This stylish set offers top performance, advanced technology, and ergonomic comfort. Bluetooth wireless technology provides you with superior power and reliability, and the Wireless Optical Mouse with Tilt Wheel gives you worry-free accuracy.
Features
Bluetooth™ Technology Easily connect your computer to a host of Bluetooth devices. Take advantage of greater data security and wireless range, plus reduced interference.
Tilt Wheel Technology The entire wheel tilts to deliver smooth, accurate performance as you scroll horizontally and vertically through documents and Web pages.
Three times the battery life Work longer without interruption. New optical technology helps extend battery life to as much as three times that of competing products.
Wireless freedom Experience the ease and convenience that wireless keyboards and mouse products offer, and say good-bye to tangled cords and clutter.
Optical technology An optical sensor tracks mouse movement, giving you greater durability, increased speed, improved accuracy, and more consistent performance.
1 Note your model number!
Its funny that reviews are by nature open to mistakes. The review that the Aussie left certainly shows the way this works. Microsoft sold the M54-00001 bluetooth desktop set for quite a while, and there was quite a stir about problems, such as you read here. All those were called back from the stores and replaced with the updated (and now current) M54-00013 version which is soooo much better! The new one has been out only a few months, and the Aussie had his for 1.5 years! The bluetooth adapter is better, the timing is better, etc. The M54-00001's and other of their early kin are still available on pricewatch. They are much cheaper. STAY AWAY FRIM THAT MODEL!!! Instead, go for the updated M54-00013 instead. You'll be glad you did, because it has the feel of a professional keyboard with lots of bells and whistles. For more info, check Microsoft's web page (and read the fine print). Its too bad the name didn't change. My bet is that they were afraid of returns and exchanges.
2 I loved it
The good:
I liked the keyboard and mouse so much, I ordered a 2nd set for another computer! The range is GREAT and the realibility is good too. The keyboard and mouse feel to be of very good quality. I like all the special programmable buttons and the side scrolling.
The bad:
Some things I had problems with: by default, the keyboard has it's function key toggeled. This causes all the F1->F12 keys to do wierd things. Toggling the function key fixed this. The layout of the keyboard is SLIGHTLY different than normal keyboards. Because I spent abunch of time at the keyboard (programmer) and don't look at the keyboard as I type, it causea quite a few mistypes the fist 1/2 hour as I got used to it.
Also, the keyboard has a very noticable delay when coming out of idle mode. The mouse has a very very slight delay under normal use. I'm not sure how this would translate to gaming, but many have had no problems w/ it.
The ugly:
Regarding the problems some people have, some are expected and some need a little more work from the consumer.
The keyboard and mouse are bluetooth. They REQUIRE a driver to be installed for the bluetooth receiver because no bioses I know of support bluetooth yet. That is why you can not install them w/o another keyboard and mouse. It is unfortunate, yet expected.
Regarding the person whose mouse dissappeared. I had it lose a connection and after 5 mins of following the directions, I easily got them to communicate again.
Regarding the problem w/ the spacebar. I had the same problem on my 2nd set, I called microsoft support and they shipped me out a free replacement that day (all I had to do is fax a copy of the bottom of the keyboard and mouse). They were very helpfull.
I would strongly recommend this keyboard for a HTPC or where range, interferance, and line of site (to the receiver) are issues.
3 FIVE GREAT REASONS YOU NEED 2 THINK 2 X BEFORE BUYING THIS!
I had this keyboard and mouse for one and a half year. During the first week , I already encountered various problems,
First reason:
1. the bluetooth mouse stopped working after 5-12 days from the time you installed. (Not because of the batteries as I hardly used the keyboard and mouse). The bluetooth microsoft keyboard is more reliable but I had some cases too where I had to
reinstall the software driver because the keyboard stopped working, maybe 4 times in the past one and a half year.
To solve these you can not just deinstall and reinstall the software but you actually had to wipe out the entire operating system and installed these software drivers again. I probably have installed 20 times during my one and a half year. And when you first installed these devices, you had to leave your wired keboard and mouse until the installation was completed.
Second reason:
Both mouse and keyboard could not be detected during the boot start up so if you decided to install the second operating system such as: microsoft windows server 2000 or 2003, you needed your wired keyboard and mouse handy, otherwise, when the computer brought up the menu to say "press return" to boot using the disk in the DVD or CD drive, you would never be able to do this using the wireless microsoft mouse and keyboard.
Third Reason: FALSE CLAIM !
As usual, Microsoft claimed that that this product is bluetooth specification and endorsed this product as Bluetooth certified. The reality is "Microsoft Propoganda". They did not support any other bluetooth products. So do not expect your other bluetooth devices will connect perfectly with the Microsot bluetooth dongle that came with the devices. For instance: your PDA or notebook bluetooth could not transfer to this desktop connected by the microsoft bluetooth dongle.
Fourth reason: IT did not last very long.
For one and a half year, I probably used these devices for full 5 months in total. Now the microsoft keyboard stopped working. I did not drop these devices at all.
Lastly, You will never got any reply from microsoft when you
asked for money back or questions such as: why this device did not work. I left two bloody messages to microsoft australia ( product manager) and he never returned my call.
I just hoped that I could sell microsoft bluetooth mouse to ebay for at least $25 but I doubt it...
LOOK I AM NOT BIAS, and you can feel free send me an email for more information but do not debate with me because this is my personal experience.
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT MOVE?
Avoid buying THIS CRAPPY PRODUCT. Just waste your money.
A week ago, I bought diNovo Media Desktop mouse and keyboard. I loved it every single minute... Eventhough I had not used them very long, there are four reasons why I love them..
First, the logitech diNovo products are truly 100% bluetooth compatible with other bluetooth products.
At least I can transfer from my Desktop connected with the logitech dongle that comes with the product to my IBM thinkpad R50 that comes with a built-in bluetooth interface.
Why? because the logitech provides with similar software and fucntionalities as the one that comes with my IBM thinkpad. I can imagine that my desktop can use the logitech dongle to listen to my bluetooth headset. But I can not verify at this point as I have not got any time to use it.
Secondly, this product comes with the battery recharger for the mouse and so you do not need to buy extra battery. This is helpful becuase in my experience, you end up replacing battery more in the mouse rather than the keyboard.
The style and the design is fantastic and more user friendly.
Thirdly, You do not need your wired mouse and keyboard to install these devices as the device was immediately detected once you connected the device with the USB and before you install the software. Then there were few seconds elapsed after you install the software that both mouse and keyboard did not work. This was due to the fact that your desktop is trying to detect the devices one more time using the right drivers that come from the software. The installation is very smooth
Finally, the diNovo Media Desktop mouse and keyboard are detected during the bootup processes and make it easy for
you to install the second operating system without needing the
wired keyboard and mouse.
I wished to give this product 1/2 star
4 Excellent wireless solution
I have been using microsoft's line of mice for some time now. Overall, I am pleased.
Although I love my set, I cannot give it a perfect score for a couple of reasons.
1.) The response time on the mouse\keyboard is slow. If you leave the set idle, and press a key...you will not see anything on your screen for atleast 3 seconds. You can sometimes type in a couple of words (depending on how fast you type ;)) on the screen before it is displayed. This can be really annoying.
2.) As you probably read on several other reviews, you need to find work arounds to intergrate your set with other bluetooth devices....such as the one built in your laptop.
So whats so beautiful about this thing priced at over 1bill?
1.) Once you get passed the work arounds, it solves your dozens of cable problems. I dont need an external keyboard or mouse on my laptop anymore. I can literary sit several feet away from my tv and control my media center with it.
2.) Mouse grips perfectly inside your hand. Keyboard is so comfortable. Tbere is an extra cushioning attached to support your wrists. Previos keyboards had a hard piece of plastic there.
3.) Intergrates nicely with windows, assuming you install the software with it.
ehh...it looks like a hundred dollar keyboard?
If you find a good bargain on amazon, try it. May not be worth the suggested $150 BestBuy charges though.
5 it's very blue
No problems during installation on a Compaq Presario with integrated bluetooth transceiver. I'm not using the USB transceiver that came with the package.
No problems during use over the last two weeks of medium to heavy use as a web programmer/developer. I would prefer a natural keyboard, but this is comfortable enough, and the mouse is very comfortable, feels good in the hand. The extra function keys, favorites, media control work well and are convenient.
Only downside: no lights for NumLock and CapsLock. Got used to that after a day or two.
It looks cool, and works as well as it looks.
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After using for 3 months, on the whole it is still ok. The space bar on the keyboard is tempermental, sometimes not inserting a space and sometimes inserting two. It works 30' or so from the computer, much further than you can see. And it's lean on batteries. After almost daily use over the 3 months, working several hours a day, I have replaced the mouse batteries once and have not had to replace the keyboard batteries.
Would still like to see the bluetooth in Microsoft's Natural keyboard.
6 Great Keyboard - Not For Gamers
I bought this keyboard because I have a laptop with only USB connections and I do a fair amount of typing; using the laptop keyboard is bad for ergonomics and it also wastes desk space to have this laptop sitting in front of me rather than on a laptop stand in the corner of the desk (where it is now).
I like the small size of the Bluetooth connector. I think some folks have complained about the short pause before the keyboard or mouse "wakes up". This indeed is there, but you don't lose any keystrokes. There's just a short half-second pause before everything takes place, and that's just when you haven't used the keyboard or mouse for several minutes in my experience. I especially like the fact that you can reprogram most of the buttons (if not all, I haven't investigated) so that you can open any program, or even a spreadsheet, if you want. Overall I'm very very happy with the unit.
What remains to be seen, however, is if the Bluetooth transmitter supplied with the system will connect to a PDA, or cellphone, or other third-party device. Until I try that out, however, I'll stick with 5 stars for this.
I said this unit was "not for gamers" simply because when you're playing games the least little bit of lag equals death. I would NEVER recommend using a wireless ANYTHING for gaming. The fact that the keyboard or mouse will go to sleep and give you a half-second lag when waking up furthers my opinion that you should go "wires only" if you value your life online, so to speak. :-)
7 Seemed good at first; then keyboard broke
It seemed very nice at first. Then a week later the keyboard broke! First the spacebar started not working, then random junk would appear when I was typing!
I tried to contact Microsoft on their web support, but their form told me that the "Product ID" wasn't valid.
It's sitting on a shelf in the closet now. Perhaps in a year from now, it'll end up in the landfill.
8 Get something else
I got this keyboard with very high hopes. Unfortunately my experience was really bad. The keyboard worked most of the time and the mouse not at all. Tried all the technical things the help wizard had me do but the mouse still would not work. Once my frustration level had passed the boiling point I tried to call Microsoft technical support. Of course they don't offer an 800 number support number; if you want that you have to pay. Spent an hour waiting for a Microsoft tech and eventually just gave up and returned it back to Amazon. Also the fact that you need another keyboard and mouse in order to install this one is really stupid.
9 Great Wireless Keyboard
Both the keyboard and mouse installed flawlessly on my MotionComputing TabletPC using the PC's internal Bluetooth. The keyboard feel is excellent and all the gizmo buttons work well. The calculator hot button is preconfigured and setup for favorites is flawless.
10 BAD FOR OCer's, good looking item w/ quality control issues
FIRST OFF, AND MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE: THE KEYBOARD IS NOT FOR OVERCLOCKERS OR SYSTEM TWEAKERS AS I COULDN'T ENTER THE BIOS USING IT. I GUESS THE DRIVERS AREN'T LOADED SOON ENOUGH?
Besides that, I love the way this looks and feels. The palm rest is not detachable like they have been in the past, but it isn't a problem for me since it is very nice. The mouse is a little different than my previous microsoft wireless optical mouse. There seems to be a little less control and the scroll wheel is a lot more sensitive and hard to control. I have to return mine because the space bar squeaks terribly and loudly. It is very annoying to even type this review it is so loud! This is definately going back for a replacement. Can't wait to get my new one.
11 Exactly what I was looking for
I am delighted with the MS Optical Desktop Elite for Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Here are the factors that are important to me which they got absolutely right:
1. I had no trouble connecting with my Dell internal bluetooth module. (I am not using the MS dongle.) In order to accomplish the Dell hookup, all one needs to do is NOT plug the dongle in at the recommended point, and then instead of connecting using the dialog box that opens, open your Bluetooth Setup Wizard and "find a specific device."
2. The range is great. I am much too far away to see my monitor by the time I finally lose response.
3. The keyboard action is just as I like it - moderately high and "clicky." It's not as dramatic as the old Dells, but it's nothing like typing on a puddle of mush. In addition, the shape of the keyboard is comfortable for me.
4. The mouse is comfortable. I don't find myself pressing the additional buttons accidentally, nor are those buttons obtrusive. The scroll wheel doesn't click but scrolls smoothly. I was afraid that I would accidentally activate the side-to-side scrolling all the time, but I don't. Some web-based applications don't allow the side-to-side via scroll-wheel, but so far all the static pages I have tried work okay with it.
The one item that has gotten my attention in negative way is this (and it's pretty niggly): I love the new alternate functions of the "F" keys, but good old "F5" should have been allowed to retain its "Refresh" functionality. I hate having to hit "F-Lock" "F5" "F-Lock" every time I want to refresh a page without the mouse.
12 Great keyboard that won't let you down
Although I only purchase this desktop set for a couple days, I think I can make a conclusion that this is a great desktop set for Bluetooth. One of the main reason I buy this set is: I love the keyboard! I have to admit that Microsoft has built this Elite keyboard a wonderful experience for typing! Quiet key, soft & comfortable support for your wrists and the programable quick launch keys on top are handy. However, some short comings: the "copy, cut, paste" keys in office keyboard are long gone... and the "1-5" My Favorites on the upper left can NOT be programed as a command key such as "copy" or open "my computer". I hope Microsoft can fix this in their next drivers. Also, the Bluetooth receiver that comes with this set is perfectly small that won't cause you any trouble for your desk and while plugging in along with your other USB devices at the back of your PC. So why only 4 stars? Well, the mouse! If you're looking for a wireless mouse for fps gaming, go for the MX700 or MX1000 by Logitech! This one is just not accurate enough for fps gamers. The keyboard works fine in gaming, but the mouse does NOT. I had to switch back to my MX510 when I play fps games. And, you do have to "shake" your mouse a little bit after you don't move it for quite a while in order to "wake" it up to work! Does this save a lot of battery power? I guess only Microsoft knows. In a word, if you're looking for a nice wireless keyboard and you can afford the price, this one is the best choice.
13 Beautiful .. but not for gamers!
I purchased this set to complement my new Dell XPS computer. After a prolonged and very frustrating day of trying to set up this set I discovered that the transceiver was defective. I thought of returning it back to Amazon.com but I didn't have to patience to deal with trying to return the item and then waiting for a new one. So, what I ended up doing was buying the same identical set from a local dealer and doing the ol' switcheroo. After finally setting up the set I came up with this conclusion: This set is very beautiful and worth the money for anyone not intending to use this for fps gaming. The keyboard seems to work fine, as does the mouse. Unfortunetly, the mouse isn't as accurate as advertised. When moving to mouse around at a very slow speed the pointer moves eratically + there is some signs of lag. This will not satisfy the needs for online fps gamers. This problem may not be noticed by anyone using the mouse for anything other than gaming.
14 A stellar combination!
I purchased this set to replace an order, corded keyboard and mouse. I chose this model because I wanted a USB-only connection and I liked how small the Bluetooth USB transceiver looked. I must say that I am extremely impressed by this set! Not only does it word flawlessly, but both the keyboard and mouse are extremely comfortable! I also love the re-designed scroll wheel. It has a smooth, yet firm scroll action. Plus, the added side scrolling makes it even better!
On the down side, I had a little trouble at first in setting it up. But to be fair, my configuration is not the norm. I have 3 desktops and 1 laptop connected to a switchbox that includes USB switching. So, as I switch from machine to machine, the Bluetooth dongle switches with it. The problem I ran into was when setting up the keyboard because the directions say that you have to use a passkey for the keyboard. While this may be desirable for security purposes, I will tell you that it is no requirement. As soon as I switched the connection to use no passkey, the switching between machines worked great! There is only a slight delay of about 5 seconds each time I switch while the new machine recognizes the USB Bluetooth module.
Really, I couldn't be happier with this set. The response is incredible and it is well-constructed!
15 This rocks
I purchased this to use with my HP Pavilion zt3000 laptop. I've always preferred Microsoft mice. I like this mouse, and the keyboard is great, too. They have a nice feel. I am running them off my built-in Bluetooth transceiver and not the supplied USB dongle. Installation was simple.
Here are a few things to note. The box says these are supported only on Windows XP Service Pack 2 (and newer), which was just released. Also, the mouse is a right-hand mouse.
16 Great for those who PC-to-TV
I use my computer as a Media Hub for streaming music and video to my home entertainment system; located in the other room. This cordless combo gives me excellent range and complete control of my PC from about 20 feet away. I've been using it for about a month now with no issues and the battery level still shows good with no signs of dropping. The shortcut keys, especially the media control buttons, are a real plus.
Another great bonus is the USB Bluetooth Adapter allows me to sync my phone with Outlook. I just had to download the Sony Ericsson software and I was all set.
