The retail Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 features the standard array of bundled components, including the wireless keyboard and mouse, along with the shared receiver, four AA Energizer batteries, a driver CD, and a hardcopy manual. This includes all the basics, and Microsoft has ensured there is everything needed to get up and running. The "Get Started" user manual is actually quite comprehensive and treats this desktop combo like a real piece of hardware, with step-by-step instructions and trouble-shooting tips.
The physical installation is no more involved than a standard mouse-keyboard, and in many ways, is actually easier. The receiver hub is attached to the PC (USB or PS/2) and is then positioned in a prime location with point-of-view access to the keyboard and mouse. After that, you can power up and hit the "connect" button on the three pieces of hardware, allowing the selection of an optimum RF channel. It's then time for the driver load, and at the end, a quick check of the Wireless driver tab to check the signal quality. This is an important step, and a quick repositioning of the receiver hub can really help overall wireless response times and performance, especially for the keyboard.
The Microsoft software comes in two specific packages, IntelliPoint for the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and IntelliType Pro for the Wireless Comfort Keyboard. These take the form of driver tabs that handle basic features, as well as offering differing customizations to the button and key functions. The Microsoft IntelliPoint software starts off with the Buttons tab, which allows the mouse buttons and scroll wheel to be customized. A nice feature of this driver tab is the the appropriate button lights up when activated through the software, so there is no chance of confusion. A program specific section offers customized mouse settings when a program is loaded, and adds a whole new level to the functionality.
There is also a Wireless tab, which displays both the battery level and wireless signal quality using green level indicators. Since the mouse does not have any power indicator lights, this tab is integral for monitoring battery levels. There are the standard Pointer and Pointer Option tabs, as well as an area to set the vertical and horizontal scrolling speed.
The Microsoft IntelliType Pro software covers off the keyboard drivers, and includes many of the same features as the IntelliPoint mouse software. Many of the keyboard buttons can be customized using the Key Settings driver tab, and can include both program-specific tasks and general key assignments. The Zooming tab controls the speed of the zooming function, as well as enabling/disabling its use, and activating accelerated zooming.
The Wireless tab is virtually identical to that found in the IntelliPoint drivers, and displays both the keyboard battery level and signal quality. The IntelliType Pro software also enables on-screen indicators for many popular features like Volume, Caps Lock and Num Lock, which pop up when these features are enabled/disabled or adjusted.
