This advanced desktop set includes the Fingerprint Reader to eliminate password hassles, and extended battery life to provide longer wireless freedom. And the Wireless Optical Mouse with Tilt Wheel Technology offers total maneuverability.
Features- Fingerprint Reader
Whenever your PC or a favorite Web site requires a password or username, simply log on with the touch of your finger.
- Tilt Wheel Technology
The entire wheel tilts to deliver smooth, accurate performance as you scroll horizontally and vertically through documents and Web pages.
- My Favorites keys
Five customizable keys are as easy to set as your car radio, so you can enjoy convenient, one-key access to your favorite Web sites and files.
- Multimedia Center
It’s easy to access your favorite music, video clips, and media programs with the press of a key.
1 It's the bomb!!!
Seems most of the complaints have been by techies because the fingerprint reader doesn't work with non Microsoft internet browsers but for me with MS Internet Explorer it has worked perfectly. I have a ton of sites I go to from online banking to email to instant messaging (probably over 10 in all) and the reader works like a charm! The only comments I have (which aren't necessarily disadvantages) are the following:
-The fingerprint reader takes about 2-3 seconds to read your fingerprint. It doesn't really need to be cleaned that often either like one reviewer stated but maybe it does if you have dirty fingers lol
-the keys on the keyboard seem a little closer together but I have noticed this on all the Microsoft keyboards I have tried. Maybe its just a matter of getting use to the difference.
-The keyboard is wired and the mouse is wireless. Each uses its own USB port, 2 in all.
-Lastly the fingerprint reader stays lit all the time so if you leave your computer on at night like I do you will definitely notice the red glow.
All I gotta say is try it out, you just might like it!
2 Stupid keyboard
First, and this is probably my fault for not reading the details about this model, the keyboard is not wireless. I assumed that it was since "Optical Desktop" is the name that MS uses for all of its other wireless keyboard/mouse set-ups. My main goal when buying this unit was to get rid of the wires on my desk, but no luck there. Again, my fault, but it would be nice if this were clearer in the product description.
Second, the other reason I bought this system was b/c I figured it would be cool to mess around with the fingerprint reader. I was also wrong about that one. When you register a fingerprint, the computer has to successfully scan a finger four times. I sat there with my finger on the stupid little sensor for 15 minutes then half an hour without ever getting a single successful scan. There wasn't really even any evidence that the scanner was doing anything. Except for the red light in the scanner unit. I figured that I could go ahead and use this as a suitable keyboard and just ignore the fingerprint scanner, but that red light never seems to go off. It just sits there like a malicious eye glaring at you and mocking you: "Once again, you've been suckered into buying a crappy product from Microsoft."
3 typical microsoft
I just can't give this product a good review. The fingerprint reader won't work with Firefox. I was extremely dissappointed by this and I returned it.
4 Very Nice
I find the fingerprint reader reliable and very, very handy. In addition, the standard layout keyboard has a nice typing feel...not too mushy nor clicky. I like the wireless mouse for its simplicity (no side buttons) and it fits my hand well.
I would only remove a star because the special intellikeys (assignable keys) are not that well designed: They need to be pressed too hard and the top of the keyboard gives (bends) a little). The volume control keys are particularly bad.
5 Keyboard is amazing, mouse not so much...
The keyboard is great. Good feel, tons of customizable buttons, and the finger print reader is amazing. It works so well, never falses, and so far I have not been able to trick it.
It does get smudged easily, but even though it looks foggy it still tends to read the print through all that. It does require a quick wipe down (they say to use tape to lift the print marks off) every now and then.
The mouse is okay...wireless is cool, but it lacks the thumb buttons I was used to (for forward and back in IE). It has a tilt wheel but unless you are an Excel guru you probably won't use it much. The mouse does feel good and fits in the hand really well...if it just had those thumb buttons it would be great.
Setup is easy but requires software from two CD's where they should have made it one setup program. Training the fingerprint thing only takes seconds. Not sure how I lived without the finger print reader.
Yea..and why does MS make you agree to their disclaimer about the reader not being secure and all that...although I am sure this thing is not the worlds most secure finger print reader it surely is more secure than keeping a list of passwords on your PC or on paper next to your PC. I'd say as long as you aren't heading up shuttle missions it is more than enough security.
6 Nearly Perfect
I've had this keyboard for a few days now and couldn't be more pleased. The fingerprint reader works great and is definitely an attention getter in the dorm. The keyboard itself is very comfortable and well designed. The same goes for the wireless mouse. I would definitely recommend this one.
7 Nice setup but Microsoft only :(
I test drove one of these rigs at a local computer store and came really close to buying a couple for my home computers, that is, until I found out that the fingerprint reader only works with Internet Explorer.
Glad I held off and did the research first. IE is only allowed for Windows Updates at my house and Firefox is the browser of choice.
The keyboard and mouse are really nice, stylish and well constructed and if your willing to take your chances with IE, it's a buy. Otherwise, it's unfortunate that Microsoft, in their usual arrogance, neglected to provide support for third party browsers.
They lost a sale because of this.
8 Warning: Can not use Mozilla
I was disappointed after trying to use the fingerprint reader with my Mozilla browser, apparently it only works under Internet Explorer. Not a good decision by Microsoft since most of the techno savvy people who purchase this product are not going to want to be forced into using Explorer.
I gave this product 4 stars, because it works wonderfully under the intended environment. Perhaps they will release an update that will allow the fingerprint reader to work under different browsers.
9 Not a gimmick - Very useful but some drawbacks
Pros:
1) software for fingerprint works flawlessly and VERY robust
2) the keyboard is a STANDARD layout unlike many previous ms keyboards
Cons:
1) the fingerprint pad needs to cleaned (towel + water) REGULARLY or it wont sense your fingerprint anymore
2) very poor design in that it takes TWO valuable USB ports when they could have designed it to use one and have the wireless receiver integrated into the keyboard.
3) the mouse (Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0) tapers out at the bottom which pushes the pinky finger outwards which makes for a very unergonomical hold on the mouse (at least for me) My old Logitech Click! felt so much better being it tapered in at the bottom.
10 AMAZINGLY CRISP N COMFY
I am very satisfied buying this keyboard! It was defintely worth the money, even though I bought it when it was a little more expensvie than it is now. Anyways, the keyboard is sooo comfortable to use and wonderful. The mouse as welll is beautiful and wondeful on the wrist/hand. The fingerprint reader works amazingly!! It's a hottt item and I have had soooo many people compliment me on it everytime they come over to my room and see it! Defintely recommend it....worth every penny!
11 Needs to be redone to log onto domain
Does not let you logon to domain with your fingerprint. Thus is just a toy for home use.
Wait until they make a version that lets you log onto your domain with your fingerprint (oddly they act like somehow a "password" is more secure than your fingerprint, which as you know can't be copied or stolen). Product will be worthwhile once you can log onto domain. Otherwise, don't waste your time or money.
Mike Crowe
12 Easy and Accurate
The fingerprint reader on this thing is worth every penny. I was sceptical on how accurate this would be but it has lived up to all it can be!!
FYI: Only the mouse is wireless, not the keyboard
13 Misleading
Amazon has this keyboard listed with their wireless keyboards. It is NOT a wireless keyboard...I'm not sure if this is a good product or not - I gave it away as soon as I saw it was not wireless. The negative review is for Amazon's misleading advertising...
14 Too many passwords - saves time
I saw a prior review which said they couldn't install it and gave it only one star. I have enjoyed using this product since I got it a few weeks ago so I thought I'd add my two cents. I have a bunch of passwords and different username - maybe 15 or so. Basically with this keyboard, whenever you hit a logon you just press your finger flat on the red sensor - then, the first time it asks for your username/password, but after that it types them in for you for that website. Nothing earthshattering, but it does make life simpiler, and it wasn't any more expensive than any other keyboard/mouse setup. It installed quick and so far has worked everytime. I do have a few minor issues - first, there doesn't seem to be any way to backup the data. Second, I bought one for my computer at work but the fingerprint reader can't be used to log on to a domain (or unlock the screensaver when connected to a domain). This is unfortunate since I wanted to use it on my work PC too. Nonetheless I will give the product five stars - it isn't too often that Microsoft is an innovator - a few refinements are needed, but I think they are on to something. It is a cool product, and the fingerprint technology seems fast and accurate.
15 Not the usual easy to install product
While there is no problem with the wireless optical mouse, the fingerprint reader does not function at all even after uninstalling, reinstalling and doing all of the other pomderous instructions that are not included with the product but have to be found from the start menu. I have never purscased such a useless product with the exception of MS's media networking system.
Rob
16 This product is amazing!!!
I wanted a new mouse and keyboard, and when I saw this package I was intrigued by the fingerprint reader. And skeptical too. Like the title of my review says though, it's amazing. The fingerprint reader was so easy to set up and works like a dream. If you're like most internet users, with an ever-growing list of logins and passwords, then I promise you'll love this feature. The keyboard itself is very comfortable and has lots of cool features, like easily programmable 'favorites' buttons for launching commonly used programs, and other buttons that I wasn't expecting that were a great bounus: like My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, Mail, Web/Home, Messenger, Calculator, and more. Also buttons for controlling speaker volume and media playback. The wireless optical mouse that's included is great -- also easy to set up, fast and smooth cursor control, good scroll wheel with tilt feature for horizontal scrolling. I have average to smaller hands and the mouse fits me perfectly. If you have large hands you may find it a little small.
Overall, I highly recommend this optical desktop package.
