Since Windows Vista launched earlier this year, several PC-based peripheral makers have released products that were designed to exploit the new O.S' various features. One such manufacturer is Microsoft itself, which recently introduced its Wireless Laser Desktop series. Is it really able to exploit Windows Vista features and most importantly how does it stack up against the competition? Read on to find out…
One of the things I have always appreciated about Microsoft’s premium input devices, is the meticulous care seen in their product styling and the construction materials used. The 4000 series is no different from its predecessors in this respect. Both the keyboard and mouse sport a solid construction with toughened hinges and joints. This is a bit of a departure from the norm, as normally the plastic used in input devices tends to become a little flimsy with age and squeaks and rattles.
Apart from the toughened plastic however, there have been no other real changes in Microsoft’s basic keyboard design. Based on their famous "natural" design, the keyboard comes in a beautiful two-tone silver-gray design, which gives it an altogether elegant look and makes it well suited for use with a high-end PC. The hand-rest area of the keyboard is another area Microsoft seems to have paid close attention to. Normally the hand-rest area is made out of the same material, as the rest of the keyboard and is designed to be basically just functional. Microsoft however seems to have instead focused on making this a comfortable working zone, by using a soft plastic that has semi-leather like finish. This makes the hand-rest area feel like virtually a sponge and allows your hands to actually "sink in" The end-result? A very comfortable typing experience with less fatigue on your hands. In a similar vein the main 101 keys are well spaced out, large and elevated just right for proper typing feedback. The only annoyance here continues to be the large delete key, which is a practice that only Microsoft ever indulges in. If you are coming in from a standard Logitech 101 keyboard, be prepared to fumble a bit as your hands seek the insert key and instead hit the over-sized delete key.
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