Customer Reviews

Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro with Wheel Mouse Optical

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have tried various keyboards in my time. This keyboard is AMAZING. I don't have the mouse. I bought the keyboard alone a while back when my sister visiting me from out of town spilled coke and ruined my previous keyboard. Now I just use that keyboard as a USB hub to connect my scanner and webcam. It also came with two USB slots.

As a user, I don't like switching back b/w my mouse and my keyboard. Once i use my keyboard, I like to stay on the keyboard. I'll use the windows button, tab, alt-tab, shift-arrow up, and so forth. This keyboard is perfect for me. I can start Internet Explorer, My MP3 Player, Open My Documents, Open my e-mail, change my volume, fast forward to next/prior track, and mute. All the hot-keys are very functional. I had a prior keyboard from my Computer Manufaturer that also had hotkeys, but they were mostly buttons i never used. They were more a means by which the Computer manufacturer could send me to the website of a corporate partner. Additionally, the wrist pad is removable. I don't know what the prior reviewers were talking about. The Gray part in the image above does come off. Although, I can't see why you'd want to. It elevates my wrist perfectly. Sure it's hard plastic, but for some reason, that's more comfortable than a gel pad for me--better support.

The installation was butter. Won't expound upon that.

If you have a USB port, this keyboard works also as a USB Hub. It'll use one to connect your keyboard to your computer, but it will give you two new USB slots right off the keyboard. This actually is a great function. I have a portable MP3 player and Digital Camera that both transfer data to my computer via a USB port. If you've ever had to bend down to get to the back of your computer to connect the USB cord, you know the hassle I mean. I can just hot-swap(while the computer is still on) the cable right through the keyboard. This will alleviate some of the frustration of changing the songs on your mp3 player and/or downloading images from your digital camera. I use the 2nd slot to connect my mouse, so I don't have a cable running acroos my desk.

I really do recommend this keyboard in every way. And hey, if you don't have a mouse that's optical, you get a bonus. I don't love MS optical mice, but it's a freebie at this price. Enjoy.

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but for me, I think the keyboard has just the right amount of feedback. To give some perspective, I really liked the feedback of the old Gateway "AnyKey" keyboards from the early to mid 90s. I own two of these keyboards and am ordering a third for work. I see no problems running IntelliType on a computer, as with all Microsoft hardware, it's best used with the corresponding software. As far as a sleep button...both versions of the Internet Keyboard have one (although I've never used it). I enjoy having the extra hot buttons. I may not use all of them, but it's nice to know they're there if I do decide to use them.


As far as the quality of the keyboard, I'm very pleased with it. I find the USB ports to be useful, as my 7 port USB hub is already maxed out. Having these 2 ports is very nice for low power devices (such as the included mouse!). I also plug my iPAQ cradle into it. For power hungry devices, you obviously need an externally powered hub.


Of course, the mouse is excellent. I don't own this particular model (although I soon will...), but I own the IntelliMouse Explorer (too large), IntelliMouse Optical (my personal favorite), and the good old IntelliMouse 2.0 (optical version--I miss the 2 extra buttons). Once you go optical, you can't go back. :) Say goodbye to erratic tracking due to dirt!

You get an excellent mouse with a decent keyboard. Considering the price of the mouse itself, this is a great value. However, I was not impressed with the quality of the keyboard. The keys feel cheap, and the action is unimpressive. For my taste, the keyboard is much too "soft" and feels flimsy. The optical mouse, however, is a must-have item. The precision of an optical laser is fantastic, and microsoft really does make the best optical mouse out there (although others are cheaper). The scroll wheel is extremeley useful, and the mouse feels great in your hand. If you need a keyboard and a mouse, this combo is a good value. But if you already have an acceptable keyboard, I would recommend buying the mouse alone.

Its a good keyboard with built in usb ports. The only issue I had was unrelated to the keyboard itself. Microsoft stiffed me on the rebate, by constantly saying that I lack this or that. After a bit of mail tag, I gave up on the rebate. For a huge multi-billion dollar company, Microsoft is quite cheap with their rebates! So one star lost for their crappy customer service

This keyboard/optical mouse combo is an extremely good deal. Your keyboard comes equiped with 2 USB ports, after you use one on your computer, and the mouse, while at times was just slightly confusing to install, works great after everything is setup. I noticed a suddle increase in smoothness while using the mouse, which I really enjoyed, and the keyboard with its "hot keys" makes it easy to utilize the components of your computer at the push of a button. If your purchase this combo pack it will be worth your money. Not to mention the rebate you recieve from Microsoft. Very good deal. Think about it!

This is a great deal! Everyone knows what a wonderful job the non-Explorer Optical Mouse will do.

As for the keyboard.... I have nothing but good things to say.

The keys are firm, the hot-keys are are convenient and easily programmable. I can now launch my TV Tuner with ease.

The extra USB port is handy as well. I have 7 USB devices and had only 6 ports. Now, I have 7 and no problems.

My only complaint is the non-square bottom. Keyboards should be rectangular only!

I bought this combo 2 months ago, and have been quite pleased with the package. The mouse works great, and I haven't had any problems with the bundled drivers. (In fact, Microsoft just updated the mouse drivers today.)

I have used both the keyboard and the mouse in OS 9 and OS X, both without problems. You have to install the drivers for the keyboard, though, as it has Windows keys (which don't have Mac counterparts). Other than that, great package. Another solid Microsoft product for the Mac.

After using the keyboard extensively, I can't say anything bad about it...it's a solid performer with no quirks or hassles. The mouse is a bit on the basic side, but for the price the two combined is not a bad deal at all.

If you can afford to put down a little more cash, I would recommend the same keyboard with a Wireless Explorer mouse or even better the Logitech Freedom Pro Optical keyboard/mouse combo.

I agree with the previous reviewer. If you need just the optical mouse, then buy the mouse alone. The keyboard pro has the following problems: 1) It is bulky and its odd shape at the bottom prevents you from using the normal keyboard gel pads. (you cannot remove the odd protrusion from the keyboard - it is built in!) 2) The USB ports are meaningless as it is not self-powered and the separation of the keyboard cable pins and the USB pins (where you attach to the computer) are too short to be useful. 3) The speed buttons don't really work unless you run a keyboard program all the time! (and could be a cause for privacy problems) Not even the volume buttons work! 4)The keyboard does not have power off, suspend etc. Overall the keyboard is very bad, the mouse is good (a little bit bulky for most hands though - make sure you try it out at your local store before you buy it!)

Definitely worth getting. I love all the short-cut buttons. Looks great and works great.

Microsoft's customer support has been incredibly well. I called regarding the mouse breaking and in a week, I had a brand new mouse.

I would recommend this package to anyone who's looking for a mouse/keyboard. If you have a big hand, look into their Microsoft Optical Explorer Mouse.