it happens, I open the battery door and spin the battery. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 tries, but it always starts charging afterwards. I've had mine almost 2 years now and that's the only issue I've had with it. I'm still using the original rechargeable battery as well.
Also, if I remember well about that dude who worked in ergonomy, its shape does not make it ergonomic at all. More like the opposite.
I would certainly not buy this thing, especially for 216 USD. It's a theft.
"The dock allows you to charge both the mouse and keyboard...wirelessly."
Um... no. No it doesn't.
Perhaps you missed the electrical contact points. The ones made of metal. The ones that aren't wireless. Yeah, the ones in the photographs you supplied.
While this is technically wireless, it can be misleading. Kind of like marketing water as "zero calorie".
On the docking station, the cable coming off of that, is it USB or does it plug into an electrical outlet? (or both?)
When most people talk about wireless charging, they mean this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_charging
Also, no numberpad = fail for me.
Personally, when it comes to keyboards, I've been wanting the G11 from Logitech forever now. I don't like the G15 exactly, and the G11 seems to fit my needs perfectly. If you guys are continuing with reviews, I really wouldn't mind seeing one on that product, despite its age.
No kidding. Even the Wireless Mouse 5000, which came out years ago, has the exact same problem. Even worse, it scrolls when you click, so you miss the link!
Next!
P.S. No numberpad? Is this a new trend :o?
No <some well-known Apple troll> whining that Microsoft should be sued for stealing that "dock" and those "keys which are "touch"" from Apple?
That's why the track pad and mouse buttons are on opposite sides of the keyboard.
No number pad is hardly a deal breaker. How often do they get used when playing games anyway?
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