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Microsoft's hardware accessories have always been one of the major manufacturers of keyboards and mice for PCs, and recently have introduced some of the coolest products on the market today. One of those products is the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000.

The WED 7000 from here on, is the little brother to the WED 8000 with backlighting, a better mouse charging base, and 4 USB ports. If you don't need any of that fancy stuff, you'll be happy enough with the 7000. First off, the WED 7000 includes a keyboard that is thin, sleek, and very nice to use. One gripe is that the Windows key has been moved to a button under the space bar. What were you thinking, Microsoft? Now how are we supposed to use Windows-D to get to our desktop? I digress. The WED 7000's included keyboard also rids of the infamous F-keys across the top and replaces them with touch-sensitive bevels near the top of the keyboard, bad idea for touch-typists, good idea for every day users.

The mouse included with the WED 7000 isn't so good either, just like all other Microsoft mice, the mouse lacks in extra features and the scroll wheel felt like it was being held back with a piece of gum so we recommend you go and buy a separate mouse from another manufacturer like (cough) Logitech (cough), if you're sucked in by the sleek keyboard. The WED 7000 desktop set isn't that bad though, it features Windows Vista-exclusive features such as a dedicated Gadgets button, a Media Center button, and a navigation pad that doubles as a touchpad similar to notebooks. Great for Media Center PC's.

Overall, the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 is a great addition to your PC and I would go out and buy it when you upgrade to Windows Vista. Besides the few disappointments, check one out today.

Pros

• Dedicated Windows Vista and Media Center-centric keys
• Sleek keyboard design.
• Built-in touchpad and multimedia controls.

Cons

• Scroll wheel isn't so good on mouse.
• Windows key no longer a physical key.
• F-keys now touch-sensitive.

Final Verdict
3.5 out of 5 stars.

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