Microsoft Desktop 7000 Wireless Review
I recently purchased the Microsoft Desktop 7000 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse because I got tired of changing batteries on my other wireless mouse which seemed to be every couple of weeks. I selected the Desktop 7000 because it was the only one available with a rechargeable mouse (the Desktop 8000 also has a rechargeable mouse but cost twice as much).
The biggest problem with Microsoft’s Desktop 7000 is the curved keyboard which they call “Ultra-thin Comfort Curve Design”. It certainly looks cool and feels like the keys on a laptop. The problem is the curved keyboard takes getting used to. The first 2 weeks my fingers were hitting the wrong keys like S instead of A and Enter instead of Shift. I kind of got used to it but when I used another computer in the office with a “straight keyboard” my fingers would be hitting the wrong keys because they got used to the curved keyboard. Also, I find myself looking down at the keyboard as I type and my typing speed has been reduced.
The keyboard does not have numeric numbers on the right hand side which I use frequently. This is a major problem for me.
The function keys are touch sensitive. They are not normal keys which need to be depressed. They are extremely touch sensitive where if you lightly brush your fingers across them they will activate. A feather duster is enough to press them as I discovered after the cleaners had dusted my desk.
The navigation pad is almost unusable, probably because it is way to small.
The mouse works fine, though the wheel does not click, instead it has a smooth scroll which seems to freeze scrolling when used rapidly. This could be a limitation of the wireless bandwidth because I have never experienced it with a cord mouse. Otherwise, the mouse works fine and if you let it recharge on its craddle overnight one or two times a week, you will be fine.
The overall design and functionality of the keyboard is unpractical. Even the bluetooth dongle which plugs in to a USB port is so thick that you can’t place another USB device next to it. This product is so poorly designed, that I won’t sell it or give it away - it’s going straight in to the rubbish bin.
