To charge your keyboard and/or mouse, you simply slide them into the base station that is attached via USB to your PC. The base station includes 2 USB ports for charging and attaching other devices. The mouse that comes with this package is the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000. Both the mouse and keyboard feature a battery status indicator so you know how much battery life you have remaining before requiring a charge.
The keyboard includes many special function keys optimized for the HTPC: 1) Start button - one touch access to the Windows Start button, 2) Gadget button - reveals or hides the information you use most like weather or sports, 3) Media Center Start button - for launch Windows Media Center, and 4) Windows Live Call button - for quick access to your MSN Messenger client and contact list.
Features
- Wireless Bluetooth at 2.4 GHz with 30 ft. range
- Comfort Curve design keyboard
- Backlit keyboard
- USB base station with Bluetooth/Charging/USB hub
- Special media/communication/shortcut keys
- Includes Wireless Laser Mouse 8000
- Battery status indicator on mouse and keyboard
- Keyboard dimensions: 17.7 " x 0.77"
- $299
The 8000 will be released in stores on September 1st, 2007 and will retail for $300. The 8000 is next-generation model in the Entertainment Desktop line, preceded by the 7000 released in Q1 2007.