[Jubei]

I actually prefer Microsoft keyboards and mice to Logitech for some reason. Currently using Wireless Keyboard 1000 and Laser Mouse 6000 v2.

 

[fraseyboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif My joystick has mouse control and buttons too. Beat ya.

My joystick has a keyboard on it.

Beat ya times ten.

 

[Caution]

Ergonomic Keyboards. Yuck!

 

[tenzip]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caution /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ergonomic Keyboards. Yuck!

I loved mine, but then I started doing support work, and it bothered me somehow to switch back and forth when I was working on someone else's PC, so I switched back to a standard 'flat' KB. I've since gotten over the issue, and switched back to an ergo. I've found that as a touch typist, if I just don't think about it being different, I don't have a problem.

As far as who makes them, I'm sure MS owns the company, but MS is a software company. I'm sure they just bought a manufacturer of these devices, and said, "We are Microsoft, you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile." And voila, we have MS KBs and mice. I have no proof or citations, just a strong feeling it went down this way.

Again, overall the products are good, I just prefer Logitech's stuff because of the excellent customer service and particularly the software. Plus, (and maybe this has changed), the range on MS wireless KB and mice used to be somewhere under a foot. Pissed me off to have to pick up my mouse and "show" it where the receiver was every 5 minutes. It kind of defeats the purpose of having a wireless mouse if you have to have the receiver with it's cord sitting on the mousepad with the mouse. After a month or so, I finally threw it against the cinder block wall in the server room, and felt much better.

 

[krmathis]

Good for you!

 

[iriverdude]

Microsoft keyboards are WMD's. Apple Mac peripherals however are made by playskool.

 

[boozcool]

Not to say PCs don't have their fare share of problems, but Macs in general seem to be developed by playskool
Although developing computers for the majority of baby boomers who are not so computer savvy is an ingenious tactic which is paying back in spades

 

[mark2410]

i agree with the op, microsoft peripherals are all great, everyone ive ever used ive liked

i may not love their software but i cant fault their hardware

 

[KONAKONA]

Microsoft: Maker of excellent peripherals and so-so software.

Love that quote.

 

[terrymx]

I do have to agree Microsoft understand how design keyboards, I find too many other brands which has goofy keyboard layout no matter how much they charge. Although I can't use them because they are all wireless which I have a lot of bad experience with.

I want these keyboards by Ortek, but they don't seem to sell retail.

Right now I'm using the Logitech illuminate keyboard, even though I don't have to stare at the keyboard while typing, I don't think I can go back to non-lighted keyboards.

 

[Gatto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif Microsoft keyboards are WMD's. Apple Mac peripherals however are made by playskool.

even as a mac geek I must agree, I've never touched a more annoying mouse then the wireless mighty mouse.

 

[iriverdude]

Worse design ever.

 

[catachresis]

I would remind folks, strictly off the record, that whether you prefer Logitec or not, one of the truly, consistently good things about the Microsoft mouse is that they all have a virtual lifetime warranty. When one ceases to function (due to a cause other than obvious physical abuse) the owner can contact Microsoft and, after registering the item, request that it be 'repaired'. In lieu of repair, Microsoft will RMA it and provide either a new version of the same model or a commensurate newer version if the old model is out of production.

I did IT work for a number of years and convinced many people to purchase the original Intellimouse Explorer Laser Mouse (the first). Over the years, these did break down, but I personally RMAed 3 of them. Microsoft replaced every one.

Come to think of it, my dear old dad is still stubbornly using his original Intellimouse Explorer. It's the one one I know of that's still in daily service.

 

[Moontan13]

My daughter occasionally spilled drinks onto her keyboards. M$ KB's looked nice enough for teen-girl fashion sense and were fairly inexpensive replacements. I just got a M$ Digital Media Pro for use with my laptop. It was on sale for $15, and all the functions worked without special drivers in Vista Basic.

I greatly prefer the IBM model M keyboard for gaming as my hands are large and the M has big keys and enough heft to keep me from pushing it around. They're not made any more unfortunately. I got mine from the salvage bins at my place of work.

 

[Arainach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catachresis /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would remind folks, strictly off the record, that whether you prefer Logitec or not, one of the truly, consistently good things about the Microsoft mouse is that they all have a virtual lifetime warranty. When one ceases to function (due to a cause other than obvious physical abuse) the owner can contact Microsoft and, after registering the item, request that it be 'repaired'. In lieu of repair, Microsoft will RMA it and provide either a new version of the same model or a commensurate newer version if the old model is out of production. I did IT work for a number of years and convinced many people to purchase the original Intellimouse Explorer Laser Mouse (the first). Over the years, these did break down, but I personally RMAed 3 of them. Microsoft replaced every one. Come to think of it, my dear old dad is still stubbornly using his original Intellimouse Explorer. It's the one one I know of that's still in daily service.

For a time, you could pull the same thing with Logitech. After they discontinued the MX510, I called them and reported that a button in mine had stopped functioning and they replaced it with an MX518 free of charge. That 518 is still the primary mouse on my gaming computer.