Microsoft New Remote Keyboard and Wireless Desktop

Posted by Rob Stevens Categories: Home Entertainment, Peripherals

Microsoft’s Hardware division unveiled some fun new products today.  First up is the Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition, designed for those of you that want a wireless keyboard with Media Center-specific functions to help replace that remote control.  It’s got a 30-foot wireless range, and a key lock to prevent accidental activation.  The media keys are backlit, to aid controlling the media center in a darkened room.  It’s even got a pointer nub and mouse buttons (on opposite sides of the keyboard) so that you can mouse-around without putting down the keyboard.  No word on whether or not it is popcorn or soda proof, but I doubt it.  MSRP is $104.95, but expect it to hit stores around $99.95.

The other new keyboard is an update to Microsoft’s Wireless Desktop package.  The Wireless Desktop 5000 has keys dedicated to photo editing, and the mouse features Microsoft’s new “High Definition” optical technology (which we assume is simply a higher scan rate for the mouse, aiding in precision).  The keyboard has the same “comfort curve” as the Wireless Desktop Comfort Edition that was released last year.  Finally, Microsoft’s Digital Image Standard 2006 software is bundled in, so you can get started putting mustaches on your grandmother right away.  It should retail for the same price as the Remote Keyboard.

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