Introduction

One of the most intriguing aspects of Microsoft is the development of new products coming from its hardware division. Microsoft hardware consistently refines its' products and tries to add fun, simplicity and innovation wherever possible. One of the latest products Microsoft has debut to accomplish these goals is the new Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition. With a new, creative design this keyboard was designed to add value and improve users' experience with their Media Center PC. Microsoft has included features that are easy-to-use and innovative all while adding style to your living room. Does this new entertainment keyboard live up to its' promises? Read on to find out.

• Control Media Center in the dark Turns the lights down low without having to squint and peck to control your Media Center.
• Enjoy single-touch start Launch Media Center PC functions with the press of a single green start button.
• Work with Media Center PC Easily control your computer and home entertainment center—including music, movies, and photos—from the comfort of your couch.
• Sleek, All-in-One Design Enjoy all of your digital media clutter-free with this 3-in-1 keyboard with integrated mouse and remote control.
• Control your Media Center from the couch Effortlessly control all kinds of digital entertainment from across your living room with thirty-foot wireless range.
• Stow without worry The Key Lock keeps this sleek, stylish keyboard from being turned on by mistake, so you can stow it without worry.
• Additional Features:
• Television Control
• Spill-Resistant Design
• Cutting-Edge Design

Installation

One downside of the Media Center keyboard from Microsoft is that you must already have the Media Center Remote control, while it is likely that you already have it, those that don't will have to purchase it if you want to use the keyboard. The reason for this is that it uses the same Wireless receiver. One good thing about this is that it reduces the clutter around your desk, but then again maybe just including it as an option with the keyboard would be a good thing as not everyone can afford both if they are building a Media Center themselves. As is always the case with Wireless stuff, if you have a slide out keyboard holder, be cautious that the wireless receiver doesn't always pick up the signal from the keyboard if it is even slightly hidden away from the receiver.

Design & Feel

Design wise the Media Center Keyboard is almost perfect. It looks great, the keys are perfectly placed and it is easy to get around the Media Center by using it. Response time from Keyboard to the Wireless receiver is good, although as mentioned earlier, you have to keep the keyboard in the view of the receiver at all times to get the best out of it. For those who haven't seen this keyboard, the best way to describe the keys is that they resemble and feel like Laptop keys, they feel like they will last. I have tried writing documents, browsing TV, checking the guide and haven't run into any problems at all, having the Media Center keys backlit is also a godsend as many of us who use a Media Center computer will be watching TV's in a darker than an office environment so having them light up is a welcome addition.

Now onto the bad part, the built in mouse is dire. Microsoft has gone for a TrackPoint style device that should replace your mouse, it is in the top right of the keyboard while left and right mouse click buttons are located on the top left. Maybe I am in the minority but I have found the stick option very hard to use, it tends to move to far too quick or doesn't move enough. My view is that a trackball option in the top right would have been a far better idea and not hard to implement.