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Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader
Aalaap Ghag, Dec 28, 2004 0000 hrs ISTWe received the new Optical Desktop combo set and believe me 'tis the season to be merry!
Standard key layout, conveniently placed favorites keys, all shortcuts configurable, fingerprint reader adds convenience to password entry, perfect weight distribution in mouse
F-lock needs to be turned on, although just once; small left Ctrl key; plastic wrist pad could be leather, mouse lags a bit
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The keyboard comes with a detachable hard plastic wrist-pad, which is not a good idea - the previous ones with the leather (fake leather, for you animal rights activists) were obviously more comfortable. If you take just the wrist pad, it looks like the sword of the Prince of Persia, an association that came quite naturally since we were quite busy with the game last week.
The only other complaint I have with the keyboard layout is the bottom-left curve that takes the nice chunky Right Ctrl key and turns it into a lemon quarter. I mostly hit that key with the side of my left hand, so it's not the most comfortable experience for me, but nothing a normal user needs to worry about. Other than that, the keys feel soft, yet clickety, but without the sound. A touch typist's keyboard? Yeah... I think this qualifies quite well for that. It's no TVSE Gold, but it's good to type on!
See that little red oval on the left side of the keyboard? That's the fingerprint reader. Microsoft had told us about this wonderful new gizmo (it's also available separately) that will make passwords a thing of the past. We had our own doubts, since replacing passwords with biometrics in all applications would take more than just additional software to accomplish. But they've pulled it off quite well - the included Digital Persona Password Manager 3.0 software lets you associate your fingerprints with your passwords, so you stick a finger into it, and it types out the password for you, in any application. Just come back from work, touch the fingerprint reader, and it quickly logs you in. You can thumb-in into Windows, MSN Messenger, and even websites like Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. But of course (we saw this one coming), web thumbing-in only works with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Boo! Negative points for you!
I have to point out that the disclaimer of the Digital Persona Password Manager application states that the fingerprint reader feature is NOT a security feature and is intended to be used only as a means of convenient logging in. It goes on to say that it should not be used to protect sensitive data, which should instead be taken care of by another method, such as a strong password. If you think about what it really does - recognizes fingerprints and types in the appropriate password for you - its fair enough to have such a disclaimer. In case your fingers are dirty or for some reason are not in a position to be used for thumbing-in, you can still key in the password the old way. Logging in requires only one of the credentials, a fingerprint OR a password, never both.
I noticed that the constant laser scanning happening in the fingerprint reader tends to make its surface a little warm after being used for a while. This isn't a big problem, but it makes you wonder if something's wrong with it. Also, it doesn't take the print if your fingers are wet... so don't wash your hands before trying to log in!
Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0
We have reviewed this mouse before, so we'll just run through it briefly. The mouse is wireless, runs on two or even a single AA battery and seems to last for quite a while. It's got a good shape it's comfortable to hold and its weight distribution is appropriate - heavier behind and lighter front. The broad base makes it one of the most comfortable mice I've used. The smooth scroll wheel is a blessing to use, however, the Tilt can't be configured to issue Back and Forward commands in a browser. That would have been a nice touch, I think. The mouse also seemed to lag a bit, which was not the case with the piece we received earlier, but this is extremely negligible. However, gamers may need to invest in a separate mouse.
The perfect Christmas gift?
Well, I'd be inclined to yell "YES!!" simply because there's finally a Microsoft keyboard with a sane six-pack page navigation button layout, and well, the fingering thing is definitely a lot of fun! It's got conveniently laid out shortcut keys, the feel of the keyboard is very typist-friendly and mouse is a great experience to use, too. However, whether it's a perfect desktop set or not is really up to you to decide. The mouse is wireless, but the keyboard is not. This does make more sense if you look at it from the correct angle you move the mouse much more than the keyboard, which usually stays on the desk. This also means that only the mouse requires batteries, so the idea saves power. Of course, if you want to put your feet up on the couch instead, then this isn't the right Optical Desktop for you.
At a price of Rs 6776 (MRP), though, I think you'd rather wait for Santa to get it for you next Christmas!
Test Unit Sourced From: Microsoft India
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