On Wednesday, Microsoft announced several wireless PC peripherals, including its first backlit desktop, designed with its upcoming OS, Windows Vista, in mind.

The Wireless Desktop 8000 contains a sensor to detect when a room has been dimmed, providing automatic backlighting to allow the keyboard to transition into a 30-foot interface. Other features, such as a "Smart Call" link to initiate an IM or voice call, have been added to the 8000 and its sister keyboard, the 7000. Microsoft's portfolio was rounded out by the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000, a keyboard which also includes the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000, a new mouse which will also be sold separately.

But the Wireless Desktop 8000, which Microsoft pitched as 'the ultimate keyboard' in June is also the latest example of what insiders call a "paper launch": an announcement of a product with shipping dates slated for several months down the road. The 8000 will be available for $249.95, but in February, perhaps timed to match the release of Windows Vista. The 7000 and the Wireless Laser 6000 keyboard will be available for $149.95 and $99.95 in January 2007 and Sept. 2006, respectively. The Wireless Laser Mouse will ship this October for $89.85.

All three keyboards will be just an inch thick and include dedicated 'Windows Start' and "Windows Gadget" buttons. As the name suggests, the Windows Start button will be used as a shortcut to launch applications. The Windows Gadget button, however, will be used to trigger personalized widget applications tailored to the user that will live on the PC screen; examples include a sports ticker and local weather.

The Gadget button will launch WindowsLive.com, Microsoft said.

The Microsoft Wireless Desktop 8000 keyboard includes a dedicated charging station that can charge the keyboard while it's being used. It's also Bluetooth ready, and includes three of the most popular profiles built in to make it easy to connect to other devices. A technology called 'First Connect' will allow it to work right out of the box, Microsoft says. Three USB ports mounted inside the keyboard will also round out the expansion options; that also means it will be sending USB signals over the air, possibly a first for a keyboard manufacturer.

Microsoft's five-button Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 is being pitched as a mouse that's 'faster than wired,' apparently referring to its high-precision laser pointing capability. The resolution of the mouse was not available at press time, however. The mouse can charge in less than 90 minutes, Microsoft says, and includes options to view all the open apps simultaneously.

written by Madalin D.

source pcmag.com