A few years back Microsoft released a radically different style and shape of keyboard. It was almost split into two halves and there was a gap between the two halves as well. Not only was there a gap/split but the two sides were also angled up (from center out). I tried using the keyboard and found it too hard to type so I quickly gave it up as a practical joke played out by Microsoft.

Well, in preparation for the arrival of my new notebook and toy I went looking for a wireless keyboard and mouse combo. I didn't shop around too hard I must admit; I mean, how hard could it be to find a wireless keyboard and mouse combo - right? WRONG! I was stunned at how many different models there are and how many manufacturers there are as well. During my shopping for a new keyboard and mouse I noticed that Microsoft were offering a 25% cash back incentive on a selection of their products and I couldn't refuse. There are about 5 combos in the store I was at for me to choose from. Amongst the options was the Wireless Optical Desktop 2000.

At first I skipped past it as the keyboard was 'curved' in shape and I reflected back on my past experience with the keyboard I had used some 10 years before. I looked at other models and brands but this 2000 model had everything that I wanted...a simple keyboard. I reluctantly tried the display keyboard and was immediately surprised about how easy it was for my fingers to find the keys. I was also surprised at how much faster this allowed me to type...although I was effectively 'air' typing the speed difference was still quite noticeable.

I checked the mouse and it was just a plain old mouse with no additional buttons and it also was a bit smaller than I like. I currently use the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer and it's GREAT. It has a number of buttons in addition to the usual ones but I only really use one of these and that's a button on the left-hand of the mouse that sits directly under my thumb. I use it when I'm web browsing because when I click this button it has the same effect as if I clicked on the 'Back' button. I searched for another keyboard and mouse combo that may have the this extra button on the mouse but with a simple enough keyboard still....nothing.

My reasons for wanting to have a simple keyboard is rather straight forward. I need a keyboard that I can put into the notebook backpack without it sticking out of the top of the bag. The more buttons that a keyboard has the longer/wider it is and therefore the more likely it will be for it to stick out of the bag. The keyboard had to be a 'normal' 101-keyboard with a number pad, cursor keys and the 'correct' layout for the Delete/Home/Insert/End etc. keys.

Well, in the end I went with the 2000. I got it home and was a little dissapointed when I opened the box to find a rather large RF receiver box with a mile-long cable attached. I assumed that there would be a simple USB key-like device for the RF receiver (like that used by a lot of Logitech models) as there was nothing mentioned on the box about it nor did any of the pictures on the box show clearly anything like the receiver that is shipped with the combo. Aside from that dissapointment and the mouse not have the button that I wanted...they keyboard is working wonderfully.

I guess the moral of this story is to not dismiss something so casually just because of a bad or negative past experience. I certainly learned that lesson and I think that I'll be making this keyboard the 'norm' for me from now on. I'll also be on the lookout for a different mouse as I'm not sure if I can quite easily let go of that back button.

Ed.