Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 )

Average customer rating: 3.0

OK
MISREPRESENTED KEYBOARD
Decent addition to HTPC, but flaws spoil the fun
Amazing
Poor design

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Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 )

Manufacturer: Microsoft
Product Group: CE
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B000AOAAN8
2005-09-22

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Product Description

Control all the functions of your Media Center PC, including playing movies, surfing the Web, playing music and viewing digital photos, without getting out of your chair. Lighted keys make it easy to see in the dark, so you don't have to turn on the lights. Cursor control and click/right-click keys allow for easy navigation Sleek profile and compact design for easy use on your lap Spill-resistant design 4 AA alkaline batteries included Compatible with a Media Center PC that runs Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 or later and has a Windows Media Center receiver 116 Multimedia Keys Port Connection Wireless infrared Mouse Included

Customer Reviews:

OK.......2007-05-16

I was a little disappointed. Mouse is weak. It's convenient. Feels pretty good in your hands. At worst it's a nice keyboard. I'll probably get my money's worth. I don't expect it's the best of its kind.

MISREPRESENTED KEYBOARD.......2007-02-23

I am under the impression that I have been swindled: Microsoft on its packaging, and Amazon in its web writeup, announce this as a "REMOTE KEYBOARD FOR WINDOWS XP MEDIA CENTER EDITION".

I have both a VAIO Laptop with XP Media Center Edition, and a PC with MS Media Center Edition, but neither will work with this Keyboard.

The small print inside the box says I have to buy a 'MEDIA CENTER PC EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER MS RECEIVER...!" for this to connect to. Absolutely preposterous. Nowhere outside the box, nor in Amazon's desciption, is there a warning that this SEVERE limitation exists.

So what do I do with this keyboard now?

Can somebody supply me with a receiver I can connect to my PC?

Or have I really been swindled?

Decent addition to HTPC, but flaws spoil the fun.......2007-01-30

The good: The keyboard is comfortable, the layout is really smart for right-handers, the IR is strong so I've found transmission to be reliable.

The bad: Mouse control is very weird and hard to master. Also, there's a keylock switch which disables the keys (good for houses with kids). But the first manufacturing runs have a flaw which loses the "learned" commands for TV power and volume control when the keylock is enabled for too long (about an hour on mine). I've exchanged it already, but the new system Amazon sent has the same problem as the first. If I can't get Amazon or Microsoft to supply a newer model without the flaw, I'll return it and go to a brick-n-mortar so I can verify the part number before I purchase it. Part numbers ending in -001 are flawed, and part numbers ending in -002 are fixed, according to online discussion posts.

Amazing.......2007-01-03

Amazing keybioard stylish and functional but you will definitly need the IR receiver from microsot, it will work if u have a remote control wit a receiver also by microsoft.
go for it... if you need MSN, tv, music functions...!

Poor design.......2006-12-13

For the price you pay, you'd think it would at least be functional.
I should have read the reviews before purchasing. I thought the mouse was defective and almost through the keyboard through my wall in frustation. From what I've read, it's just the way it is.

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