Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0
Review by Jason Jacobs on 4/21/04
Wireless Desktop Provided by Microsoft
Testing Wireless:
27mhz has a stated limit of a six foot range. In lab testing demonstrated this to be approximately correct. In certain circumstances the range was as far as 10 feet and when the receiver or transmitters (mouse & keyboard) were around other EMI (electro magnetic interference) emitting devices the range was limited to 4 feet. In either case when EMI was overly abundant the accuracy of the signal was not good. Keyboard input would not be received or the mouse would skip.
Software Package:
Microsoft currently includes two software packages for use with the Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0.
- IntelliType 5.0
-
IntelliPoint 5.0
The IntelliType 5.0 establishes functionality for the Keyboard and allows you to replace keyboard functionality. Intellipoint 5.0 allows the user to define mouse button functionality and also customize the mouse wheel and tilt wheel.
Keyboard Functionality:
The keyboard is well laid out with all major functional keys easily accessible. It is worth noting that the delete key is oversized in comparison with most other boards and allows for much easier use. Most users also find that the media player is one of the most used tools in an operating system. The functional keys for the media player and associated volume keys are placed in the center top of the keyboard for easy access. Other Quick start functional keys included are:
-
Messenger
- Internet Explorer
- Outlook Express
- Media Player
- Play/Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, Volume increase and decrease, Stop
- Mute
- My Music
- My Pictures
- My Documents
Overall the keyboard is well built and very functional.
Mouse Functionality:
Microsoft recently introduced Tilt Wheel functionality. Tilt Wheel makes it possible for the user to scroll from side to side. To be honest testing over two weeks produced very few situations where this function came in useful. I fear that only users browsing files that are larger than the viewing area, and web sites that expand an area larger than the viewing area larger will find this useful.
Microsoft claims that the battery life of the 2.0 devices will last up to six months,while this is highly doubtful unless the devices are almost not used, It is apparent that the keyboard and mouse will put themselves into a low power state when not used.
Gaming is somewhat of a mixed bag for the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0. While the keyboard is nearly perfect for gaming, allowing the user the ability to position it however its most comfortable and usable, the mouse returned less than spectacular results. The mouse was often less than responsive in the heat of battle, and often skipped when moved fast across the mouse surface. Less than fully charged batteries will also contribute to this and make the effect more pronounced. Overall the mouse performed well, but its not nearly as natural and responsive as the Intellimouse Explorer 3.0.
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