Going Wireless with the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000

By: Annette M. Hall
Updated: April 19, 2006

Have you ever purchased something and loved it so much you wanted to shout it from the rooftop, only to have someone take the wind out of your sails?

I recently purchased a Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 keyboard and mouse combination. I have been raving about it to everyone I know. I simply love the feel of the keys, the natural curve isn't as drastic as what you find with the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 design. I could never quite get accustomed to the position of the home/end keys, which I use a great deal. While I loved the look of the Natural 4000, even after using it for six months it just didn't fit me.

I didn't set out to purchase a new keyboard and mouse but being the mouser I am, I know how important it is to have a comfortable fit and I could only purchase this mouse as a set with the keyboard, which to be honest didn't make me that happy but I sure am glad now that I have them both. The mouse has a unique thumb rest, providing much needed support for the thumb area, which is prone to fatigue. I am thrilled to have the magnifying glass available, what a relief it provides to tired eyes, the size of it is fully adjustable making it pretty versatile.

I was a little disturbed to find that I over paid for my new mouse and keyboard. Amazon has the same item available that I paid $99 for - for $65.44, (after rebate) - what a deal. I was showing the price to the hubby when he noticed this product was only given three stars out of 25 reviews on Amazon, which was very disturbing to me. That just can't be! This can't be the same keyboard and mouse I just purchased but sadly it was.

After reading these reviews, I feel really terrible for those who didn't have the same experience I'm having. This is my first wireless mouse and keyboard but I knew that I didn't want to be replacing batteries all the time. We discovered with the purchase of our new digital camera that good batteries are essential for the best performance, so we've been purchasing Energizer e-2 batteries, designed with "Titanium Technology" and "Advanced Cell Construction" since our purchase and we've had tremendous results.

Until we tried the Energizer e-2's we actually believed that all batteries were basically the same, the only difference was the price. We couldn't have been more wrong. Energizer e-2 batteries last longer than any other we have ever tried. We use them exclusively with our new HP M407 camera, so it was a natural decision to use them in my new Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop, after all you wouldn't purchase a Rolls Royce and put Honda tires on it now would you? Of course not!

When performance counts you do it up right.

I'm not writing this in an attempt to sell you something you don't want but if you are considering purchasing this keyboard and mouse, don't let the detractors steer you away from making this wise choice. They are simply wrong. The only valid complaint that I have experienced is not really a problem for me. The keyboard keys aren't loosey goosy, they require a firm stroke but when you've learned to type on an IBM Selectric typewriter, this just isn't a concern.

I asked my in house expert for any tips he might have for people considering purchasing a wireless keyboard and mouse. His advice is:

Only purchase Energizer e-2 batteries.
Keep the base at least a foot away from anything metal, this includes your tower, speakers, monitor (CRT), tower and desk (if it is significantly made of metal).
Be sure to update the drivers for your new Microsoft Wireless keyboard and mouse.
You should plan to use your wireless keyboard and mouse from a reasonable distance from your computer. If you plan to use it from 30 feet away, you need to consider purchasing something else.
If you begin experiencing trouble with your new laser desktop before you kick and scream or like one user; throw it away, check the batteries. It is possible to purchase bad batteries, so just because they are new out of the package doesn't mean they will work properly and do buy the best you can afford. You will notice the difference.

More About The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000

The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 provides freedom from tangled wires, great keyboard and mouse features designed to make work and play faster and more enjoyable. The Comfort Curve design keyboard lets you rest your hands comfortably on the keys, while offering shortcut keys for your favorite applications, folders, web pages, and Media Center functions. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 lets you navigate with unprecedented, laser-smooth precision.

Keyboard Features

Uses wireless technology.
The Zoom Slider allows you to zoom in directly from the keyboard.
The smart receiver cuts interference from other devices.
Customizable buttons

Mouse Features

Zoom in on your work with the mouse's innovative Magnifier.
Scroll horizontally and vertically with the mouse's four-way scroll wheel.
Customizable buttons

Keyboarding Bliss

The comfort curve keyboard is designed to help prevent fatigue while it offers quick shortcuts to your favorite functions. Five My Favorites keys on the top of the keyboard allow you to instantly open the photos, folders, files and web pages you use most - you decide. To set them, you simply push and hold them down--just like the buttons in a car stereo. Nearby, you'll find Media Center keys that take you to your favorite music, video clips, and media programs at the touch of a button.

Zoom Slider

The Zoom Slider allows you to zoom in quickly and accurately directly from the keyboard. With the touch of a finger you can zoom in for a closer look at documents, worksheets, photos, maps, and Web pages, edit small details, like red eye in digital photographs, then zoom out to view the entire image--without taking your hand off the keyboard. It's as intuitive as adjusting the lighting in a room by using a dimmer. The Zoom Slider enlarges everything on your screen, as long as the program you're using supports zooming.

A Better Mouse

With the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, you'll also enjoy great comfort, thanks to an innovative ergonomic design that's made to cut down on hand fatigue. And because style is important, too, the mouse features a sophisticated finish and fetching industrial design. What's more, customizable buttons let you assign your favorite functions to the button of your choice.

Microsoft High-Definition Technology

Whether you're working on a document, perusing a Web page, or playing the latest video game, you can enhance your performance with the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000's high-definition technology. It delivers more precision and responsiveness while offering smoother tracking on more surfaces than ever before. To put it simply, it's the most advanced tracking system available.

Magnify

The Magnifier function on Microsoft mouse products is like a magnifying glass that is held up to your computer screen. With a simple press and hold motion, the Magnifier enlarges the area of your screen that fits inside the lens. You can easily adjust both the size of the lens and the level of its magnification. You can even use it when you touch up your photos or handle other detailed tasks. The Magnifier works in most programs.

Note that the Magnifier is not compatible with Direct3D API in full screen mode, media players, OpenGL, and layered windows. If you are using Mac OS X, the Magnifier enlarges text and images on the entire screen.

Full Tilt

Laser 6000 Reviews

Scroll up and down and side to side more smoothly, efficiently, and easily with the innovative four-way tilt wheel. It's simply a more efficient way to navigate documents, spreadsheets, and Web pages. The entire scroll wheel tilts from side to side, acts as a button, and reacts to how quickly you roll the wheel to enable smooth, accurate maneuverability. For example, if you're working with a super-wide worksheet, you can tilt the wheel from side to side to scroll right and left, without clicking tiny scroll arrows.

Longer Battery Life

Microsoft's smart power-saving technology extends battery life, which means you'll enjoy more than six months of uninterrupted functionality. This wireless mouse automatically enters standby mode when inactive for a certain length of time, which minimizes unnecessary battery drain. In addition, the light in the mouse's optical sensor illuminates only as brightly as is necessary to provide optimal tracking power. The Smart Receiver software reduces the likelihood of interference with other wireless signals.

Product Specifications

OS Required - Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Apple MacOS X 10.2 - 10.4.x