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STYLE AND DESIGN
The Keyboard
 The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop has a fabulous appearance, which is very easy on the eye. Using a black and gray color scheme, the keyboard and mouse are both attractive and sleek. The keyboard utilizes an ultra-thin “Comfort Curve” design which reduces the clutter on your desk and compliments your flat screen monitor. The keyboard is also extremely lightweight, making lap-use simple.
While thin and light, the “Comfort Curve” design makes the keyboard a little difficult to type on. Since the keyboard is slightly curved, the positions of the keys feel slightly off. I kept finding myself making typos because I’m used to using a “normal” keyboard. For instance, the B and N key on the keyboard are very different than standard keyboards. On this keyboard, the N key is wider than the B key which is larger than the V key. While it may take a little time to adjust to, I am extremely happy with the precise responsiveness of the keys.
Missing on this keyboard is a standard 10 key which will disappoint many people (the diNovo Edge also fails to incorporate a 10 key). If you frequently use the 4 arrows keys, located on the lower right of a keyboard, you may find these keys to be tiny and difficult to use.
The top of the keyboard has an unorthodox design. One thing I haven’t figured out is why the top of the keyboard dips down slightly. I don’t know if this was done for aesthetic purposes or if it was intended for a specific reason.
Features
Like the name states, the Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 7000 is designed for entertainment purposes as well as for typing. That being said, the Desktop 7000 is great for entertainment purposes but could be made better for typing.
 Integrated on the keyboard is a navigation pad which allows you to command your PC from your lap with integrated cursor control. The navigation control is located on the right side of the keyboard but the left and right mouse button controls are located on the opposite side of the keyboard, making it a little difficult to manipulate. I wouldn’t recommend using the navigation pad for extensive curser movements.
 The Media Controls allow you to forward, rewind, play and pause music, and control the volume. These buttons work flawlessly. I love being able to step away from my computer and still have full control of it wirelessly.
The “My Favorite” hot keys allow you to quickly open your most used folders, files and web pages. I do not like this feature because it has overridden my notebook’s functions keys, which has become a real nuisance.
Since this keyboard was designed specifically for Windows, Microsoft has added specific functionality to use with other Microsoft applications. No surprise there.
The Media Center Start Button gives you quick access to Windows Media Center. On the left side of the keyboard is the “Gadgets Button.” Using the IntelliType software, you can customize this button to do virtually anything. The default action is set to open Windows Live, and the Windows Live Call Button quickly accesses your Windows Live Messenger contact list. There is also a Windows Start Button at the bottom of the keyboard, which will launch your start menu.
The Mouse
 Included in the desktop combination, is Microsoft’s top of the line Bluetooth mouse, the Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. It matches the color scheme of the keyboard. But, to be honest, I would rather use another mouse. The problem I found with this mouse is that some of the buttons are in awkward positions. I sometimes have to rearrange my fingers in order to utilize all the functionality the mouse offers. However, the more time I spent with the mouse, as with the keyboard itself, the more comfortable I became.
Features
The Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 has a variety of useful features. It has five customizable buttons (left, right, wheel, left side and right side buttons) that can be programmed to do a plethora of options.
The left and right buttons are your standard left and right mouse clicks. The wheel button defaults for the instant viewer function. This is a pretty cool feature. If you have multiple windows open, just click the wheel button to display all open windows on one screen. Simply point and click the one you want to select. I seem to use this feature the most as I always have too many windows open at once.
The left side button acts as the back button when searching the Internet. This is much faster than always pointing and clicking the actual back button on your browser. The right button defaults to the magnifier. It allows you to enlarge a specific area of the screen. I don’t find this very useful, but for websites with small text, I can see it being beneficial.
Conclusion
Minus the deficiencies of the IntelliType software, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 is a keyboard and mouse combination worth the price. Although I’m really impressed with the keyboard, the mouse leaves a lot to be desired. For the asking price of $150 (which includes both the keyboard and mouse), the Microsoft Wireless Desktop 7000 is a bargain.
- Lightweight, thin keyboard
- Variety of innovative features
- Includes both a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
Cons
- Software overrides laptop’s default function keys
- Curved keyboard is difficult to maneuver
- No instruction manual included
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Posted May 7, 2007 by BlueTomorrow.com
Editorial Staff
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