3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this 3M Ergonomic mouse and the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2 at the same time to compare.
I really enjoyed the feel of the 3M mouse, but it is limited in what it can do. I need to scroll often with my kind of work. The 3M mouse does not have a scroll wheel it has a scroll button. When you push the scroll button, you then have to physically move the mouse up and down to scroll.
The Evoluent Vertical Mouse2 is pretty comfortable. It seems a bit light at times, so it takes a while to get used to it. I really enjoy the scroll wheel and the 5 programmable buttons; Left, Right, Middle, Wheel button (for your fingers) and a Back button (by the thumb) and the scroll wheel. Of course you can program each one to do what you want. You might want to visit Evoluent's web site to get the most up to date driver.
Although the 3M is slightly more comfortable then the Vertical Mouse2, with my type of work I need the functionality of the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2. If 3M had a scroll wheel I probably would have kept it, but I'm going to stick with the Evoluent Vertical Mouse2.


Click Here to see more reviews about: 3M Ergonomic Mouse, Optical, USB/PS2 Compatible, Large Size, Black (EM500GPL)

3M This mouse is clinically proven to alleviate pain and discomfort of repetitive stress injuries in the hand, wrist or arm associated with the use of traditional mice—which can pronate the forearm and wrist and typically presses the wrist and carpal tunnel area against the desk.The 3M Ergonomic Mouse has earned an Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation for its patented, vertical grip design that keeps your hand and wrist at a neutral angle, while the mouse works as a regular optical mouse.Grip the handle and rest your hand on the base.Use your thumb to left and right click.Optical sensor, USB/PS2 plug and play compatibility and a 6.5 ft.cord for flexible use.Available in original black design.For right-handed use.2 year warranty.

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Kensington 64385 PilotBoard Laser Wireless USB Keyboard and Mouse Desktop Set, (PC/Mac) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've tried multiple sets of brand new batteries, repositioning the PC in relation to the keyboard and mouse, moving the USB transmitter - all to no avail.
No matter what I've tried productivity is seriously affected by slow or no response from the mouse. I bought this to replace a wireless set I had that plugged into the mouse and keyword ports. It worked great until I just wore it out.
I wanted the padded keyboard and like the shape of this mouse. If only I could get it to work accurately and consistently.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kensington 64385 PilotBoard Laser Wireless USB Keyboard and Mouse Desktop Set, (PC/Mac)

The Kensington 64390 Pilot Board Laser Wireless Desktop Set is the first wireless desktop set that offers the sensitivity and accuracy of a laser mouse, the comfort and convenience of a programmable wireless keyboard, and the high performance of 2.4 GHz connectivity, all in one. This wireless desktop set uses a secure 2.4 GHz enhanced frequency that prevents signal overlap and interception, with a range of up to 30 feet for complete positional freedom. The Kensington 64390 is ultra-slim and features an innovative F hot key that toggles between standard F-key functions and alternative time-saving functions, a volume control, a detachable wrist rest that supports the hand for all-day comfort, as well as multimedia and Internet hot keys. The Kensington mouse that is included uses advanced laser technology that responds quickly to micro movements on virtually any surface. This mouse features six programmable mouse buttons that reduce repetitive tasks, a tilt-scroll wheel for four-way directional scrolling side-to-side and up-down movement, and soft rubber grips for firm control. The 2.4 GHz wireless receiver in this set plugs in for fast and easy installation on your PC or Mac. The entire set features plug-and-play connectivity, intelligent power management and ultra-efficient sensors that provide up to nine-months of battery life, and comes in a stylish, shades-of-black color scheme that complements the look of contemporary computers. The Kensington 64390 works right out of the box, with long-lasting reliability that is backed by a five-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support.

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Samsung Pleomax PKB-700B Ergonomic Keyboard (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wish I had heeded the other review of this product. I thought the reports of keys not working was confined to a few of these keyboards and that the other user had gotten unlucky. After all this is Samsung product, not some keyboard made by some little no-name company. Now I see that the keyboard failures are either due to a design defect or the result of terrible quality control. I needed a small PS/2 keyboard without media keys for extensive writing and this seemed to fit the bill. It is nice and small for a full sized keyboard, it is very inexpensive, and it looks good. However it simply doesn't work. On mine, the F and Del would not work and the space bar fell off after about 10 minutes of use. Make sure to skip this product. I just purchased a Microsoft wired keyboard and I'm returning this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung Pleomax PKB-700B Ergonomic Keyboard (Black)

Ergonomic key layout with membrane type key structurePower sleep and wake-up shortcut keysPS/2 portSystem requirements: Windows 95/ME/NT/2000/XP

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Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (Light Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)After using this keyboard, I can say that it's almost perfect.
The nicest feature on this keyboard is the backlit keys. Every key and button is evenly lit in a soft white light. The backlight activates as soon as your hands get within about an inch of the keyboard. It dims, brightens, or shuts off depending on the light level of the room. You can also set it to never come on, or to go straight to maximum brightness once you begin using it, regardless of the light level. Plus it looks great.
The touch pad on the keyboard is more functional than you would think given its size, but it's no replacement for a mouse or even a normal laptop touchpad. It's more useful in the directional pad mode for controlling Media Center.
The included software (which had to be updated) caused my computer to hang a few times while I was installing it, and also forced me to install that annoying "Validation Tool" before I could download another update for the Bluetooth driver. You can probably skip this and just download the software update if you want, because it has no noticeable impact on performance.
The function keys on the top of the keyboard are touch-strips and not actual buttons. It definitely looks nice, but it's pretty easy to accidentally touch one and trigger it while you're trying to hit a number key, before you get used to the layout. That being said, you'll get used to the layout pretty fast coming from a normal keyboard. It's ergonomic and comfortable without being too much of a shock. The biggest changes are that there is no number pad, and the Windows key is now in the bottom center of the keyboard with a "function" key is in its place.
The mouse that comes with the keyboard is the Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. It works well enough and is very accurate. The scroll wheel is the smooth scrolling type, so there's no real tactile feedback when you scroll. At first I didn't like it, but now I actually like it better than a normal scroll wheel. It has an "accelerated scrolling" feature that allows you to scroll rapidly or very slowly depending on how fast you spin the wheel. The side buttons are in strange (uncomfortable) locations though.
As far as wireless performance goes, there is no lag from either the mouse or the keyboard. The mouse takes about half a second to wake up if you haven't used it for a few minutes, but the keyboard has a proximity sensor so it will normally wake up before you even touch it. Neither the mouse nor the keyboard have dropped their connections once.
If there's one thing I really didn't like, it's that the documentation that came with the keyboard is pretty sparse. It comes with a quick start guide, and a "manual" that reads more like an advertisement. The manual also gives you a link to go to in order to "learn more" about the keyboard, but the link just sends you to a flash version of the same advertisement-like manual you just read.
Aside from a few minor flaws, this keyboard and mouse set is excellent. I would definitely recommend it, especially to anyone who uses Media Center on a HTPC, because this is where it's features really shine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (Light Silver)

The ultimate rechargeable keyboard and mouse for Windows Vista and PC entertainment, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is designed to make it easier than ever to control PC media from your desk, your lap--or even from the comfort of your couch.
Desktop Features The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is the first ever rechargeable mouse and backlit keyboard solution. Microsoft's exclusive charging hub allows you to recharge both the mouse and keyboard in one easy-to-use place. Meanwhile, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology allows you to connect wirelessly right out of the box using "First Connect Technology" from up to 30 feet away with virtually no interference. Give yourself room to move; wireless mouse and keyboard products let you work without worrying about tangled wires. Plus, you'll know when power is low when the battery status indicator senses battery life is running out. An intelligent power system adjusts battery life depending on performance needs.
Integrated USB ports in the charging station give you the flexibility to download images from your digital camera or plug in your thumb drive or other USB device--right from your desktop. You'll also appreciate intelligent backlighting on the keyboard, which comes on automatically when you approach the keyboard and turns off when you're away. Backlit keys only glow when the lights are low, saving valuable battery life.
Mouse Features The sleek, symmetrical design of the mouse features an authentic brushed aluminum that feels as good as it looks. Meanwhile, 4-way scrolling lets you scroll four ways for greater efficiency and comfort with tilt wheel technology. You'll also enjoy high definition laser technology; Microsoft high definition laser mouse products are more precise, more responsive, and deliver smoother tracking.
Too many open items on your desktop? Click the scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows, then point and click to select. You can also point and click to enlarge and edit detail using the Magnifier.
Keyboard Features In addition to intelligent backlighting, the keyboard features a navigation pad that lets you command your PC from your lap or the comfort of your sofa with integrated cursor control. The keyboard lets you place your hands naturally and work comfortably using a distinctive and ergonomist-approved "Comfort Curve" design with quiet touch keys. The sleek design of the keyboard reduces clutter on your desk, fits on your lap, and complements your flat screen monitor
There's also a Windows Start button; press it to launch your Start menu and search your PC or the Web if you have Windows Vista installed. Meanwhile, you can use the Windows Live call button to access your Windows Live Messenger buddy list; then select an Online Contact and start a video conversation. Use the Windows Gadgets button to gain one-touch access to gadgets such as weather information, news updates, traffic maps and slide shows of online photo albums.
Media Controls allow you to easily navigate to your next track, previous track, play, pause and volume control, while the Windows Media Center start button gives you instant access to your digital media. Lastly, you can access the folders, files, and Web pages you use most with one-touch "My Favorites" Keys.
What's in the Box

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Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2 (69A-00001) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this keyboard on Amazon about 2 months ago for my new HP computer. I loved it so much that I purchased another one for work.
After purchasing the 1st keyboard, for research purposes, I went into an office supply store and tried all of the keyboards to see if there was another one that I liked better. I tested about 20 keyboards and could not find one that I liked the feel of better (of course this is a personal preference). I purchased a second one of the same keyboard for the office.
I have had no connectivity issues with this keyboard or mouse.
One keyboard is being used in a business environment with WinXP. The other keyboard (the one I am currently typing on) is connected to my new Vista computer at home. I have had no trouble with either.
Hint: I have attached the wireless transmitter/receiver to the base of my monitor with Velcro. Wherever the monitor is I automatically get a strong signal from the keyboard and mouse.
The keyboard is usually about 12-18" from the transmitter. The mouse is usually about 24-36". I have never had signal problems with either keyboard.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2 (69A-00001)

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2 is a sleek, ultra-thin, curved keyboard for natural hand and wrist positioning -- giving you unprecedented comfort and productivity. The included high-definition laser mouse adds greater performance, precision, and accuracy. Get a closer look - zoom in quickly and accurately with the intuitive Zoom feature. Just press the Windows Live call button to access your Windows Live Messenger buddy list, then select an Online Contact and start a video conversation. Special Hot Keys provide one-touch access to your most used functions and programs Package Includes - Wireless Keyboard / Wireless Laser Mouse / USB RF Receiver / Software CD-ROM / 4 x AAA Batteries

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Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser to replace my Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 (which I'd come to loathe). With the hardware, I'm very satisfied. The keyboard is a nice ergonomic version which I'd grown used to from my long-ago Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. It's got a nice typing feel (not too hard, not too soft) and I've had no problems with it (the keyboard in the Microsoft Desktop 6000 dropped keystrokes). The only negatives I can come up with for the keyboard are that the space bar makes a bit of a clanking sound (which I probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't read about it here) and the palm rest does show the location of your hands from the oil residue (trivial really). The mouse is very comfortable and I've had no problems with it at all.
Where I have had problems is with the Logitech Setpoint 3.3 software. I'm using Vista, so since it's so new, that might be the issue (though the Logitech forums indicate the XP version has similar problems). In my case, even though the software loaded without trouble, I sometimes couldn't open the Setpoint program. It would basically hang when I attempted it. I also was getting no mouse status from the Logitech icon (keyboard status, yes -- mouse status, no). The forums indicate there's also a problem with the Secure Connect hotkey of CTRL-SHIFT (it conflicts with quite a few important keystrokes in Vista and applications) and with multiple keystrokes generating spurious letters. Because Setpoint was hanging on my system, I just uninstalled it and am running on the native Vista drivers (again, without problem). Without Setpoint, I'm lacking some features. But, I rarely use those things, anyway.
So, overall, I give the hardware an Excellent rating of 5 stars out of 5. However, because of the problems with the Setpoint 3.3 software, I'm subtracting 1 star. Still, that leaves an overall Very Good rating of 4 stars out of 5. Recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser (Black)

Cordlesscomfort: Split keyboard and high-performance laser mouse. If you are a professional typist or simply prefer a split-key layout, this desktop offers tremendous advantages. You'll enjoy the personalized comfort of this unique keyboard, plus superior navigating and editing with the ultra-precise laser mouse. Nowyou can now work with complete wireless freedom and one-touch efficiency,more easily than you ever imagined.

Features:

System Requirements:

PC with Windows 2000, XP, or Vista
1 available USB port or 2 PS/2 ports
CD-ROM drive

Package Contents:

Logitech Comfort Cordless Keyboard
Logitech MX 600 Laser Cordless Mouse
Detachable soft-touch palm rest
SecureConnect USB-PS/2 Receiver
USB to PS/2 adapter
4 AA alkaline batteries
CD with software, comfort guidelines and help center
Quick-start guide
Full product support
5-year limited hardware warranty

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Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro v2.0 Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the last 2-3 few years, I've used no less than 4 different keyboards and more than 8 different mice. As a programmer, I spend hours (10+) each day typing on the computer and then even more time after hours playing computer games. As such, the quest for a comfortable keyboard/mouse has been a long one; it has become my quest for the "Holy Grail" of comfort.
I have to say that I am impressed with thie setup. The mouse is one of the most comfortable ones that I've EVER used. The keyboard is soft, tactile, and well laid out (spacing + key size). Both components operate without the slightest hint of lag, which is one big turn off I had in my previous experiences with wireless input devices. As far as the materials quality, both components feel top notch. While the keyboard squeaks a bit when you torque it, the plastics are certainly of high quality and the design is clean and functional (lots of handy quick launch buttons, all well laid out and labeled).
Setup was a breeze. I was somewhat concerned as it appeared that I would have to use PS/2 to connect the keyboard while my laptop does not have a PS/2 board. However, the base station only needs to be connected via one USB port for both keyboard and mouse. And if you are using the USB interface with a newer O/S, this setup is completely plug and play with no need for any driver installation (for basic features). Some of the advanced features (like the horizontal scroll) require driver installation.
So far as battery life is concerned, I can't comment at this time. But hopefully will be on par with similar models (Logitech at work has been on same battery for 3+ months now).
So give this keyboard a shot if you've been waiting on the technology to catch up with the concept, if you've been having pain with other keyboard/mouse setups, or if you just want a cool looking wireless setup.
------UPDATE-------
Since I've gotten this set in October (mid March now), I've been on the same set of batteries for the keyboard and I've changed batteries once for the mouse. Keep in mind that this is with regular 10+ hours of use a day.
I've had some issues with the signal intering with other wireless devices (it's either my cell phone, cordless phone, or the router). This will cause the keyboard and mouse (mostly mouse) to act quirky. However, this can be resolved by 1) creating more space between your workspace and the suspect interering item and 2) hit the connect button on the base station and then on the mouse (usually the mouse goes quirky) a few times and it'll usually correct itself.
Other than that, I have to say that I am still extremely satisfied with my purchase. Extremely comfortable! Cramping and pain in my hands have been reduced drastically since using this set. It's hard to believe that, before I got this set, I was feeling numbness and twitching in my right hand...still some pain now (you can't help it with 10+ hours on the computer), but it's much, much better.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro v2.0

Add wireless freedom, stylish looks, and one-touch features to your desktop with the Wireless Optical Desktop Pro keyboard and mouse combination. This desktop package features customizable keys, optical mouse technology, and a comfortable, ergonomic design. The Wireless MultiMedia keyboard's split, gently sloped shape encourages a natural hand, wrist, and forearm position for maximum comfort. Also, your digital media activities are within easy reach--start, play, and navigate music and video clips with the touch of a button. Customizable hot keys let you quickly start Messenger, Mail, Internet, and Calculator programs. And get one-touch access to files stored in the My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music folders in Windows. Perform common tasks right from your keyboard--press a button to open, close, and save documents, send and forward e-mails, put the computer to sleep, log off, and more. Press the F LOCK key to toggle between standard and enhanced function key commands. The mouse's wider, clear scroll wheel allows you to comfortably move through documents and Web pages quickly without clicking the scroll bar. Accelerated scrolling reacts to how quickly you roll the wheel, saving you time and effort. And the optical sensor replaces your mouse ball, for accuracy and precision--no mouse pad needed. It's ambidextrous, too--whether you control it with your right or left hand, the wireless optical mouse is shaped for comfort. Both the keyboard and mouse work within six feet of the included receiver, even if your computer is out of sight. The pair comes with a three-year warranty.

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Kinesis Low-Force Numeric Keypad with USB Hub Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I already have a Kinesis Freestyle keyboard. I found that I greatly missed having a dedicated 10-key so I bought this. It's a perfect match for the keyboard, but it makes more of a clicky noise (which I like for number crunching). Has two USB ports on it so I can attach my wireless mouse transmitter and anything else I need. It's a little pricey, but besides that, no complaints.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kinesis Low-Force Numeric Keypad with USB Hub

The DSI low-force keypad by Kinesis allows users flexibility in positioning the keypad to the right or left of the keyboard. It's perfect for narrow keyboards like the Freestyle or in conjunction with your laptop. Use it in any situaton where a stand alone keypad is preferred. The 2-port USB hub enables you to easily connect other input devices such as mice without having to access USB ports on your computer.

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Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 Review

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(More customer reviews)We use allot of computers in my business. I use the MS wireless (split key) natural keyboard and mouse for my personal use because I like the angle it places my arms at.
We just picked up a few of these 4000 units.
My employees are very pleased with them in every way! They also like the slight angle it places there
arms and have told me they don't get as tired typing anymore.
We like the rechargeable batteries in them! No more battery expences!! Or downtime trying to locate new cells. We located the transmitters in a location above and away from the users desktop units.
The signal is very strong and the mouse is very responsive.
We have 10 of these in our office now. None of them conflict with one another at all! They don't seem to wear out near as fast as the standard keyboard, and our employees like the fact that They can sit back and place them on their lap.
I like the mouse without the tail so I can reach over
Pick it up and use it without having the person get out of his or her chair to show them something.
The other user review that says they are having problems might not have a good FULLY charged set of batteries and may not have the transmitter located up and away from the keyboard and mouse.
We picked up ours for $26.99 with 11.99 shipping...
On a final note: This mouse is not like a 4 button tilt wheel mouse I.E. (The Explorer 2.0 intellimouse) so if you want that style with the side buttons for advance configurations, than this laser 4000 unit might not work for you...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000

Distinctive style and enhanced comfort converge in the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000. Designed for comfort by ergonomic experts, the keyboard helps your hands rest in a more natural position, a subtle change that makes a big difference. Add the freedom and performance of a High Definition Laser mouse and your desktop is ready for work and play.

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Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my third wireless keyboard/mouse combo (I have one from Dell and one from Logitech as well). I have highlighted some things that I particularly liked about it along with some of its drawbacks.
[Update: I've downgraded my rating to 3 stars because the keyboard amd mouse started having connectivity problems.]Pros
----
- Decent Wireless Range
The effective wireless range for both the keyboard and mouse is about 15 ft. Beyond that, the response from the keyboard and mouse becomes sporadic. Still, it's a decent range and will suit the needs of most people.- Ergonomic Mouse
I love how the shape of the mouse allows me to "hug" it with my entire hand, and it fits very snugly and comfortably. Its ergonomic shape, coupled with the support I get from my wrist rest, really helps to alleviate strain on my wrist. As far as ergonomics is concerned, I'm surprised that I actually find myself liking it a fair bit more than my Logitech MX Revolution.- Ergonomic Keyboard
The slight curvature of the rows of keys for the QWERTY part of the keyboard helps to accommodate the natural position of your wrist. This is my first Microsoft "Natural" keyboard and I must say it has completely dispelled my skepticism of Microsoft's so-called "Natural" keyboard design. I find that it does work as claimed in helping to properly align your wrist so you can work more comfortably.- Ultra Quiet Keyboard
Wow... I'm very impressed by how quiet the keyboard is no matter how fast I type or how hard I press the keys; there's none of the familiar "clacking" sound that comes from typing on a normal keyboard.- Pleasant Tactile Response From The Keyboard
I also love how the keys on the keyboard have an almost laptop keyboard feel to it. The keys are firm, not jiggly, and they have a very pleasant tactile response.- Accurate Mouse Tracking
The tracking on the mouse is responsive and precise. Because it uses laser tracking, it works on pretty much any surface - light, dark, shiny, dull, smooth, rugged - you name it. It took on surfaces that my optical mice have trouble tracking - with no problems.- Mouse Customizability
All buttons can be completely customized. These include the left and right buttons, the wheel click, and the two buttons on the side traditionally set to forward and backward.Cons
----
- Lagging Quirk
Periodically, there a slight lag in response from the keyboard for about a second or two, before it "catches up" with the typing - not terribly bothersome, but definitely noticeable.
- [Update: Every so often, the keyboard loses connectivity momentarily. At first, it was an occasional glitch, which was bearable, but as time went by it became more and more frequent, and now it's just plain unbearable.]
- [Update: The keyboard also seems to have developed the problem of repeating certain keystrokkes - justt likkke that. I find myself having to backspace to correct the glitch every few minutes - very annoying!]- Mouse Has Too Much Friction with Surfaces
There is more friction between the mouse and surfaces for my liking. I guess I'm spoiled by the way my Logitech mouse glides on most surfaces - thanks to the coating of Teflon on the bottom of its contact points. Having a mouse that glides effortlessly really makes for a much more pleasant mousing experience.- Lack of a "Click-to-Click" Wheel
This is a biggie for me - I am thoroughly used to a mouse wheel that gives you tactile feedback of a "notch"/click as you turn it, so I'm very disappointed to find out that the wheel of this mouse turns almost frictionlessly. It's a problem because most people have their mouse optimally set to scroll 3 lines at each click/notch (the default setting), so it requires some effort to precisely control the click-less/notch-less turning of the wheel for scrolling a page up or down to the desired position.- Mouse Customizability
The left and right tilting motion of the mouse is strictly reserved for left and right scrolling, and is thus not customizable. So far, I've found one particular application (Opera) the side-to-side scrolling doesn't work on.Conclusion
----------
What impressed me most about both the keyboard and mouse is how much they help in alleviating wrist strain to help me work more comfortably. I give it high marks for ergonomics, which is a pretty compelling incentive for me to switch to it from my Logitech keyboard/mouse combo. However, it has some quirks, and there are a couple of drawbacks to the mouse, the most significant of which is the lack of a "click-to-click" wheel - something I find very hard to get past. There you have it; the above are some considerations you might want to take into account before deciding whether the Microsoft Natural Keyboard/Mouse Combo is right for you.
[Update: I see at least a couple of reviewers have, like me, come back to downgrade their rating and update their reviews after they, too, started having connectivity problems with the keyboard/mouse. I was initially stoked about the ergonomics this package has to offer and was prepared to accept a couple of minor quirks. However, the glitches became more than just "noticeable"; they became unbearable as connectivity problems became more and more frequent. I'm switching back to my Logitech, which gives me rock solid reliability.]


Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)

Desktop Comfort and Style with Portable Mouse Convenience

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Microsoft Wired Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 5-Pack Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This item is linked to several price searching websites as a 5-pack (including pricegrabber.com) although it ships as a single keyboard. the single keyboard link is listed on the same page directly from Amazon and is 4.5x less. So you can buy the true single for 42 bucks or pay 188 for "5 Pack" and receive the same single keyboard. Because it doesn't say "5 pack" on the amazon site, although it's linked as such at external sites and is priced as such, they refuse to remove or correct the product page. Good luck to others unlucky enough to fall into their trap.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Wired Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 5-Pack Black

Main Features Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation Manufacturer Part Number: B2M-00015 Packaged Quantity: 5Keyboard/Keypad Type: Keyboard Keyboard/Keypad Connectivity Technology: Cable Keyboard/Keypad Wireless Technology: Not Applicable Interfaces/Ports: 1 x Type A Male USB

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Logitech S520 Cordless Desktop Keyboard and Laser Mouse (Black/Grey) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)EDIT #3 8/31/09 - I'm having the unresponsive keys problem as well. With me it's mainly the [, ], o, and m keys. It has gotten worse over the last couple months, where I'll have to press each key at least two to three times (sometimes more) to get them to work. The battery light randomly flashes on and off every now and then as well.
I'll be replacing this keyboard as soon as I can afford to. This is the first time I've had a bad exeperience with Logitech, so I may give them another try. Granted, it won't be this model.
---------
I was in need of a new keyboard because my old cordless one was about 3 or so year old and starting to give up the ghost. After looking over all the options, I chose this set and I couldn't be happier.
The keys are low-set and exceptionally quiet. The only light on the keyboard itself is one that lights up when your batteries need changed (a feature I really like). One of my biggest complaints about my old keyboard was that it had no lights to let you know whether or not the Num or Caps lock keys were on. While there isn't any on this one either, the USB receiver does. There are bright LED lights for both Caps and Num, so you always know whether one or the other is on.
The Fn key is very handy as well, as it prevents the keyboard from looking cluttered with extra buttons. You simply press it and one of the F-keys to open up your word processor, spreadsheet, email, etc. The only extra keys are 9 media keys at the bottom, but they don't make it look cluttered at all. From left to right, there's three zoom buttons (100%, Zoom out, Zoom in), three volume buttons (mute, down, up) and three media keys (previous track, play/pause, next track). Once I installed the software, they worked immediately without having to mess with settings for which media player I use. I know they work for both WinAmp and Windows Media Player, but not for VLC.
The keyboard itself is very sturdy. I don't have a desk, so my keyboard either sits on my bed or in my lap. Even in my lap, it feels solid and I don't feel like it's going to keep falling out of it.
The included mouse is great as well. Full scrolling wheel (with available side-scrolling). And even an on/off button on the bottom of it to help conserve batteries. Like the keyboard, it also has an LED light on it that will alert you when the batteries are low.
I haven't owned this keyboard long enough to judge its boast on battery life, but considering I had to change the batteries out of my old mouse every two weeks or so, I'm hoping this one is better. At least this mouse will alert me when I do need to change them, unlike my old one which would spontaneously die.
All in all, a very good keyboard for the money. Very highly recommended.
Edit 2/16/09 - I just had to change the batteries in the mouse for the first time. It was no eight months, but considering that I use my computer heavily, I am still very pleased. I received both a warning icon in my system tray (which I noticed first) and then when I took my hand off the mouse there's a very bright red LED that slowly flashes to let you know it's low.
I used to turn the mouse off every time I shut the computer down, but I've forgotten to for the past month or so. If I had remembered, it might have added further battery time. But 4 months compared to only a few weeks tops with my old mouse is still a fantastic improvement.
Edit #2 3/24/09 - Not two days after receiving the notice about my mouse batteries being critical, my keyboard did the same. This time, I decided to wait and see exactly how long it took the keyboard to die completely before having to change the batteries. For a full day and a half my computer kept telling me the batteries were critical, but then something strange happened. The keyboard froze up for about three seconds and then the warning went away. I checked it and it said the batteries were suddenly good again.
It stayed that way until around two days ago (3/22/09) before it started to do the same thing, but at a more rapid pace. It would say the batteries were critical and then switch back to good status multiple times a day, finally to the point I got annoyed with it and changed them today.
So it appears the battery indicator is about a month off for the keyboard. I may have thrown out good batteries from the mouse because of this exceptionally early warning.
Still a nice keyboard, but the battery life warning needs worked on.


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Sporting compact, contemporary styling, the Cordless Desktop S520 features one-touch controls (and several programmable keys) that make it easy to access your favorite tasks and applications. The high-performance cordless laser mouse delivers exceptional precision and smoother tracking. And extended battery life for both mouse and keyboard minimizes the hassle of changing batteries.

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Kensington 64338 Comfort Type USB Keyboard (PC/Mac) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently bought this keyboard to go along with a fancy ergonomic laptop stand. The stand puts the laptop screen at a reasonable height for use on a desktop -- that works great. The keyboard, however, is fairly awful, and I'm returning it.
I realize I shouldn't expect much for $20, but the keyboard has an exceptionally soft, mushy feeling. The "comfort type" slanted keys didn't get in my way, but they didn't help anything, either. The worst part about this keyboard, however, was that it uses a non-standard layout. Look closely at the right side -- the "enter" key is oversized, and the |\ key is moved below to accomodate it, with the consequence that the right shift key is miniaturized.
This, for a shell user or programmer, is awful. When you need to pipe something, or escape the next character, you really don't mean to be hitting return instead. And with the small right shift key, even typing properly with balanced use of the keyboard is difficult. This small design decision makes this keyboard terrible for heavy computer users like me.

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The Kensington 64338 Comfort Type USB/PS2 Keyboard provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type. The Kensington 64338 employs a unique key structure that helps encourage proper wrist position for all-day comfort, while maintaining the key locations in the standard 104-key layout so you don't have to relearn how to type. The keyboard features an attractive, gently-curved design, a dependable construction that makes this board a great value, and keys that have a light, responsive feel. This unit also features plug-and-play connectivity, a standard size that uses less space than split keyboards, and a stylish, all-black color that complements the look of contemporary computers. The Kensington 64338 is guaranteed to work right out of the box, with long-lasting reliability that is backed by a five-year manufacturer's warranty, free technical support, and a 90-day no-risk trial. This keyboard requires an open USB or PS/2 port on a PC running Windows 98 or later, or an open USB port on a Mac running OS X or later.

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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this set for work because I enjoyed using them at home. I have a desk job where I use a computer all day. In brief, I love these ergonomic devices.
The mouse I give 4.5 stars. Both the mouse at work (and the one I own at home) are amazingly comfortable to hold and use. When you let your hand lay over the mouse, it positions your wrist in what I think of as a "handshake" position rather than flat on the desk. This takes about a week to get used to, but after that it's amazing how much better that angle is. It's a mouse that has a bit of "meat" to it, so it's better for my big hand to hold on to.
The mouse has a smooth-scrolling wheel, great for productivity (though bad for FPS games). Pressing the scroll-wheel for a middle-button effect is very hard to do with this particular wheel, but that's not much of an issue, as one of the two thumb buttons can be reassigned to the middle button functionality via the Microsoft software.
The keyboard I give 3.5 stars. It's wonderfully ergonomic and comfortable to use, but the "wireless" part of the equation makes it work a bit erratically from time to time. I type very quickly, and the keyboard will occasionally just lose keystrokes... or briefly stop receiving input altogether. I much prefer my home setup, where I have the Microsoft Natural Mouse hooked up wirelessly, and the Microsoft Natural Keyboard hooked up via USB.

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Microsoft Natural Wireless Ergonomic Desktop 7000 (Silver) Use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 to make your time on the computer more comfortable and more productive. The innovative shape of the keyboard and mouse encourages a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm posture. The 2.4 GHz wireless USB mini-transceiver connects wirelessly right out of the box with virtually no interference, and up to 30 feet of wireless range. Advanced design promotes a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position for greater comfort. Microsoft High Definition Laser Mouse products are more precise, more responsive, and deliver smoother tracking. You spend a lot of time in front of your computer. Microsoft offers some of the most comfortable hardware available.

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Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I first encountered this set at a local Staples store display. I tried the keys and the mouse, and after that I knew that I wanted one. The keyboard is very low profile, but not low enough to me too mushy. It has the solid tactile feedback typical of a Logitech set. I also love how quiet the keyboard and mouse were. On my two previous sets, one had a noisy keyboard and a quiet mouse, and the other had a quiet keyboard and a noisy mouse. On the MK710, both the keyboard and the mouse are wonderfully muted. The wrist pad on the keyboard is a very nice touch, although the point at which it is widest is a bit odd, because it leaves one wrist more slightly supported than the other. It still feels comfortable once you get used to it, but having both wrists supported equally would have been nice.
The keyboard has some nice function keys and a LCD display that shows the status of the battery, caps lock, num lock, and mute. The LCD is not backlit, so it can be difficult to see sometimes, however this is understandable to conserve battery life. It is still very small, however. There are not a lot of customizable keys on the keyboard, which is ok, but since the price is so high, I would expect to see more programmable functions to justify the sticker price. The keyboard comes with two sets of adjustable legs, but they are pretty thin and are not the sturdiest I have seen. Still they do provide two different heights for the keyboard.
The mouse is nice, although it is for right-handed people only. It has two side buttons near the top that default to the back and forward functions, and a third button placed oddly towards the bottom edge of the left side of the mouse. That is by default the application switcher button, which is useful, but in a very strange place. It takes a bit of a learning curve to press it reliably. The mouse tracks well and clicks very quietly, and is not too big. It has a metal scroll wheel that offers four way tilt scrolling and a neat feature called hyperscrolling. Basically, there is a button directly beneath the scroll wheel that you push to enable traditional "click" scrolling when you need precision or smooth hyperscrolling when you need speed. The mechanism is solid and works easily.
The only issue that I had with this device was the SetPoint software. The set can be used without installing drivers, however the customizable features of the set will only work with the SetPoint drivers. The drivers that come with the set are hopelessly out of date, especially if you are using Windows 7 64bit. Please do yourself a favor if you own this set and go straight to the Logitech website and download the latest drivers from there. Don't waste time installing the drivers from the CD, only to find they make some of your computer functions go haywire.
Other than that, this is another great desktop set from Logitech. One the correct drivers are installed, it works like a piece of cake. It is a little pricey, but has all the reliability and quality that one would expect from Logitech.

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Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710

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Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 Keyboard and Laser Mouse Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before getting into the details, I want to first explain why I only gave this set 3-stars...
Along with the cons listed below, there were 2 major points that brought the score down:
1. The Set is marketed as "Built for power users who spend long hours working on their computers" and "designed to deliver exceptional comfort". But the layout of the keyboard is no different than any other "normal" keyboard. In other words, it's NOT an ergonomic keyboard, there's no adjustments that allow for more natural hand/wrist/finger placement. Carpal Tunnel prone folks should look elsewhere!
2. The current one-hundred dollar pricetag, in my opinion, is considerably overpriced considering competing products and especially because the keyboard is non-ergo.
Now, the Pros and Cons...
+++ Keyboard Pros
+ 4" and 8" legs on the back that allow adjusting the height
+ LCD gives a nice clear indicator of battery life, Num-Lock, Caps Lock, etc...
+ Palm rest is indeed comfortable, yet the cushioning is firm so should last a long time
+ The included software has lots of customization options to allow you to personalize the keyboard to your liking
+ Insanely long battery life
+ Batteries INCLUDED
--- Keyboard Cons
- The descriptions and info given infers the keyboard would be ergonomic. But that is not the case. The MK700 keyboard key layout is no different than any other bane of carpal-tunnel sufferers' keyboards.
- The 4" or 8" legs on the back is a nice option, but they could've gone a step further to allow height adjustment on the front of the keyboard as well.
+++ Mouse Pros
+ They keyboard might not be ergonomic, but the mouse sure is! I've got big hands (I wear XL sized gloves) and having my hand on the mouse is only slightly different than if I just had my hand resting on the table and not holding anything at all. It's very comfortable
+ The Hyper-Scrollwheel is a heavier metal/alloy (vs. the Logitech MX1100 mouse I use). This makes for a very nice and smooth hyper-scroll or click-to-click scroll.
+ Forward/Back buttons well placed for thumb press
+ Battery life indicator on the mouse
+ The included software allows almost complete control over customization of the buttons
+ Lonnnnnnng battery life.
+ Batteries INCLUDED
--- Mouse Cons
- To switch between Hyper and click-to-click scrolling is on the bottom of the mouse. I switch back and forth a lot on my MX1100, where the switch is right below the scrollwheel. Having the switch on the bottom with this MK700 is rather inconvenient.
*** Final Words
I've gone through multiple models of keyboards and mice through the years. Microsoft, Logitech, ergo, non-ergo, etc... My current "Gold Standard" are the Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000 v3 and the Logitech MX1100 mouse. As a matter of fact, buying those 2 items separately right now would actually cost LESS than this combo.
I prefer the MS keyboard because; the layout of the keys IS ergonomic, but at the same time the keyboard overall is very slim/sleek. You can adjust height adjustment for either the back or front, or even both. It has considerably more customizable extra keys.
I prefer the Logitech MX1100 mouse because; the Hyper/click-to-click switch is right by the scrollwheel. Adjustable DPI, with 2 presets that can be changed on-the-fly via the +/- buttons on the mouse. Application Switcher thumb button, shows a collage of all open windows on screen so you can quickly and easily switch apps.
On the whole, the MK700 mouse and keyboard are quality products but the pricepoint and lack of ergonomics for the keyboard. Even if you didn't care about the ergo aspect, there are other options out there with more options and still cost less.

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The Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700. Where comfort and productivity go hand-in-hand. Concave keys position your fingers properly, and their softly rounded edges invite your fingertips to glide from key to key, hour after hour.

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Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm extremely picky about the keyboard and mouse I use. Currently, I'm using the Apple BT Aluminum keyboard and Logitech VX Nano mouse with my Mac. I received this keyboard, expecting to just be able to use it with my Windows system, but how wrong I was...
First, the box is MISLABELED. It says you need a Windows XP or Windows Vista system. LIES. Second, the box shows the keyboard with no Apple-specific commands. LIES. The actual keyboard has the command logo on both Alt keys, as well as the Mac option key on the Windows button.
Bizarrely, the drivers included in the box only are for Windows XP and Windows Vista, which I cannot fathom for the life of me.. Make a quick trip to Logitech.com and download their drivers for the Mac, after which both the keyboard and mouse show up in the little Logitech control panel within System Preferences. Battery level and key bindings are all there and configurable!
Usage for keyboard:
Excellent. I was initially turned off by the layout of the keys, with its slight swoop and dip, but after using it for a bit, it grows on you and you learn to actually like it quite a good deal! The keys are soft, and not too loud, and very tactile. You definitely get the feeling of a quality keyboard. And the palm rest is lovely; a cushion-like affair. It uses two regular Duracell AA batteries.
On the Mac side, all the iTunes keys work, including play/pause/forward/back etc etc, and all the special keys for opening an e-mail or the calculator work, too! You can remap any of the function keys to open any Mac/Windows-specific application you want. Excellent!
The mouse:
A very comfortable mouse, with a "hidden" button where your thumb rests (it opens Expose in Mac OS X by default - nice!). There's not a huge amount to say about the mouse, really. It's sort of a cross between the Logitech MX Revolution (without the thumb wheel), and the VX Revolution. I really like it, and it doesn't suffer from the input lag like the Apple BT mouse does. (Note: This is a right-handed mouse only...)
A very nice feature of the mouse, and this shows that Logitech cares, is that it uses a rechargeable battery. Now that by itself isn't that impressive, but hear me out.... First, it's user-replaceable, and second, it's not just any old generic battery. It's a Sanyo Eneloop AA battery, which is a high-quality battery that suffers very little battery drain when idling. The mouse can be recharged using the included AC adapter, or from your computer. So while it's 2.4Ghz wireless, you can use it while charging it, which is great! The USB cable plugs into the front of the mouse, essentially turning it into a "wired" mouse (though it never actually stops being wireless in the sense that it always uses the 2.4Ghz adapter to connect to your PC/Mac).
Overall, I can't even begin to state how impressive this set is. That said, someone at Logitech needs a good slap on the wrist to update the box to specify that this keyboard/mouse set really is DESIGNED for Mac OS as much as it is for Windows XP or Vista.
I can't recommend this mouse and keyboard highly enough. 5/5
**EDIT**
Logitech, for no apparent reason, has updated their driver release from 2.6 to 2.7 for Macs, removing support for this keyboard/mouse set! If you want to be able to customize buttons etc on the keyboard/mouse, be sure to find the Logitech Control Center 2.6, not the latest (as of March 24, 2009) 2.7 version. I'm following up with Logitech about this madness...

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Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro¿s acclaimed Wave keyboard design and the elegantly contoured mouse both conform to you naturally to provide our highest level of comfort. The three-year keyboard battery life and USB rechargeable mouse minimize the hassle of changing batteries. State-of-the-art laser technology, hyper-fast scrolling, and advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology deliver exceptional precision and control.

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