Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 Keyboard and Mouse Combo Honest Review

The Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 Keyboard and Mouse Combo ($40.37) is a feature full medium end keyboard and mouse combo that looks and works great.

Just some of the shortcut buttons

The keyboard is rectangular in shape and is very light and thin. It includes standard flip-up tabs in on the back to increase the angle of the keyboard (I prefer typing with these up). The best part about the keyboard is that it includes a bunch of useful shortcut buttons. To name just a few, it includes buttons for a home key, MSN Messenger, music (which flawlessly opens iTunes without any additional setup), 5 favorite buttons that can be set up easily, media player controls, volume controls, and many many more. This is a great keyboard for multitasking. I can seamlessly be browsing the web and pull up my iTunes and open my mail without having to click a single time.

Holding a pen next to the keyboard

The only few downsides I see with it is the shape isn't the most ergonomically designed. Other keyboards (including cheaper ones) come in a more natural shape that makes typing more convenient. I have also seen some reviews that say that this keyboard does not work well for gaming. They point out that the F1-F12  keys and small and positioned different than what they're used to.

I feel that the mouse is good, but nothing special. It's fairly heavy, which I like. It keeps it from sliding all over the place and I can click accurately. The best part about the mouse is it's ability to work on just about any surface. I was using it on a cotton sheet on a bed and it worked the same as it would on a keyboard. It includes a couple cool features as well, like "Windows Flip". When you click the scroll ball, a small window will pop up with every program open so you can easily switch what window you're looking at. It's essentially the same as "alt-tab" function, only a little quicker and easier to do. In addition to the standard left, right and scroll ball buttons, it also has additional white buttons that can be used to go back or forward on web pages. I'm sure it has some other uses too but I haven't tinkered enough with it to try.

Slot where USB Receiver "fits"

There aren't a lot of negatives to say about it. The mouse does include a slot underneath it to hold the USB transmitter but it doesn't fit all the way in. The device sticks out about half way making it pretty much useless. Again, it lacks some other buttons that hardcore gamers like and nothing is customizable on it.

Other notes:
*It comes with 4 Duracell AA batteries so there's no need to buy any additional ones. The battery life seems to be pretty good. I've had mine almost a month without a need to change them. Heavy gaming would probably shorten the life, however.
*It comes with a CD, but the CD is not necessary unless your computer doesn't recognize the hardware.
*The USB transmitter is very small and has worked without any problems.
*The keyboard supposedly works up to 30 feet away. I haven't really tested this but I haven't had any issues with interference or choppiness.

Overall, this is a quality product made by the giant in the computer industry.  Although not great for gamers, this keyboard/mouse combo is perfect for anyone looking for nice wireless peripherals with many handy shortcuts.