Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 (*breathes in*)

   So. You decide to spend $350 on a keyboard/mouse combo. What should you get? Well, if you're keen on Windows Media Center, you might like to look at this.
Microsoft says it is "The ultimate rechargeable keyboard and mouse for Windows Vista and PC entertainment", I gotta say - it is pretty close.
I suppose we'll start at the start.

The unpacking experiences seems to be heading the way a lot of Microsoft's products seem to be going (ala Zune and 360), very nice.
The box gives a go at what the mouse will feel like in your hand - so you can see if it's right for you.
Opening, you'll see a brochure "Think outside the box" (under which is also a quick guide and drivers).

Lifting up the cardboard, the keyboard lifts itself out and presents itself to you - nice. Lift up the next cardboard, and here is all the other stuff (charging dock, batteries, etc).

(Previously mentioned "other stuff")

It is kind of annoying that they had to have a power supply (thankfully it is pretty small, unlike the 360's), but I suppose, it is charging 2000mAh Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries (nice of Microsoft to include them, Energizer brand too).

On to the actually keyboard. The keyboard is very thin but still ergonomic and features nice feeling notebook-style keys - plus, you can pick it up and grip it on the sides and have access to all of the Media Center buttons, including the multifunction touchpad/D-Pad. As well as nice backlit keys and charge lights. Photos below.

 

 

 

 

 

And the mouse? Suitable for both left and right-handed people. Five buttons plus scroll and laser of course. There is a battery indicator in the middle which glows when low (which helps drain the battery even faster). And here's the pictures:

Forgot to mention earlier - I don't know how, but as you approach the keyboard it starts glowing (you can change the brightness) and changes depending on the level of light in the room.

So, what's it like? Comfortable for one. I like it. The touchpad/D-Pad (you flick a switch to change between the two) is a bit dodgey. To use the D-Pad you sort of have to flick and click rather than just click which is a bit awkward, the touchpad works ok if you need to quickly do something away from the desk - but you couldn't use it for anything mouse intensive.

I think it's about $320 at Harvey Norman now, which mine seem ridiculously expensive - but if you want a good balance of features (ergonomics + media functions) it is pretty darn good.