Mr_D's Full Review: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 Keyboard and...
I've resisted the wireless everything binge for quite sometime - I had no complaints with the wires on my desk, and I've generally had higher quality gaming accessories throughout my computer using years. However, after needing to get a new keyboard, I decided to try out the Microsoft Wirless Laser Desktop 4000 package which was priced right at about $20.
Setup and installation is a snap, (Install the software first!). The keyboard is Ergonomic, or "strangely shaped" for the layperson. I admit, I STILL am not super used to it, and I accidentally hit the wrong key from time to time - as not only is it shaped a bit differently than you may be used to, but some keys are actually sized differently, which took more getting used to than the shape of the board itself. It also includes a "built in" wrist rest, which I do like quite a bit, it is soft and comfortable.
They keyboard itself boasts some nice features: In addition to volume controls and mute (which I find indespensible), you'll notice musc play/stop/forward buttons which are convenient as well. There's a Zoom slider which is nice, and some hotkey buttons like Mail/Call/Documents and more. One of the cooler features is the addition of the 5 "Favorites" buttons which are customizable buttons which you can set up to launch your most used programs which is definitely a convenience and time saver.
One strange downside to the keyboard is the F-Keys. On default, they provide functions such as Help, Undo, New, Reply, etc. You have to use the "Function Lock" key if you want them set to work as simply F Keys, which can take a little getting used to. The keyboard itself also has no status lights - these are instead located on the Wireless receiver, I assume in a move to save battery life.
Speaking of battery life, each component uses two Double-A batteries. Battery life is advertised at 4-6 months for each unit. Nothing I've read or heard or experienced would make this seem to be anything but true.
The mouse is a different story - I found it to be a little light and cheap feeling. Also, the lefty/righty friendly design means it won't be extremely comfortable for either user. The mouse wheel does scroll both horizontally and vertically, which is a nice feature, and you can push in the button to pull up the instant viewer, which spreads out shows you all open windows. All in all though, I found the mouse to be a tad light and cheap feeling, and not extremely comfortable.
Also on the mouse, you have a zoom button on the right side, and a "back" button on the left side - which is customizable as well. I've gotten a little spoiled having both a back and forward button on the left side of my mouse, so I found only one button there to be subpar.
Though the mouse seemed to perform adequately, I quickly replaced it with another Wireless mouse, a stronger Logitech model. It may be sufficient for your needs, especially for lighter users/non gamer types.
The USB Wireless receiver is a tad bulky for some, as it houses the status lights telling you if you have Function/Number/or Caps lock on. I don't mind though - as I have it tucked neatly under the side of my monitor and I hardly notice it. The wireless performance is fine - I think having the external wired unit makes it stronger and easier to place within a few feet of your keyboard and mouse which makes a big difference.
All in all, the Microsoft Intellipoint software is very nice - I really like the keyboard, though I found the mouse to be a little light for my needs. At the price though, and to have a backup mouse, I imagine most people would be very pleased with the package. If you're looking for a low cost wireless package, this could be the one for you.
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