Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000
As I've gone through my umpteenth VIK keyboard, I've decided to give the old clicky type a try again. Let me preface this with saying I do love the Virtually Indestructible Keyboard, I just wish it were well... A little more Indestructible. They last roughly a year for me, which at the price of $19.99 - $29.99 isn't too shabby, but for claiming it's Virtually Indestructible, I'd long for a bit more longevity. Anyway, first impressions about this Microsoft combo, which retailed for $79.99. It came with batteries which was nice, and freeing up a USB port is also a little bonus. I abhor the noise though, the thing I loved the most about the VIK is that you'd get just a slight sound of impact, depending on how hard you typed. This, as most other standard keyboard, makes the keyboard noise. It does have a plethora of buttons that can be configured in a variety of manners. It was simple to activate the media buttons in Winamp (something I missed having with the VIK) and the curve of the keyboard, so far is quite nice. I'm sure when I get my adjustable keyboard tray I will be even more pleased.
On to the mouse. My first complaint would be the signal strength. I had to move the wireless receiver to the current keyboard/mouse tray so it would read the mouse accurately. I don't know if there's just too much interference right around my media area or what, but I was having to click multiple times to get it to register. I haven't noticed that since I moved the receiver, so minor annoyance averted. Second complaint would be the scroll wheel. The feel of the wheel itself is nice, but the feedback of scrolling isn't to my liking. It has a sort of resistance that just doesn't flow with the way I like to work. Another complaint about the scroll wheel is in using it as the middle button. There's a sort of niche at the back of the wheel that seems to be the most accurate place to use it as a middle button, but if my finger is planted solidly over the top of the button and I press down, rarely does it register as a middle click. Perhaps this is just part of me getting used to it. As far as likes, I do very much like that it is symmetrical. There are two side buttons that have been very easy to adjust to from my old mouse, which was the almighty Intellimouse. This mouse is also highly sensitive. In turning it on with the settings on my old mouse, I'd move the mouse a centimeter and it would be across the entire screen. My last comment about the good points of this mouse is the sensor itself. It uses an invisible Class 1 laser, which means no more red beacon, if you're one of those that leaves their computer on 24/7. Getting rid of the red glare that would more often than not be pointing right at my face as I queued up a movie to watch while going to bed, is a very nice bonus.
While I've only had this setup a few days, so far I am pleased. No wires, AA batteries, and all the previously mentioned features makes this combo well worth the money spent. I'll post more should my thoughts or opinions change.
