One of the latest hardware combinations coming out of Redmond is all about high-end style while being on the cutting edge of technology by introducing new features to the desktop. This long-awaited combo was designed to complement Windows Vista at its fullest, providing hardware specific functionality for Windows Live, Vista Gadgets and Media Center. While all the features are great, this is the highest-end and highest priced desktop Microsoft has ever released.  Does this mouse and keyboard combo live up to its promises? Read on to find out.

Setup & Installation 

Mouse & Keyboard Setup: The installation is quite simple, and does not deviate much from other Microsoft Hardware installations. First, you insert the rechargeable Energizer NiMH batteries into the mouse and keyboard. There are five total, one for the mouse and four for the keyboard. The mouse has the standard snap out compartment and you need a coal or a flathead screwdriver to open the battery compartments on the underside of the keyboard. Next, turn the mouse and keyboard on/off switches (located on the bottom) to the on position. Now insert the USB transceiver (Microsoft Transceiver for Bluetooth version 3) into the bottom side of the recharging hub. Connect the power cords, and charge each for at least one hour before use. While charging, install the software (IntelliPoint / Intellitype Version 6.1) to get the additional features, but isn't necessary to use the hardware.

One of the slips included with the keyboard states: "If you are running Microsoft Windows Vista..., you must install a critical update from the Web before setting up the Microsoft product. Before following the setup steps...install the following update from: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/vistaupdate " The update is: Reliability update for USB stack in Windows Vista 32-bit (KB925528)
 

Microsoft IntelliType Pro Software

If you would like to adjust your keyboard settings, i.e. reprogram its hotkeys, then you’ll want to install Microsoft IntelliType Pro 6.1 software. Installation of the IntelliType Pro 6.1 software (although not needed) is a breeze. Just pop in the CD included or download the software (about 8 MB). To customize your keys, select either “Keyboard” from the Control Panel or “Microsoft Keyboard” from the Program menu. On the Key Settings tab, you’ll see a list of thirty hot key defaults, which you can reprogram if you like. Another nice feature is you can print out a list of the key assignments, which is good for those who like to reprogram a significant amount of keys. From here you can edit your key assignments from a list of fifty-five available commands. Options include disabling, programming to open a webpage or file, and reprogramming to fit Microsoft’s available commands. Some keys, however, such as the Caps Lock, you can only disable the key, not reprogram it.

To customize your keys, select either “Keyboard” from the Control Panel or “Microsoft Keyboard” from the Program menu. On the Key Settings tab, you’ll see a list of thirty hot key defaults, which you can reprogram if you like. Another nice feature is you can print out a list of the key assignments, which is good for those who like to reprogram a significant amount of keys. From here you can edit your key assignments from a list of fifty-five available commands. Options include disabling, programming to open a webpage or file, and reprogramming to fit Microsoft’s available commands. Some keys, however, such as the Caps Lock, you can only disable the key, not reprogram it.

Microsoft IntelliPoint Software

If you want to customize your mouse, you will have to install IntelliPoint 6.1 (about 60 MB), which requires a restart. To customize your mouse keys, select either "Mouse" for the Control Panel or "Microsoft Mouse" from the program menu. On the buttons tab you can click on the different buttons and reassign the keys to a variety of functions. In this software you can also change your pointers, other pointer options, view which hardware is connected, change scrolling options, and view wireless features. The software is easy to use and is required for advanced functionality of the mouse.

Mouse Design

Microsoft High Definition Laser Technology

This product includes the Microsoft Laser Technology which aims to improve performance at much higher levels than the previous optical technology, including the High Definition Optical Technology on other Microsoft mice. The technology is 6000 frames per second (FPS) - an improvement over the 2500 FPS of most of the previous optical mice. Other technology improvements that have been made include 1000 dots per inch (DPI) resolution (responsiveness), 85 million operations per second (MOPS), .18 CMOS technology (preciseness) and the Microsoft Intelligent Tracking System (smoother tracking). Unlike the Microsoft High Definition Optical mice, the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 has a 600 nm laser providing optical input. Microsoft optical technologies have been well tested for many years now and work smoothly on most surfaces. It has been broken-in well with previous mice, so you know you won’t have any problem. 
 

Keyboard Design

The keyboard is 8.3 inches wide and 17.7 inches long, and at most .75 inches high, but really much thinner at the front because there is a gradient from front to back. The great thing about being thin is the keyboard is also quite light. From right to left, there are mouse buttons (yes on the keyboard), magnifier, gadget button, media center buttons, function keys up top, start button in the center of the keyboard, back light adjusting keys,  and finishing up with the directional pad (for the mouse) and media center button. There is also a switch between directional pad and mouse mode on the right. There is a connection point at the top center of the keyboard. On the back side, there is an on/off switch and battery compartments (with screw lock) at each corner. The overall finish is two-tone silver aluminum and has a quite sophisticated look. The keyboard is nearly identical to the one included in the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000. The major differences between the two are the following (as the mouse is nearly identical): the keyboard has a aluminum finish, is rechargeable, has a magnifier button, and the recharging hub (now used for the mouse and keyboard) has been upgraded. In addition, there are 4 USB ports on the charging hub.  A few negatives, there is no keypad and the keyboard is quite flat, if you are used to a more angled keyboard. Also, it looks like there was some extra room, as the B, G, H and N keys are disproportionately big compared to the rest. Although you can't tell from looking in the daytime - the keys are backlit (see picture), which I must admit, is pretty cool. The mouse controls are useful for media center applications and in case your mouse dies, but I don't think most will use them. I am not sure why they didn't include the controls on the same side of the keyboard instead of having the buttons on the left and the directional keypad on the right.

Miscellaneous

The recharging hub is much better than the one that came with the WED 7000 and integrates nicely with the keyboard. There is a aluminum edge that says Bluetooth. There are four USB ports, two in the back and one on each side, which is a nice welcome for those of us who have a ton of USB devices. The charging hub cord is split - the USB end plugs into the back of the computer, while the other plugs into the power unit - and then the power cord plugs into that. Don't worry though - the power unit is fairly small.

Final Comments

This product is perfect for those who want the latest in technology and style on their desktop. While best suited for Windows Vista Home Premium / Ultimate users to take advantage of all the features available (such as the Media Center features, etc.), this desktop can also work on Windows XP. You can get a similar desktop (the WED 7000) for $100 cheaper, so you need to determine if this version has enough different features to justify the extra cost. I think the back lighting is very cool, but I know I do not use the keyboard in the dark too much. The mouse is great, though it is the same already available on the market ($90), it would be nice if they would tweak the one included in this desktop to help add some edge to the total package. I really like the new recharging hub and the 4 USB ports, as that will be something that will affect me on a daily basis. While I feel this combo is excellent, and one of Microsoft's best products, I think the cost may be prohibitive to some users. But if you feel there is value and can afford it, definitely go for it! Otherwise, the WED 7000 is still a very nice option.