Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000

The product comes with 2x2AA batteries supplied, which I would have forgotten to buy, and is nicely packaged. The keyboard's wrist rest is really nice and comfortable - it feels a bit like a leather meets soft gel-like rubber. The mouse is quite light weight even with the batteries inside and is quite responsive.

The only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that getting all the features to work was hell. I installed the drivers bundeled with the product but my Windows XP Pro system juts wouldn't work afterwards. I had to go into safe mode and unistall the drivers and download the latest ones from the Microsoft Hardware site and re-install them. Once the drivers were installed all keyboard and mouse functions came to life and I must say that the keyboard does have some impressive features such as the zoom slider.

I use a computer for over 8 hours a day (just at the office) and since changing from a corded mouse and keybaord it has reallyt improved my comfort and pleasure at using a keyboard.


Connection trouble fixed   October 17, 2005
grazzy (Australia)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Have found a fix for my connection problem.
I bought an OEM Kit with no documentation.
Downloaded the latest sofware from Microsoft website.
Using the included ps2 adapter I would sometimes find I could not logon after a restart. I found by plugging in The USB lead ONLY and not to Purple keyboard lead nor using the ps2 adapter fixed all my problems. Without instruction i though u would need to plug in the purple keyboard lead and the usb lead if u wearnt using the usb to ps2 adapter. But the usb only is all thats needed>!!!
Hope this helps some one.


Does what it says - no problems   September 6, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Unboxed it and read the brief instructions. I'm running XP Pro with SP2 nad I had no problems installing the software.
After a reboot (prompted) I just logged in and plugged in via USB. Within a couple of secs I was up amd running. No other problems.

The only minor point against it is finding the name of the mouse when you are installing the software. I know it sounds daft, but the install software is generic for most Microsoft keboards \ mice and it asks you which ones you have. You have to look underneath the mouse to get the right name. There are plenty of very similar sounding mice and I'm not sure of the implications of picking the wrong one.

Other than that quibble I haven't found a fault. A great replacement for my MS Natural keyboard.


Let Down   August 27, 2005
T. M. Booth (UK)
4 out of 11 found this review helpful

Says on the box 'package contains enhanced UK English 105-key layout'. Sorry Microsoft but this is a U.S. keyboard layout. In shift mode Key 2 is @, while key 3 is $. Not a in site.

Looking at it, the kit is pleasing as is the feel (especially the zoom facility and the cushioned palm rest) but I could not get it connected at all. The procedure involved in doing this is quite simple as I am used to Microsoft Wireless Desktops and the Intellipoint/type software that accompanies them, but I could not get the keyboard to connect at all. Some success with the mouse when connected via USB but thats about it.

How are you meant to look at the troubleshooting part of the read me files on the disk when you can't even log on?

No amount of trawling through the Microsoft FAQ's helped and I am left with a duff piece of kit. Looks like an exchange is on the cards.


Not So Easy   June 15, 2005
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I am giving 3 stars to this product and only wish it could be 5. It is given its stars for superb looks and evident fantastic array of facilities. Unfortunately I was not able to access them. My computer has a good spec and runs XPHome with SP2. It should have all that is required, and more, than the keyboard and mouse require. So, follow the simple instructions supplied, which are, download the software from disc supplied. Load batteries into board and mouse, plug receiver into a USB port (while computer is on) and away you go. Alas, the result for me was a solid freeze. No matter what I did the mouse was dead and there was no response fom the keyboard. Eventually I put in a call to a local well qualified engineer. He freed the lock up, but was unable to activate keyboard and mouse. Finally we had to re-install my old hardware. Now obviously Microsoft do not produce rubbish and what went wrong, either a duff bit of kit or an unsolved interface problem is impossible to say. Didn't help that we were unable to access the on disc help files. If printout is possible at time of installation I would urge that you do so. A more comprehensive troubleshoot section in the book might have helped. The kit got a great write-up in 'Computer Active', so do not be put off. Just be aware that there can be problems.