Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000

Wireless keyboard and mouse combos have become the norm now-a-days with everyone leaving the wired days behind them and moving towards the wireless age. While some people still use PS/2 keyboards and mice most people are switching to keyboards with a USB receiver so they can use their input devices away from their computers. Today’s review is on another wireless keyboard and mouse.

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 (WLD4000) features a full-sized ergonomic keyboard and mouse that connect to your computer through a wireess receiver. This receiver can either plug into your computers PS/2 ports or through a single USB port (everythings included to do either). The keyboard comes with a full set of media buttons but the mouse only has a 4-button layout.

The combo also comes with software that allows you to program most keys and buttons on both the mouse and the keyboard.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the S510:

• Street price: $79.95
• Wireless transmitter
• Ergonomic Design
• Fully programmable keys
• 4-way scrolling
• High-Definition laser

Things I like
One thing that I really like about this wireless combo is the feel of both the mouse and the keyboard. Both devices have a very natural feel to them. I’m very picky about what I use to type and click but the WLD4000 makes using the computer a very comforting experience. The ergonomic design for both the keyboard and mouse helps prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrom so you’ll be able to type longer without worrying about sore wrists.

Another thing I like about the WLD4000 is the keyboards set of programmable keys. While there are a set of pre-defined keys you have the ability to change all of them to fit your needs a little better. Theres also a set of 5 “favorite” buttons that you can program to do anything you want from launching your favorite program to launching your favourite site ;). The final thing I like about this product is the price. At $80, your wallet isn’t going to take a hit like some of the other more expensive products. If you’re just going to use the mouse and keyboard for everyday use this is perfect for you.

Things I don’t like
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 is definitely NOT for gaming. Neither the mouse nor the keyboard provide quick enough response times for you to even stay competitive in any online game around. I was playing Team Fortress 2 with this and I was getting out-sniped every time because the mouse just can’t click fast enough. If you’re planning on gaming I would think about getting a real gaming mouse and keyboard.

The other thing that I don’t like about this keyboard combo is the fact that every so often the key’s will produce the wrong character when typed. As weird as this sounds every so often I’ll get random characters instead of the ones that are supposed to come out. I still haven’t figured out why this happens it just seems to be a bug in the driver or something along those lines. It doesn’t cause that big of a problem, you generally just have to restart whichever application it occurred in but it can become rather tiresome after a while.

Pros:

• Nice ergonomic design
• Lots of programmable keys
• Works with Vista!
• Excellent battery life (6+ months)

Cons:

• Not a gaming keyboard and mouse
• Random characters sometimes come out instead of typed ones

Final Thoughts
If you need a wireless keyboard for everyday use than I totally suggest you buy the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000. If you’re going to do any gaming or need a more precise mouse than I suggest you pass on this combo. Overall I liked using it but there were a few things I didn’t like so I’m going to rate the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000 3/5.