Oops! Cticize’s tagline copied! I always got the feeling that Ctiize meant the keyboard keys. Wonder what he actually meant?
Microsoft keyboards-I think the best in the wireless series... Not many seem to know that Microsoft is known for some of the world’s best and innovative hardware. They have also pioneered interesting technologies like Bluetooth besides a few specialist gaming devices. When it comes to selecting a keyboard, the below points might be considered.
a. Location of use - Are you planning to use it from a large distance? Do you also watch TV on it (media center)? These would help you determine the type - wireless keyboard or otherwise.
b. Ease of use - Sometimes a well designed keyboard with even the basic 101 keys can stand out in productivity gains. Keyboards used in commercial establishments are often basic though sometimes a lot needs to be done for the design .
c. Shortcut keys and additional features - Yes, this is definitely one thing most of us would like to program our keyboards.
d. Aesthetics and economics - Often these determine in most cases. We buy keyboards either because we really don’t care about the keyboard, or generally opt for a good looking one.
The quality and design of a M$ keyboard stands out... No wonder you can purchase an ordinary keyboard for under 200 bucks while these Microsoft keyboard and mouse combinations cost a few thousands! You have all types under their basket right from multimedia, desktop and wireless keyboards..
The best for economy would be the most basic desktop keyboard mouse set. Costs under 800 bucks for the wired desktop set. It comes with a mouse, keyboard and one USB to PS/2 adaptor. But this should suffice unless you have the tech itch. Just take a look at the keyboard/mouse combination and you will understand why it is the best quality wise.
Like all keyboards/mouse, this series does not require any specific drivers for basic functionality. However you would be required to install the intellitype software for keyboards or intellipoint software for mice (or mouse? ;-O) for full functionality of specific features. (keyboard and mouse shortcut keys also). If any of you have them then you may want to download the latest drivers from the Microsoft site.
https://microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx
For wireless keyboards and mousing devices, there are specific recommendations I would like to make here...
If you have a mediacenter then go for their media center keyboard and remote. The advantage is that you have more shortcuts already programmed for launching the mediacenter software and watching. (By the way, you can now also assemble your own media center PC. Also you may want to purchase their mediacenter remote which makes sense for the design but of course you would want a standard TV Tuner card as listed by Microsoft’s Hardware compatibility list.) Similarly with the rest of the keyboards.
I have a wireless keyboard mouse combination. Unfortunately there’s one thing to be said about batteries… The batteries ran out within three weeks.. I guess I would be bankrupt by the end of the year at this rate...I am more cautious now.. Here are a few tips in case you have a wireless combination of mouse/keyboard.
a. A tech support engineer asked me to invert the mouse when not in use.. I don’t know why, but the reason he stated was very vague pertaining to standby mode.
b. Remove the batteries at the end of the day.. If you do not use it in the interim there is some loss due to leakage which can be avoided.
c. Use alkaline batteries. Rechargeable always last for a short while. Also whatever said and done, Duracell is costly. And lasts just twice that of a normal battery at four times the cost. (Eveready) Use cheap alkaline batteries. (Personal experience)
d. The normal range for a keyboard mouse combination for any make or type is 30 feet.And since Microsoft uses Bluetooth technology, it is lesser. With different technologies, the range can go up to 30 metres.. The distance does not affect the battery life, but any electromagnetic devices (ceiling fans, mobiles, welding machines) will definitely distort the signals.
e. If you have two computers nearby with two wireless bluetooth sets, then there is a random chance that the keyboard meant for computer A might also control computer B. In such a case, all you need to do is synchronize the signals after shutting one computer down. The synchronize button would be on the bottom side of the mouse/keyboard and would synchroize a frequency with the receiver unit.You can then follow the same procedure for the other computer... It’s actually an issue which seems to occur quite frequently with Bluetooth.
The keyboard shortcuts are so well defined that HP, and a few other manufacturers have tried to copy it but none come so close. The numbers of shortcuts programmable are quite high.
Besides this, if you find any defects within the first year, you are eligible for a free replacement! It is quite easy to obtain one when compared to other support staff. Microsoft itself offers a 3 year warranty for their keyboard/mouse combo hardware. So it is a wise investment when compared to others.
Support: https://support.microsoft.com/selectindex/?target=assistance
Additional support options are available at the below site (incase you want to return the product too)
https://support.microsoft.com/contactussupport/?ws=support