Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:16:10 PM, by Thai Tan

It's true, a $300 keyboard and mouse set does exist. Microsoft's latest & greatest keyboard & mouse combo is undoubtedly the most expensive setup we've ever laid our fingers on. Considered the first-ever rechargeable, backlit keyboard, the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is designed to offer the best entertainment experience on your PC - Vista PC that is. Although Logitech's flagship diNovo Edge keyboard alone retails for $199.99, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 comes with a few extra features to make it standout from the rest but with any product, it comes with a few shortcomings. We'll be contrasting the two high-end keyboards from Logitech and Microsoft in this review.

Does it live up to this claim or better yet to its high price tag? Let's find out!

Design
The choice for red packaging correlates with Microsoft's color theme. It certainly does its job by standing out in retail shelves.

The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 setup includes: wireless keyboard, wireless Laser mouse, USB recharging hub with AC adapter, USB wireless receiver, and rechargeable batteries.

As covered in my last review, the Logitech Wave Keyboard takes the concept of an ergonomic keyboard by not completely splitting half the keys from each side, but instead giving it a slight curve (wave). The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 is similar as it isn't fully split. Microsoft kept some elements of a straight-laced keyboard design but tweaked it so there is a slight curve.

The curve is actually comfortable to the fingers after a short period of getting used to.

The Logitech DiNovo Edge (top) compared to the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 keyboard.

Moving away from the traditional straight-laced keyboard layout found on most keyboards today, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 keyboard employs a contoured shape and gentle curve to offer the most comfortable position for your finger tips. The only thing missing here is a larger and padded palm rest.

Thin is in, the sleek keyboard features a brushed alumimum-type color and plastic construction. The keyboard is extremely lightweight so you can use it away from the PC (like on your couch).

The versatile USB recharging hub charges both the keyboard and mouse while offering 3 USB 2.0 ports so you can charge or connect additional peripherals. Very handy indeed. The Bluetooth USB adapter can plug below the charging station if you prefer not to connect the receiver directly to your PC.

The Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 also comes in brushed aluminum-like color, although still made of plastic like the keyboard, and offers a symmetrical design so lefties and righties can partake.

Battery Status, Bluetooth
Both the keyboard and mouse come with a battery status indicator so you’ll know when it needs to be recharged. Both also have on/off switches for convenient power down to preserve battery life when not in use. Eliminating clutter, the entire setup is wireless thanks to Bluetooth. Users will appreciate the extra range and robustness of Bluetooth over RF on less expensive models.

Hot keys
These days, time is crucial, whether you’re typing Email, finishing a report or project, you want everything within reach while cutting down time. The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 offers the most popular Hot Keys while designing it for Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.

These keys include: Windows Start, Windows live Call, Gadgets Button, Media Center, “My Favorite” hot keys. Of course, the media keys: play, pause, fast forward, record, volume. And my favorite, the Navigation pad and click buttons.

Backlighting & Ambient Light Sensor
The most prominent feature of this keyboard is the intelligent backlighting. Certainly it’s nothing new, as Apple’s MacBook Pro laptop has keyboard backlighting, but for a desktop keyboard this is quite unique. With a built-in ambient light sensor, the keyboard will automatically adjust the level of backlighting based on the room’s level of brightness. This is truly helpful, especially for people like me who use their PC in dark environments. It also keeps us from being scared of the dark!

Another plus is the illumination will automatically dim off when you walk away from the keyboard. It will automatically illuminate again once it senses you’re nearby! You can manually adjust the level of illumination with the function keys.

Recharge
Recharging your mouse and keyboard is nothing new, but Microsoft’s take on a common technology is brilliant. First, let me tell you about Logitech’s flagship, the DiNovo Edge, which also comes with a recharging station. The major difference is your can simultaneously use the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 keyboard while it’s recharging since it’s laid flat. The Logitech DiNovo is stationed vertically, providing a clear impediment to typing.

Performance
For any product that I test, setting up and ease of use are the very first impressions that will affect highly on my overall impression of a product. The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 doesn’t disappoint as it took a few minutes to get started. Insert the batteries in the keyboard and mouse. Plug the USB receiver to the recharge station and the recharge station to your PC. Charge both the mouse and keyboard together. Install the software, and turn on the devices (activating the Bluetooth connect buttons) and you’re ready to click/type.

Let’s talk about the Laser Mouse. I like the size, weight, design, and comfort offered. It’s precise for the most part and reacts quickly to movement. What I don’t like is the scroll wheel. It feels heavy, almost as if it is more difficult to move than other scroll wheels, and in general lacks the tactile feedback that I’ve seen on other mice. In usage, it scrolls fine across the screen, but I prefer the feel of the MX Revolution’s scroll wheel.

Getting accustomed to the curve design takes some time, but offers greater comfort without the more significantly different split ergonomic keboard design. I’ve been using a straight-laced keyboard (Lenovo ThinkPad) and Logitech’s DiNovo Edge keyboard for some time. Despite that, I have to honestly say the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 is very comfortable to type on with respect to positioning my finger tips on the keys. Believe it or not, the keys feel and look very similar to Apple’s MacBook Pro, which I’ve used for years and love wholeheartedly. Like the DiNovo Edge, the soft-touch and low-decompression level are great. It’s like typing on a modern notebook or MacBook Pro, but without the curve. The soft key strokes and tactile feedback enable me to type accurately and quickly. The palm-wrest on the other hand is too short and offers no cushion; my palms are resting on the desk as I type this review!

Another thing I need to mention is the touch sensitive function keys are way too sensitive. I’ve accidently hit the keys and refreshed in the middle of my work numerous times already. Or better yet, they’re not really keys but touch-sensitive points denoted by a label only. For example, the ESC , Home and END are denoted by text and a line only. Simply tap it and it will function, like a notebook touchpad. No tactile feedback whatsoever.

Lastly, I can report no noticeable lag from the keyboard or mouse, both performed as responsive as it should.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Comfortable typing experience
• Ambient light sensor and backlit keys
• Excellent design
• Functional touchpad
• Can type fast and accurately
• Recharging station with USB ports

Cons:

• Expensive - very expensive.
• Lack of cushion or padding for palm wrest
• Overly-touch-sensitive function keys

In summary, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 is a very well-designed keyboard that offers comfort, beauty and innovative features. Taking elements from an ergonomic keyboard and combining it with a straight-laced keyboard, the curve design truly offers a comfortable typing experience. The soft-touch keys feel great and are quiet while typing. The backlit illumination is so useful that I consider it the best feature of this keyboard. For someone who touch types via memory a lot, like a gamer or programmer, you will likely find this keyboard throwing off your rhythm badly at first – keep that in mind when shopping. If you have $300 to spare and love the illumination feature or prefer the feel of notebook keyboards, this is the setup for you. I’ve been using this keyboard for weeks and is now my one & only keyboard of choice.

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Technical Specifications

No specifications are available.