Review: Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 includes a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse and receiver, and it offers benefits many users will enjoy. Tthe wireless keyboard features a superior media center keypad, enhanced F-key support, for frequently used commands, and a spill-resistant design.

The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 retails for $39.00 and exceeds expectations for a budget model. I needed to replace a broken standard keyboard and was pleased to find the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 at an affordable price.

Wireless Keyboard Features

The wireless keyboard that accompanies the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 is impressive for a budget model. Historically, Microsoft produces good quality hardware that is compatible with a Microsoft system, but the features on the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 model are above average for the price.

Media Support Center: The media center is essentially a remote control for your computer designed for playing music or DVDs. The placement and sizing of the large keys, set well above the standard keys, is just right on the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop.

Hot Keys: Typical with many keyboards, the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 hot keys are well-spaced and larger than average. These hot keys include:

· Internet Hot keys with Mail, Web/Home, and Messenger. Either MSN or Yahoo Messenger is supported.

· Windows Hot Keys include My Documents, My Pictures, My Music and each opens the respective folder.

· System Hot Keys are logically placed above the numeric keypad and consist of Calculator, Log Off and Sleep.

Enhanced F-key Support: F-key support is well designed on the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 and includes preset functions and the ability to change commands.

The F-key command functions are labeled making these keys easier to use.

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 F-keys include commonly used commands for e-mail and word processing, such as: New, Open, Close, Spell, Save, Reply, Forward, Send, Undo, Redo, Print, Close and Help.

Spill-Resistant Design: One of the best features of the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 is its spill-resistant design. From its appearance the keyboard should withstand small to moderate spills.

Wireless Support: The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 advertises a range of six-feet of wireless support. While the mouse seems more sensitive to the wireless receiver's placement, the media center worked well from at least seven-feet away.

Design: The wireless keyboard sports a matte black finish and the wireless mouse, is matte black and dark gray. The plastic is of average quality though the keyboard appears better constructed in the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop.

Wireless Mouse

The wireless mouse provided with Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 is average size and built with a curved design. If one is accustomed to a larger ergonomic mouse the design may feel less comfortable.

Additionally, the scroll wheel on the wireless mouse seems to catch a bit at times, not built as well as some models. Otherwise, the wireless mouse performs about average, with good optical sensing, and the scroll wheel is designed to perform other functions when pushed. It is easy to assign a preferred function.

The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 mouse lacks side buttons you see on some mouse models. Some users will find this a plus as the side buttons can be erroneously pushed when placed where the thumb and last digit rests.

A potential drawback with many wireless products is the wireless connection itself. The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 mouse appears more sensitive to the wireless receiver's placement than does the keyboard. If this occurs, a warning appears that the signal is low. Yet, the wireless mouse didn't stop functioning.

Technical Information:

The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 is labeled Window's XP and Mac compatible, but should work well with Microsoft Vista.

One USB port is needed to connect the wireless receiver for the Microsoft Wireless Desktop.

Four AA batteries are included with the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 and a six-month or more battery life is claimed.

Refer to the manual on proper placement of the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop receiver and avoid metal surfaces.