The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite Ash Nallawalla ash@melbpc.org.au |
 |
For many years, Microsoft had sold high-quality, oft-imitated mice and keyboards. I have had a basic Microsoft keyboard for a couple of years. I used Microsoft ball mice for at least ten years and have used optical models on other PCs. Therefore, it was a pleasure to try out the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite, which carries a price tag of $199.95 RRP.
We have just bought a corner work-station desk. It is the kind where the cables from a conventional keyboard and mouse would struggle to reach the PC system unit on the floor if you fed them into the cable holes. Therefore, a wireless keyboard and mouse were just right for such a situation.
|
|
Tilt Wheel Wireless Mouse
To be honest, I was initially intrigued by the "Tilt Wheel" — an innovation that
enables you to scroll sideways, which is very handy for large Excel
spreadsheets. Often we have many tabs in our spreadsheets, which reduces the
scrollbar at the bottom, so this innovation saves the hassle of scrolling with a
mouse click the old way. I don't need this feature for word processing or Web
browsing, but my other PCs will eventually get such a mouse too.
Wireless Keyboard
The keyboard uses three supplied AA batteries and the mouse uses two. Yes,
batteries are included! The keyboard has the same positive feedback as the basic
wired model and has all the shortcut keys we have seen for a while. For example,
you can summon the Windows Calculator, browser, or Outlook at the press of a
button, but I confess that I use the mouse to start all programs.
There are additional keys, such as five for Web Favourites, eight for
multimedia, and so on. The supplied IntelliType Pro and IntelliPoint software
enable you to program the keys to do any keyboard action, such as to start some
program or a frequently performed action, such as saving a file.
A Function Key Lock gives the row of F keys a second function, such as Undo,
Redo, Reply, Forward and so on. There is an additional Tilt Wheel on the left of
the keyboard, and it will take me a while to use it, probably in conjunction
with the mouse. It is not a mouse substitute, as the two buttons above it are
for navigating to the previous or next page.
The wireless frequency is in the 27 MHz range and so far I have not experienced
any interference from unknown sources. The padded, leather-like palm rest is
soft to the touch.
Assessment
This keyboard sits somewhere in the middle of the price range of models, which
cost between $99.95 and $299.95. To see them all, visit
http://www.microsoft.com.au
and follow the All Products link to the Hardware section and follow your nose.
(You could also try http://www.microsoft.com/keyboard but note that you will see
models available in the US and not necessarily in Australia.) I completed an
online survey, which had popped up, and complained that keyboards and mice were
hard to find. The cheaper models are wired and the wireless models above this
one have a leather finish and BlueTooth.
Installation was interesting, as I had bought a new PC and had to borrow an old,
wired keyboard and mouse to install the new keyboard and mouse software before I
could use them. For full functionality, the software requires that you have
Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP. You can also use the keyboard and mouse
with a Macintosh.
My family is mostly happy with this keyboard and, therefore, I hope others will
like it as well. They said that the keys have different shapes and sizes
compared to their old, generic keyboard and that there will be a short period of
adjustment. My son had a complaint about the performance while playing a game. A
key was not releasing when he let go — which can be life or death to a game
character. He couldn't replicate it for me but I have seen mixed and conflicting
comments online from other people discussing this keyboard for gaming.
Therefore, serious gamers might not like a wireless keyboard, not only for
occasionally sticky keys but because the batteries would get depleted from
holding down a key for long periods. For most of us with simpler needs, the
keyboard works just like a wired one.
The wireless range of the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite is not great,
particularly if the receiver is under the table, so position the receiver for
best performance. It is available at most computer outlets that sell Microsoft
products and priced at $199.95 RRP.
Reprinted from the June 2004 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
 |