Computer and gadget manufacturers all seem hell-bent on creating a wireless tech experience for us consumers. And, boy are we grateful. I mean who wants to spend time attaching, detaching and fixing wires when you can spend it gaming or whatever it is you do on your PC right?
Microsoft has just launched a wireless – and might I add ergonomic – keyboard-mouse set, designed to decrease wire clutter and increase your PC time. Pro wireless people, meet the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000.
Microsoft Wireless Laser Keyboard 7000
Not exactly a novice when it comes to ergonomic design, Microsoft is reported to have incorporated things that they have learned from their previous (successful) releases such as Ergonomic Keyboard 400 and Natural Wireless Mouse 6000.
Key features:
The Wireless Laser Keyboard 7000 has a defined sweep to its keys which adds flair, and above all, comfort. The keyboard includes a full thirty-three function keys up on the left side and in two rows across the top of the unit. Each key is programmable from their default function to whatever suits your needs.
Among the thirty-three function keys are the floating keys. These floating keys are located on the top row – the touch-sensitive segment of the plastic rim. They activate user-preferred programs, documents or webpage. Or actually just about anything you can activate using a path. The remaining keys are enhanced F keys. Switch the enhanced F keys function from traditional F keys to programmed functions by pressing the F key lock.
- Fully loaded for daily computer use.
- Keyboard, however, relies on an (included) standard AA battery for power, and does not have any charging capabilities
- Works just as well on Windows XP, even Mac (not just Vista)
- Applets for keyboard give you control over all of the programming functions
- Pictorial representations of the icons on keyboard buttons to be able to tell better which function you are assigning to what key.
- IntelliType Pro activates an edit button that opens a new window with the name of the key, its default assignment, and customization options that allow you to assign a new command, launch a program or a webpage, or disable the key. Commands include sabout fifty options
- Using the Keyboard 7000 on XP vs. Vista – : the Gadgets key, which calls up the Vista gadgets sidebar, becomes a free-use key in XP, and the Flip 3D key in Vista pulls up a tiled version of all open windows for easy selection in Windows XP.
- Flip 3D is available
- Downside: Floating buttons almost has no feedback.
Wireless Laser Mouse 7000
The Wireless Laser Mouse looks a bot out of this world because of its ergonomic shape and design. It may look a bit weird with the area where the thumb rests is very deep, but actually it fits comfortably in the hand.
Key features:
- Fully loaded for daily computer use.
- It has five buttons – right, left, wheel with vertical scrolling and horizontal tilting, and two buttons on the left side. Each is programmable through the mouse control panel applet.
- 2.4 GHz wireless receiver, built in to a USB chip to connect the host computer. (allows operation from 30 ft. away. Can hop between frequencies to avoid interference probl2.4 GHz wireless receiver, built in to a USB chip the size of a flash drive to connect terms).
- Has a 1,000 dpi high-definition laser sensor.
- Comes with a rechargeable battery that refreshes through the included charger, a dock-type piece of hardware that hooks into the mouse through a connection point on the bottom.
- Battery in the mouse will last three weeks without any additional charging.
- Applets for mouse give you control over the programming functions.
- A visual representation of the buttons you’re modifying.
- Using the laser mouse 7000 Xpvs. Vista: in XP, the standard buttons options are left and right click, center button click, center wheel scroll (both horizontally and vertically), and forward and back with the side buttons. In Vista, the vertical scroll on the center wheel switches to Flip 3D, while the front side button defaults to magnify, which enlarges a portion of the screen.
- Ergonomic curve creates a comfortable grip perfect for long use, and glides smoothly.
- Side buttons may take some getting used to.
All in all, the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 is easy to use (and it’s easy to get use to them) and the extras (buttons) may at first seem an excess, but will quickly become necessities. Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 provides for a wonderful PC experience.
