They’re a basic part of any computer, but far too often we don’t really think about the keyboards or mice we use - unless they’re going wrong, or break down completely. That’s when it’s time to dive into the market for a new keyboard or mouse - or perhaps even both, as combination desktop suites form a big part of the keyboard/mouse market. We’ve tested eight different keyboard/mouse products to give you an overview of things to consider. 
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000
RRP: $299
Site: www.microsoft.com/nz/hardware
Pros: The keyboard for the Wireless Desktop 7000 is striking in appearance and features a plethora of extra functions, from touch-sensitive function keys to music controls and plenty more. The mouse is wireless, but features rechargeable batteries and a recharger - a nice money saver.
Cons: The 7000 is a Windows Vista-only product. No matter which way you look at it, $299 is a lot to spend on a keyboard and mouse.
Verdict: A luxury PC control suite, with a price to match.
Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks
NZ approx. price: $140
Site: www.logitech.co.nz
Pros: Logitech bills the VX as the “ultimate” notebook mouse and it comes with plenty of extras built into the mouse itself, which also has a comfortable ergonomic shape. Additional buttons control zoom and quick-find facilities, depending on which operating system you’re using.
Cons: It’s big for a notebook mouse, and it’s not exactly cheap, considering you’re just getting a mouse for your $140.
Verdict: A great mouse at a very exclusive price.
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000
RRP: $160
Site: www.microsoft.com/nz/hardware
Pros: The 8000 mouse does things a little differently, from the revolving packaging which forms a translucent portable carry case, to the inclusion of a laser pointer built into the mouse itself – hence the “presenter” part of the name. It’s a solidly built mouse with good responsiveness.
Cons: It’s not a cheap wireless mouse, and only basically a good deal if you do a lot of on-theroad presentations and can make use of the integrated pointer.
Verdict: Good for travelling business types.
Logitech Cordless Desktop LX710 Laser
NZ approx price: $130
Site: www.logitech.co.nz
Pros: The LX710 combines a nicely shaped wireless laser mouse with a sleek keyboard with plenty of extra functionality. In a nice nod to desktop users, there’s even an extending USB dock for the USB connector, so you don’t have to reach around the back every time you plug it in.
Cons: If you wanted to get picky, the USB connector is rather long for what it is, and the shape of the mouse, while it fits both left and right-handed use, could be more ergonomic. Like all wireless mice, you’ll need to keep up with its hunger for batteries.
Verdict: A great mouse and keyboard combination.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
RRP: $99
Site: www.microsoft.com/nz/hardware
Pros: The Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 has a split keyboard and wave shape, designed for better ergonomic usage - good both for those with wrist problems and those at risk of them. It’s also the only Microsoft product in our roundup that’s Mac OS X compatible.
Cons: It will take you some time to get to grips with the weird keyboard shape. It’s also something of a behemoth; you’ll need plenty of desk space to accommodate it.
Verdict: Great for those who don’t want wrists that clack and crunch.
Adesso Slimtouch Mini
NZ approx. price: $85
Site: www.anyware.com.au
Pros: What happens when you put a notebook under a guillotine? What happens is that you get the Adesso Slimtouch Mini, a notebook-sized keypad and trackpad with a USB cable on one end. At a basic level, it works quite well.
Cons: Notebook keyboards aren’t renowned for their comfort, and the Adesso is a small notebook keyboard to boot - so there’s no number pad, and even the Backspace and Enter keys are tiny.
Verdict: A cute concept, but we’re struggling to come up with a practical application for it.
Jargon Busters
Wireless - As the name suggests, wireless keyboards and mice need no connecting wire, although you’ll normally need to use a small USB stub to send radio signals out to your peripherals. You’ll also need batteries - the mice and keyboards don’t power themselves.
Optical Mouse - Optical mice use a small optical LED (Light Emitting Diode) sensor - not too dissimilar to a camera - to take hundreds of pictures of the surface under the mouse, and thus work out where it’s moving by comparing images. They’re far more accurate than the ball mice they replaced.
Laser Mouse - Laser mice operate much the same way as optical mice, but use a laser rather than LED sensor to track movement. Again, there’s greater accuracy, although this is more important to gamers, say, than surfers.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX3200 Laser
NZ approx price: $160
Site: www.logitech.co.nz
Pros: The MX3200 combines a large ergonomically shaped laser mouse and a keyboard with just about every extra we’ve ever seen on a keyboard – and then some, right down to an integrated LED clock.
Cons: The keyboard is big, and it needs four AA batteries - twice that of any other keyboard we’ve tested. Most of the extra features are Windows Vista-specific.
Verdict: A good laptop combo, but unless you need the extra features we’d save the cash and buy the LX710 instead.
Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000
RRP: $119
Site: www.microsoft.com/nz/hardware
Pros: The contoured shape of the Natural mouse makes it a good fit for those with hand or wrist mobility problems. It’s wireless, so there are no cables.
Cons: The ergonomic shape of the mouse is good for right-handed people, but useless for southpaws. The drivers are Windows XP SP2/Vista only. Like other wireless products, it’s useless without batteries.
Verdict: A good ergonomic mouse.
COMING SOON
Watch for this one in September. The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 includes the industry’s first wireless rechargeable and backlit keyboard combined with Microsoft’s first rechargeable mouse, the Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. It provides onetouch access to popular items, such as Gadgets, Search and Media Center, enabling you to run your PC from your lounge, stream content from your PC to your TV and vice versa.
RRP: $519
More at tinyurl.com/hhxt8
Tested and Rated
RRP = price recommended by local distributor. You will save by shopping around. Check all warranty details carefully. NetGuide is not responsible for changes in availability or pricing.