Closer Look: Microsoft Desktop 6000

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 is a combination of Microsoft's Wireless Keyboard 6000 v3 and Microsoft's Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2. Both are connected to the computer via a single USB transceiver. Everything came in a very nice looking box (typical of Microsoft hardware) along with a couple instruction booklets, a driver CD and a pair of rubber boosters for the keyboard.

The mouse is ergonomically shaped for the user's hand. There are two front buttons that are seamless on the mouse with two thumb buttons on the left side. The scroll wheel is smooth without detentes (clicks allowing discrete movements of the mouse). The scroll wheel features tilt scrolling as well. The mouse is entirely constructed out of plastic with a slot on the bottom that fits the USB transceiver. The mouse takes two AA batteries.

The keyboard is constructed entirely out plastic as well. The keyboard features Microsoft's comfort curve design for ergonomic typing. The keys are short and very quiet. There are 30+ macro keys including a function lock with alternate functions for F1-F12, media keys and 5 shortcut keys.

The keyboard contains the typical 104 key assortment, with the right windows key replaced with a key that performs the flip 3D function in Vista (start button + tab) and the Instant Viewer function in XP (whereby a small picture of each program running is shown on the desktop). A nice touch is the descriptions of common shortcuts on the sides of the keys facing the user.

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