Microsoft Bluetooth Natural Keyboard?

[LehighBri]

I love how ms came out with the bluetooth keyboard/mouse package. The only thing is, I would much rather use the natural keyboard that they have.

Does anyone know if Microsoft has plans to make a bluetooth natural keyboard? And if so, when it may come out? Thanks!

 

[Eug]

Do you really need the BlueTooth support? I hear the drivers are MS specific and may not work with other BlueTooth enabled machines. Also, it adds cost.

You can get a wireless RF based setup for less money. It comes with a transmitter that plugs into the USB port. I have the MS Wireless Optical Desktop, which works beautifully with my XP machine and my Mac. (AFAIK, the BlueTooth setup will not work at all with the Mac.) I didn't get the natural keyboard version because I don't like the feel of the altered keyboard, but the wireless natural keyboard version is widely available if you want it.

 

[LehighBri]

I guess I don't really need the bluetooth support. it's just kinda cool to have.

for your wireless desktop, how long do the batteries on the keyboard last? i'm thinking about getting the logitech wireless stuff, specifically the mx700 mouse which has a base which recharges the mouse!

 

[Eug]

I dunno about battery life. I've only had it a week.

I checked out one of the Logitech ones. It was nice, but the key presses were a little "mushier" and I didn't like the mouse as much. More buttons and more beefy, but I prefer small and simple. Plus the Logitech one was right handed only. Sometimes I'll use my left hand for the mouse. Plus the MS one was cheaper and I like the look better.

 

[LH]

The Microsoft Blue Tooth Keyboard and Mouse only work with WinXp so Eug is correct, they are MS specific, and they do not work with Linux or Macs.

 

[LikeLinus]

Oh yeah, the Microsoft Receiver allows connection of 7 devices. The mouse and keyboard count as 2, so that leaves you with 5 left. It does indeed work with other Bluetooth devices.

I purchased the MS Wireless Optical Desktop and returned it the next day. It was pretty crummy overall and the RF didn't reach over like 4 feet. I needed a setup for a HTPC that would allow me to work in a HT room that is 20x12 (built specifically for HT). The RF Optical desktop just couldn't do it. I purchased the MS Optical Desktop for Bluetooth. OMG it's the best wireless setup you can get. It allows for usage up to 30 feet (even through walls, RF can't touch that) and it's a SECURE connection (I won't say someone "can't" steal keystrokes from bluetooth, but anyone could with an RF device).

The mouse is the best optical on the market. Fresh Gear on TechTV gave it 4 outta 5 stars (lost one cause of price ) and beat out logitech's best offering. It was their pick for wireless devices.

Personally I love my setup and It works GREAT in games and everything else. Batteries last approximately 90 days. You can also use rechargables.

 

[paperfist]

I have a Logitech 'split' KB/Mouse setup (non-optical) and the keyboard batteries I've replaced 2x in the 1.5 years since I bought it, the mouse on the other hand goes about 3 months before needing to be replaced. Not sure if the opticals eat more batteries or not, but I guess I will find out in a week when my new Logitech setup arrives.

 

[Shagga]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Batteries last approximately 90 days. You can also use rechargables.

I have this setup to. It is nice but only 3 months for battery life? Thats not too good. Need to get myself some rechargeables and charger. I was wondering also, if you sometimes lose your mouse pointer and after a vigorous left/right movement to try and locate it, it appears in the top left hand corner....kinda annoying me...:frown: