Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite

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Keyboards are not what they used to be. When I got my first desktop it came with a very large and chunky PS/2 mouse and keyboard and it was awful. There was absolutely no ergonomic design to it and you’re wrists would hurt if you used it to much. Keyboards and mice now-a-days are much different. People are worried about their health so they demand well made keyboards.

The Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite is a nice ergonomic keyboard and mouse combo with one other great feature, BLUETOOTH! Instead of having to plug it into the nearest PS/2 port or a USB port it works entirely off of bluetooth to create a totally wire free workstation.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the Desktop Elite:

• Street price: $129.95
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• 4-Way Scrolling on your Mouse
• E-mail and Internet Hot Keys
• Customizable Buttons
• USB Transciever Included

Things I like
The thing that I like most about the Desktop Elite is it’s bluetooth receiver. This adds to the keyboards usefulness because it can be used with a number of devices that support bluetooth. This means if you have your phone nearby you can connect the keyboard and use it to send text messages or emails. The bluetooth’s transmitter is another thing I like. Instead of being a slave to your desk you can move the keyboard around because of the transmitters long range. I was typing over 15 feet away at one point (though it gets pretty hard to read my screen).

The other thing I like about the Desktop Elite is all of the easy to program key commands. Included with the bundle is a software application to load onto your computer that makes creating macros and other key commands a breeze. This software is better than most I’ve ever encountered. The final thing I like about the Desktop Elite is it’s padded wrist support. After hours of typing away my wrists normally get sore if I’m using a non-ergonomic keyboard. The Desktop Elite doesn’t make my wrists sore even after extended use.

Things I don’t like
I would say that my strongest dislike about this keyboard is that it the software requires XP SP2. While it kind of works on Vista you do not get it’s full capabilities. The fact that the software doesn’t work with a Mac is absolutely ridiculous. Even though Microsoft is in competition with Apple over operating systems they shouldn’t limit the hardware they make to only their platform.

The final thing I don’t like about the Desktop Elite is the fact that it is rather big. If you have a small desk I probably wouldn’t get this keyboard since it will take up a large amount of room.

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Long range
• Easy to program

Cons:

• Moderately expensive
• Software only works on XP SP2
• Large

Final Thoughts
I really like this keyboard. It looks great, feels nice and has a very long range. If you’re in need of a new keyboard combo I would suggest you think about picking up the Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite.