Microsoft kicks out Wireless Laser Desktop 6000, Media Desktop 1000

Well, it looks like Microsoft had it's own "one more thing" for today, with the hereto unseen Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 and Wireless Media Desktop 1000 also making their debut in addition to all the other products that somehow managed to leak out beforehand. The 6000 series set (pictured above) includes, as you might have guessed the Wireless Keyboard 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (both also available separately), the former of which boasts all the favorite keys and Media Center controls you'd expect, while the latter packs a snap-in wireless transceiver, four-way scrolling, and five customizable buttons. The Wireless Media Desktop 1000, on the other hand, opts for a considerably less curvy design (check it out after the break), and does away with some of the 6000's more nifty features like an Aero-style translucent border and a battery status indicator. Look for both to start shipping later this month, with the 6000 series set running $100 and the Media Desktop 1000 setting you back just $50.

[Ricksta @ Sep 9th 2008 4:05PM]

But I already said goodbye to laser!

[giuliop @ Sep 9th 2008 5:44PM]

'twas a very brief goodbye. Then: hello, laser!

[Abuzar Baloach @ Sep 9th 2008 4:06PM]

I wish I could afford this...

[Paul Chapel @ Sep 9th 2008 4:07PM]

Man, now that's a ugly keyboard. Why can't Microsoft get some decent designers? Where is all their money going? Oh, that's right, to Jerry Seinfeld.

[fieldcar @ Sep 9th 2008 4:12PM]

Some people like VW bugs while others like lancer evo's.

[Paul Chapel @ Sep 9th 2008 4:26PM]

I'm just saying. Microsoft would rather give has-beens like Jerry Seinfeld 10 million dollars to trick people into thinking they have a good product, when that same amount of money could be put to better use bribing a great industrial designer like Jonathan Ive to come to Microsoft.

Microsoft makes great keyboards and mice, but ugly is ugly.

[Flashpoint @ Sep 9th 2008 4:13PM]

Cordless mice and keyboards don't interest me as much as Keyboard/mice combos that are resistant to dust and food particles. My problem is, I have eating habits which cause me to get greease or saladar dressing on my desk in my office. I'd pay big money for something I didn't have to clean.

[jdmiday @ Sep 9th 2008 4:30PM]

Put the cookie down.

[zomg0t @ Sep 9th 2008 4:35PM]

What kind of cookies have you been eating?!

[happy_penguin @ Sep 9th 2008 4:54PM]

MMMM Cooookiiiieee! *NAHM NAHM NAHM!*

[bandigolo @ Sep 9th 2008 5:12PM]

dude, that's gross. Take 15 minutes and eat your food at a table like the rest of the world. Conversely, you could try aiming the fork at your mouth.

[phanbouy @ Sep 9th 2008 6:59PM]

I'd like to make a blog that's resistant to Flashpoint.

[cpquit @ Sep 9th 2008 4:14PM]

What is that now. After 'Say goodbye to Laser' and a new LASER mouse is released??????

[bandigolo @ Sep 9th 2008 4:19PM]

anybody in the market for a wireless keyboard/mouse combo should check out the Trust DS-4700R Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset. I got mine for $30 at Provantage. I had three demands:
1. bluetooth
2. usb stub (as opposed to a corded station the size of a mouse)
3. quality mouse (laser/high-dpi/nav buttons)

this product has all these features and way more. They keyboard is low profile and has a laptop-feel (which I prefer since I've used laptops almost exclusively for the last 5 years). It also has lots of media buttons n such. The mouse is amazing, IMO. Maybe not a super gaming mouse required by the uber-nerds out there, but it's the best I've ever owned. Haven't really tested the bluetooth range beyond 4 feet, but seriously, who cares unless you are using it from your couch with a laptop in your media center or something. Obviously longevity and battery life remains to be seen, but for $30, I really don't care!

*only true negative - annoying on/off switch on bottom of mouse. I wish activation was just automatic depending on whether the USB stub was inserted or not. Not a huge deal, but I imagine that leaving it "on" accidentally will drain the batteries.

[Chris @ Sep 9th 2008 4:19PM]

3, 2, 1, and give it up to Apple fanboys!

[burriot_avatar @ Sep 9th 2008 5:10PM]

Mice and keyboards with frickin' laser beams? Do not want!

[kal326 @ Sep 9th 2008 4:24PM]

Holy old news Batman, these have been out on the shelves for months!

[Rudolphe @ Sep 9th 2008 4:25PM]

Just waiting for the iTards to start flaming... it's coming...

[azz0r @ Sep 9th 2008 4:25PM]

Eh?

The 6000 has been out for ages, I bought it from PC World for £70 (reduced from £100) but ended up getting a refund due to the mouse being squeeky.

...and my by god is that mouse cheap and flimsy, the previous Microsoft Wireless Mouse is far better.

Still not worth the money though, I should have gone with Logitech.

[Maeztro @ Sep 9th 2008 4:33PM]

Maybe this explains the mouse better...can't believe engadget missed it..

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=001

[Rob @ Sep 9th 2008 4:59PM]

wow that media desktop 1000 looks like a joke

[Shadyman @ Sep 9th 2008 5:16PM]

What, no sharks?

[happy_penguin @ Sep 9th 2008 5:19PM]

With frickin lasers...

[kadajawi @ Sep 9th 2008 6:34PM]

Weird. I have the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000... and it is a different model. Great mouse, but the scroll wheel is horrible, had one not for long, scroll wheel thrashed. Got a replacement unit, worked fine... for some months, same problem. But the service is awesome.