Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 ) | List Price: $99.95
Discount Price: $59.99
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Brand: Microsoft
Binding: Electronics
Release Date: 2005-09-22
Warranty: 3 years warranty
Features: - 3-in-1 keyboard, remote and integrated mouse to control Media Center PC functions with just one device
- 30 feet wireless range
- 116 keys, key lock prevents your keyboard from being turned on by mistake
- One button quickly launches Media Center PC functions
- Backlit media keys control your Media Center PC, control TV power and volume control right from the keyboard
It works great! [Posted on 2008-07-02]
WARNING: The description is very vague on the subject but this wireless keyboard doesn't come with a receiver because it's supposed to be an add-on item to the remote controller which does come with a receiver. The keyboard has pretty much all the buttons that the remote has. My first use of the mouse is nothing like it's described by other users. It's not hard at all to move the mouse. You must push down on the stick to "activate" the mouse but once it's moving, it's completely smooth and doesn't jump around at all. It moves like a REAL mouse! And I didn't have to make any adjustments to my mouse settings. Maybe there are different "versions" out there? I purchased mine from Cheap Guys Computers for $25 plus shipping (click on the "used and new" link) and it's much cheaper than the posted price of $59.99. Also, if you ever have the need, you can use the remote control concurrently with the keyboard using the same receiver. This is the perfect keyboard for XP Media Center Edition and I would definitely recommend this product.
Not so much [Posted on 2008-07-12]
The product is advertised for Windows XP Media Center Edition, but works fine for Vista Home.
Despite any advantages this wireless keyboard has over wired versions, it fails when it comes to the mouse functions. Remember when you used the touch button on the center of you laptop keyboard the first time and thought, "That's awkward" but soon enough you got used to it?
Well, this one you won't get used to. Please, Microsoft, make one with a touchpad.
Trouble with typing and mouse use [Posted on 2008-08-15]
First, you have to locate and download a patch for media center to get this to work, not a big problem. More importantly, this operates via IR which I thought would be OK, but ended up being a major problem. I often lost key strokes when typing. Also the "mouse" portion is difficult to use because you have to press down fairly hard to get it to register. I would not recommend this.
Horrible keyboard [Posted on 2008-08-26]
This kb/mouse combo is horrible and underdeveloped. The mouse button gets stuck, the IR connection is very weak and the mouse knob is extremely sluggish and unusable. I do not recommend this keyboard as you will be disappointed.
Great Keyboard for Media Center [Posted on 2008-08-29]
In our house we've had DVRs since 2000 starting with our first TiVo. When Microsoft brought out the Media Center PC we slowly started adding them to our house as well. We now have 4 active MCE setups that pull into our main MCE in the family room. The unfortunate side effect was that we'd always have to find a way to hide the keyboard/mouse for that main PC in order to use them conveniently. Add the clutter of various remote controls and I just had to do something to streamline the situation. Anyway, after looking at many various solutions I remembered this keyboard coming out several years ago. At the time I felt it was too expensive and, as we didn't yet have a MCE in the family room, felt it was un-necessary. I was disappointed to realize that Microsoft was no longer making these keyboards, but happy to find them still being sold here on Amazon. I picked one up from Cheap Guys Computers (awesome!) for $25 and am thrilled to have done so. This keyboard eliminates the need for a mouse, keyboard and remote. They're all consolidated into its small form factor. The layout is extremely well designed with the buttons being accessible by touch on either side of the board. The only flaw I see is that the mouse functions are a bit rough, I wouldn't use it for heavy duty mousing, but for the occasional need it's perfectly suitable.
The other bonus for us the keyboard has the ability to be programed to turn the TV on and off and to control the volume. So we've also eliminated the need for a 2nd remote for those functions.
If you're looking for a solution for a MCE system used mostly for TV purposes this keyboard is a great addition.
Click here for more details and discount information...
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