Anyone Have an Opinion on WED8000?

Hi Everyone,

I just ordered the 'Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000'
(http://www.microsoft.com/uk/hardware...s.aspx?pid=080)
- I should get it on Tuesday.

There's not a lot of actual in-the-wild website/blog opinion/reviews on
this yet, and I'm wondering if any of you nice people own this kit and
can share your experiences?

Liam


--
limalicas

- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (4 X 3 GHz) 1333MHz FSB/12MB L2 Cache
- 8GB CORSAIR XMS2 800MHz
- 2TB SERIAL ATA II HDD / 32MB CACHE (7200rpm)
- 6x Blu-Ray BDR/3xHDD + 16x DVD±RW/4x Dual Lyr + 40x CDRW
- 20x Dual Layer LightScribe DVD Writer ±R/±RW/RAM
- 768MB GEFORCE 8800GTX PCI Express
- Sound Blaster® X-Fi Elite Pro
- CoolerMaster CM Stacker 831
- ASUS SILENT KNIGHT II PURE COPPER ULTRA COOLER
- 1010W Quiet Quad Rail PSU + 6x120mm Fans
- 2xLG L226WTQ 22 inch Widescreen: HDCP/DVI/2MS/1680 x1050

I have had mine for a couple of months or so. As soon as I saw it sitting on
the shelf at my local London Drugs store, I bought it.
I had been waiting several months for this keyboard to show up at retail
ever since I first heard about it.
The novelty of it has worn off, and it was rather expensive. However, since
my last keyboard lasted for many years, until finally the backspace key kept
getting stuck down, I figured if this lasts just as long it will be worth
the price. It has since been reduced in price a bit.
I needed a USB hub anyway, so that's like a 50 dollar bonus.
I keep forgetting about the customizable keys. I should set those up to use.
I like controlling my sound volume right on the keyboard. There are of
course cheaper keyboards with similar features. None have all the features
that this keyboard has such as rechargeable / backlighting. The mouse is
missing one button I use for "back", but I usually only use that button when
I am playing Halo. I think I might get an XBOX 360 controller for the
desktop anyways.
Some of the keys can be changed to do something else. For example, the key
to start a conversation with windows live or what ever, I instead use it to
stop playing the media I am watching.

"limalicas" <limalicas.33hu90@no-mx.forums.net> wrote in message
news:limalicas.33hu90@no-mx.forums.net...
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I just ordered the 'Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000'
> (http://www.microsoft.com/uk/hardware...s.aspx?pid=080)
> - I should get it on Tuesday.
>
> There's not a lot of actual in-the-wild website/blog opinion/reviews on
> this yet, and I'm wondering if any of you nice people own this kit and
> can share your experiences?
>
> Liam
>
>
> --
> limalicas
>
> - Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (4 X 3 GHz) 1333MHz FSB/12MB L2 Cache
> - 8GB CORSAIR XMS2 800MHz
> - 2TB SERIAL ATA II HDD / 32MB CACHE (7200rpm)
> - 6x Blu-Ray BDR/3xHDD + 16x DVD±RW/4x Dual Lyr + 40x CDRW
> - 20x Dual Layer LightScribe DVD Writer ±R/±RW/RAM
> - 768MB GEFORCE 8800GTX PCI Express
> - Sound Blaster® X-Fi Elite Pro
> - CoolerMaster CM Stacker 831
> - ASUS SILENT KNIGHT II PURE COPPER ULTRA COOLER
> - 1010W Quiet Quad Rail PSU + 6x120mm Fans
> - 2xLG L226WTQ 22 inch Widescreen: HDCP/DVI/2MS/1680 x1050

Hi Gary,

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. Seems like
you're happy with the desktop, which is good news :-)

It is expensive, yes, and I was slightly put-off by that. But truth is,
I've used Microsoft keyboards and mice since... well, -always-, and they
are definitely the best build quality available. My last Microsoft
desktop lasted for nearly five years, and it was a shame when it finally
died (mouse is fine, but keyboard suddenly had a little fit and has
refused to work since!)

If this manages to last for at least as long, it'll be the equivalent
of £30 per year (or £2.50 per month), and using it every day, especially
if I train myself to use all the added features, will be real value for
money. Anyway, the back-lighting pays for itself, considering the hours
I spend video editing late at night!

Thanks again for your answer - really helpful.

Liam


--
limalicas

- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (4 X 3 GHz) 1333MHz FSB/12MB L2 Cache
- 8GB CORSAIR XMS2 800MHz
- 2TB SERIAL ATA II HDD / 32MB CACHE (7200rpm)
- 6x Blu-Ray BDR/3xHDD + 16x DVD±RW/4x Dual Lyr + 40x CDRW
- 20x Dual Layer LightScribe DVD Writer ±R/±RW/RAM
- 768MB GEFORCE 8800GTX PCI Express
- Sound Blaster® X-Fi Elite Pro
- CoolerMaster CM Stacker 831
- ASUS SILENT KNIGHT II PURE COPPER ULTRA COOLER
- 1010W Quiet Quad Rail PSU + 6x120mm Fans
- 2xLG L226WTQ 22 inch Widescreen: HDCP/DVI/2MS/1680 x1050