Customer Reviews

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 (Silver)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I am a big fan of the ergonomic keyboards. You know the ones with the split keys. And my wrists hurt at times from typing at work. Well, I have to say that I've been using this keyboard for a week without wrist pain.

I think that the flat design helps my wrists as I no longer need wrist supports. My wrists are flat with the desk and the keyboard. So that helps an awful lot.

This comes with all the batteries that you'll need to get started. The mouse will recharge. The keyboard won't. The keyboard needs 4 AA batteries. So far, I have no idea when it's going to die but I keep spare batteries in case.

The feel of the keyboard is more like a laptop keyboard than a traditional keyboard. There's very little down stroke when you press a key. No too springy either.

The function keys on the top are not really keys but a small depression that you have to lightly touch. That took some getting used to.

I'm not 100% sold on the design. I use the arrow keys a lot at my work and they're much smaller than most of the old keyboards I've used. There are times where I've thought about returning to the old keyboard just because of that. But I still like the feel enough to give this a chance.

The mouse works fine. It's a mouse. It's no Logitech laser MX but it's not bad. The action is fine. It's nice to have the keyboard and mouse drive off of one little bluetooth USB key.

Overall, I'd recommend this with a few reservations. If you're super sensative to the ergonomic keyboards and don't like regular keyboards, avoid this. Also, if you need a 10 key or use the arrow keys a lot, this is not the keyboard for you. Beyond that, you've got a stylish cool keyboard with a good mouse.

I've been waiting for this keyboard since December. Microsoft has had problems in production and deadlines about this product. As of the day I write this, Microsoft's website "Press Pass" still publishes an article saying this keyboard and mouse set will be released "January 2007." That didn't happen. But it is here now and I'm not too impressed, even though I'm satisfied.
I was debating between getting this product and the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard (these keyboards are media-centered keyboards, no numerical keypads in addition). I've used the diNovo Edge and I've liked it. I purchased this Microsoft product because it is both slightly cheaper and comes with a matching mouse.
The diNovo Edge has a lithium Ion battery and a recharging station which looks nice but is impractical because it stands the keyboard on an edge so that it cannot be used while charging (looks cool). This 7000 keyboard, however, is powered by 4 AA batteries, but this keyboard is just as slim and sleek as the diNovo keyboard. On another Microsoft webpage that profiles hardware like this, it is advertised that 4 AA batteries power this keyboard for "an average of over nine months." What is weird (and almost unnecessary) is to make the mouse (unlike the keyboard) come with a recharging base. It is as if Microsoft started with the newer (yet to be released) 8000 model of this keyboard/mouse set (which is going to cost more) and just started subtracting features. For example, whereas the diNovo and the 8000 model of this product have light-up features for dark room usage, this 7000 model does not. Also, the 800 comes with a hub that both the mouse and keyboard use instead of just a hub for the mouse (as in the 7000).
For me, I was disappointed when I started typing on this 7000 model keyboard because the key-depression sounds are as loud as my laptop or PC (some people however like a stronger physical and audible feedback from the keys as they type). diNovo has soft key-depression, and even though this 7000 model wasn't advertised with soft keys I hoped it was a basic feature. The Bluetooth technology works as expected. My favorite feature is the keyless Function buttons which can be redefined for your specific shortcuts. My mouse came with differing pressure levels for the right and left clicks and this has been irritating (the left-click is very sensitive).
In sum: the 7000 keyboard has a cheaper feel than the diNovo (mine is made of hard plastic and the diNovo is partly made of fiberglass); but I shook around this keyboard and pressed on its sides fairly hard: it's pretty durable. This is currently one of the most sophisticated keyboards on the market and it's the most Vista-ready keyboard currently. It's sleek, ergonomic, and rests no higher than your watch on the table. I'm satisfied.

I bought this setup as a replacement for my second Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000. On both of the 6000's, the space key broke/died/quit and rendered the keyboard virtually unusable. As a result of the many positive reviews, I went ahead and got this one.

It is a good set, however, I am disappointed. Yes, the numbered keys on the right hand side are gone. And yes, the F keys are also gone, replaced by touch sensitive pads. These things are somewhat annoying, but what really bothered me was the lack of a calculator key. I can't tell you how many times I would use that button when I needed to add or subtract something quickly.

That being said, the functionality of this keyboard is very good, but if you are a previous owner of a Laser Desktop 6000, this keyboard will be hard to adjust to. The keyboard itself is slanted somewhat differently in that you feel the keys have been moved to the right of the keyboard. I can not get the "hang" of placing my fingers in the appropriate spots yet, even after using the keyboard quite a bit in the last week. The blue labels above the F keys are very difficult to read, making late night computing difficult if you need those keys.

I will say the built in mouse is nice. I used it on several occasions and enjoyed this function. The Media Center key worked, as did all of the other buttons. But, as I mentioned before, it is a tough transition from one keyboard to this one.

The bottom line is I am going back to another Laser Wireless 6000.

I own this keyboard as well as the Logitech DiNovo. The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 is a better deal for the money. The Bluetooth connection is very good and easy to setup. I use this keyboard with my laptops running Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux. For Ubuntu there was no configuration or software needed, it worked right out of the box.

The laptop low profile keys on this keyboard are very smooth and relativity quiet. Unlike other Microsoft dramatic ergonomic key layout, this keyboard offers a friendly curved QWERTY key shape. Being a multimedia keyboard, it does offer a selection of multimedia keys also.

This keyboard as well as the Logitech DiNovo, has a mouse touchpad on the right hand side however, the mouse touchpad left/right clik keys are found on the left hand side. Due to the mouse touchpad and mouse touchpad key layout, you could just grab the keyboard left and right side and use the touchpad and press its keys with your thumbs. I want to make very clear that the touchpad is an alternative to the mouse, so it has its limitations. I dislike to lift my hand off the keyboard every time I need to move the cursor. For me they built in touchpad is a welcome alternative to a mouse regardless of its limited screen coverage area. You have to slide your finger over the touchpad several times in order to move from one corner to another. Do not try to use this touchpad in Photoshop or a game you will not like it. This is only a screen navigation device not a replacement for a full feature mouse.

Another feature that in my opinion makes this keyboard better choice than the Logitech DiNovo is that the batteries are removable. On the DiNovo keyboard the batteries are built in and can't be replaced. So once the built in batteries reach their charging cicle life, you will be left without a keyboard.

The rechargeable mouse is perfect since, I am left handed, and this mouse does have a friendly ambidextrous shape. The mouse brings a rechargeable battery, that is also replaceable, and a mouse only AC charging unit.

If you are looking for a portable wireless media keyboard I highly recomend this unit. Please note that this keyboard is not a full layout keyboard. If you are looking to replace your desktop computer keyboard and mouse for a wireless unit, I highly recomend the full layout Microsoft Laser Desktop 6000 instead.

I got this MS keyboard/mouse package because I recently upgraded to a new pc that has Vista and was unable to use my old MS Desktop Elite Pro keyboard and mouse, which I really liked. Currently, I am running a Dell Intel Duo Core 2 processor and Vista Home Premium. I have had no problems with the hardware or the software. Install was easy.

***Important***
Some of the prior reviews state that there is a problem with the drivers and they couldn't get it to work properly, which may have been the case at that time. Microsoft has since released a bluetooth update that apparently correct those issues. If you buy this they have put an insert into the package that explains the driver update and provides the web address to download it.

Pros:
-Sleek, thin, and very light
-Lots of buttons to max out your Vista media experience
-Laser Mouse is extremely precise and comfortable (I do work on Adobe products)
-Mouse recharging station

Cons:
-Expensive (price may drop with the MS 8000 model is released in Sept.)
-No keypad, which isn't bad but takes some getting used to

I'm extremely happy with this keyboard, so please keep reading past the first paragraph citing the bad points.

When I first bought this keyboard (at $150), I couldn't get it to work with my MacBook's Bluetooth (the internal receiver). I then read online that it doesn't seem to work with any Bluetooth receiver other than the "convenient" one it comes with. Then I read it isn't compatible with Mac OS X so I promptly returned it.

I was saddened by having to return it because it was the best keyboard I found. Even though I didn't want to spend over $100 on a keyboard, this one seemed like it would be worth it. Thin, very mobile, curved (I prefer over the ergonomic split and the awful straight keyboards), lots of extras, and great looking! I later read a review that said that at least the standard keyboard keys work, and that was enough for me to buy it again for $120 at another retail store.

I also had to buy a USB hub since I was going to have to use the Bluetooth receiver it comes with and was out of available USB ports on my MacBook. I got it home, installed the software (do this first!), then connected the keyboard. To my surprise, a lot more of the extra features worked.

Features that work right out of the box:
- playback controls (iTunes)
- volume controls
- mouse left and right buttons on the keyboard
- trackpad on the right side of the keyboard

Features that I haven't been able to get working:
- Magnifier button
- Gadgets button
- Zoom
- extra functionality from the F-buttons
- Back button

Now, the software it comes with seems to indicate all of these features should work, but they don't seem to work right out of the box. Lucky for me, the features that do work are the ones I wanted.

I didn't intend on using the mouse at all (as I love using trackpads), but it's actually a nice mouse. The scroll wheel doesn't click like most do, but that's fine by me. I find myself using it quite often. They keys on the keyboard feel fantastic, much better than the MacBook keys. I found it difficult to get above 100 WPM on the MacBook keyboard, but this keyboard doesn't hinder me at all. I've never had any signal problems, but both my mouse and keyboard are only about three feet from the receiver.

It comes with all of the batteries you need which includes the four for the keyboard and the one for the mouse. The mouse has a charging station for the one rechargeable battery in it, so I'm not worried about battery life. On this note, it doesn't do what other wireless mice and keyboards do to preserve battery life. The mouse *always* works (very precisely, I might add) and the keyboard always types the letters as I press them without delay.

Pros:
- thin
- Bluetooth (better signal strength than other wireless keyboards)
- curved design, extremely comfortable
- lots of extra features
- doesn't hinder performance to prolong battery life

Cons:
- not all features available for Mac OS X
- no scroll wheel/buttons on the keyboard

Edit:
I recently put a Con of "must use included Bluetooth receiver", but after reading some of the documentation I figured out how to pair the keyboard and mouse with the internal Bluetooth receiver of my MacBook. This alone makes the keyboard and mouse *perfect* in my opinion.

Been using this keyboard for a few hours now. I had problems with the onboard mouse controls (the touch mouse and click bottons on the keyboard, not the included wireless mouse) due to a Vista hardware update from Windows Update that was installed on Feb 13
CHIC - Other Hardware - USB Browser Mouse
CHIC Other Hardware sofware update released in December, 2006

I had 2 'unknown devices' listed in Device Manager even after downloading the Vista drivers from www.microsoft.com/hardware. I looked through my C:\windows\inf folder (to find the driver that was installed, sorted the inf files by date, and then deleted the 2 inf files that were installed on this date). I then went to Device Manager and did a driver update on the 2 unknown devices and they finally installed fine. Now the onboard mouse and other functions work with the keyboard. If you have the same problem, go into your Windows Update install history and find the install date for the CHIC hardware and follow my steps above (using the date you installed it through Windows Update).

The keyboard is taking some getting used to. I am not used to typing with the keyboard flat, I always pull the stands out on the bottom of my keyboards to angle them better for typing. This keyboard does not have those stands so it remains flat on the desk. I bought this keyboard because I was tired of waiting on the 8000 to be released, but as soon as it comes out I will be purchasing it as well. This keyboard is an extreme example of good hardware innovation. It is light, thin, and very modern and will compliment your Vista machine very well.

The included mouse is alright, Im used to a trackball so it is a switch for me but I am adjusting slowly. The mouse has a solid grasp feel to it and the precision is great. I had to adjust the speed of the mouse cursor because it was moving way too fast (me coming from a trackball is probably the issue). The cost of the set is expensive, but so far I feel it is worth it for both functionality and aesthetic value. Using the keyboard with Media Center is great as I have never used a media center keyboard before so if that is what you are after, this set is the one for you.

I spend 12+ hours a day at a keyboard (work and at home) so typing is my life.

The Microsoft Wireless 7000 is a great keyboard. One thing that attracted me was its design. As someone who owns it: the keyboard looks even better out of the box. Putting the batteries in and getting everything setup is very easy. However, the CD software is horrible and caused a Blue Screen of Death whenever I tried to get the mouse software installed. Other than that, upon plugging in the Bluetooth device - Windows XP automatically started an update that allowed the keyboard and mouse to start working right away (without the software from CD). I can install the keyboard software without a problem.

The windows key is not where it normally is - between the Ctrl + Alt. Instead it is that button at the bottom middle of the keyboard. Out of the package that windows button was stuck down for me and I had to fiddle with it for a bit to get it to start clicking. (It was actually stuck down so whenever I hit F it would open Find, etc...).

Other than the above issues the keyboard quality is A+. The keys are very quiet and the curve of the keyboard is very comfortable even after hours of typing. The whole feel of the keyboard just gives you a feeling of quality. I feel it takes less effort to type due to the decreased key press distance and the individual key placement.

There is no lag from keypress to displaying the letter on the screen - I type around 155wpm sustained (Mavis Beacon...) so that is a big issue for me. The mouse is A+: has no lag and works very well for my gaming purposes (hours of Eve-Online). The feel of the mouse is very comfortable. Only complaint is that the mouse buttons are *very* easy to click so you can't rest your fingers on them like I did with my previous mouse.

4 stars out of 5 because of the software issues (blue screen of death) and windows key being stuck down out of package. The keyboard and mouse quality is A+ and I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a comfortable keyboard to type on for hours on end.

Finally, a wireless mouse with true long-range, a drop-on charger and an on/off switch! I'd say the mouse is the best part. It works on any surface except Lenticular mouse pads. Not surprising since it uses optical motion-detection technology.
The keyboard that I am typing on has the full load of extra function keys that my old Intel Wireless Series ensemble had. It has a touch-pad, 2 mouse buttons, volume controls, music player controls, cursor controls, 5 user-programmable launch keys, etc. It has no numeric keypad nor indicator display for Caps-Lock and such. The driver software informs you of those changes on-screen, instead.
A neat, new feature is the BACK button. It is a substitute for the on-screen back buttons on applications like explorers and browsers.
The top row of keys are not keys. These (F1, ESC, Home, End, etc,) are touch bars that require no pressure and don't depress. They provide no tacktile feedback.
It lacks the mechanical advantages that Intel provided. It was not well designed to sit on your lap, but manages there because it is so thin and light-weight. It was also not made to be picked up. Your thumbs will accidentally, inevitably push a button at the edge.
Of course, I am pointing out all its disadvantages. Did you only want to read about its positives? Then wait until I tell you about the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 next year!

I got this keyboard about a month ago, and I've been using it regularly since. It's very nice compared to other wireless keyboards because it's symmetrical, so you can put it in your lap and type on it - there's no numeric keypad sticking out on the right. If you're a heavy numeric keypad user, this will be a problem for you, but if your life is spent more on the home row, it's really nice not to have all that extra junk off to the right.

The reason I rate it four stars rather than five is that the function keys are a real problem - I occasionally hit them accidentally, because they are proximity/capacitive sensors rather than actual keys. I'd rather they weren't there at all. However, after using the keyboard for a month, I hit them much less often, so if you like the feel of the keyboard in general, as I do, this is probably not a deal-killer.

I'm using it with my Mac, running OSX 10.4. The OSX driver doesn't support any of the extra features of the keyboard other than the volume control and mute button, so for example the trackpad doesn't work. This is unfortunate, but I can definitely live with it.

The mouse is heavy and I don't use it much, because I prefer a trackpad, but it does seem to work well with the Mac. The recharging station is a nice touch - I wish the keyboard was also rechargeable.

One thing to be aware of with this keyboard is that there's a learning curve for using it, and if you type Dvorak-style, you can't switch the keycaps around, because they're kind of smeared into a crescent, which means that some of the keys at the center of the keyboard are sized differently than the other keys. For me it took a day to type well on it, and when I've been typing on my laptop keyboard for a while, going back requires a bit of re-learning. But if you type a lot, and the features of this keyboard generally appeal, I don't think this is a barrier to using it.

All in all, the nicest keyboard I've tried in a long time. Ted sez check it out.