Product Reviews

Microsoft's latest wireless keyboard is effectively an advanced Windows Vista update to its Remote MCE (Media Center Edition) device. The set includes a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, both rechargeable using the supplied docking station. The keyboard has been designed to give complete control over your PC from your sofa, with a view to the Media Center features now built into Windows Vista Home Premium. The keys have a slight 'smile' to their layout, which makes it better suited to use on your lap. It's not as pronounced a curve as on Microsoft's ergonomic keyboards, but we found it very comfortable to type on.

Vista's new features are

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served by dedicated keys for things like opening the Start menu and accessing Sidebar Gadgets. There are also dedicated Media Center controls so that you can ditch your remote and use the keyboard to change channels, adjust volume, play, pause and record TV (assuming your PC is suitably equipped). All the keys are backlit, so you can do everything in a darkened room without straining your eyes.

On your lap, a mouse is pretty redundant, so the keyboard also has mouse buttons and a control pad to move the cursor around. The control pad is a little wobbly and we couldn't achieve fine control over the pointer, but it's fine for the occasional bit of movement, such as navigating web pages.

If you're at a desk, you can use the supplied optical mouse. It's comfortable and precise, designed for both left- and right-handed users. With a four-way scroll wheel plus four buttons, you can control plenty of functions from the mouse.

The Desktop 8000 is a strange bundle: the mouse is no good on your lap, and the keyboard's poor on a desk. And it costs too much. Logitech's Cordless Desktop Wave is a better desktop set at around £50, while Microsoft's Remote Keyboard for MCE costs around £35 plus remote receiver.