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 Location:  Home » Camera » Keyboards » Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 )January 9, 2009  
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Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 )
Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition ( ZV1-00004 )
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List Price: $99.95
Buy New: $75.00
You Save: $24.95 (25%)
Buy New/Used from $42.95

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(based on 35 reviews)
Category: CE

Publisher: Microsoft
Studio: Microsoft
Brand: Microsoft
Label: Microsoft
Color: N/A
Media: Electronics
Autographed: 0
Memorabilia: 0
Batteries Included: 0
Keyboard: QWERTY
Warranty: 3 years warranty
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.5
Dimensions (in): 6 x 19 x 2

MPN: ZV1-00004
Model: ZV1-00004
UPC: 882224004152
EAN: 0882224004152
ASIN: B000AOAAN8

Release Date: September 22, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • 3-in-1 keyboard, remote and integrated mouse to control Media Center PC functions with just one device
  • 30 feet wireless range
  • 116 keys, key lock prevents your keyboard from being turned on by mistake
  • One button quickly launches Media Center PC functions
  • Backlit media keys control your Media Center PC, control TV power and volume control right from the keyboard

Accessories:

  • DataVac PC Personal Cleaner

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Editorial Reviews:

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:   Read 30 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Remote Keyboard for Media Center   December 24, 2008
I have had this product for about 2 years and I would agree the mouse control is something to be desired. That said, users who frequently use the J-mouse on their laptops will have no problem using this.

Cons: Mouse control lacks sensitivity for movement control making standard browsing somewhat painful.

Pros: Easier than the standard remote to search for your favorite shows without the "Guide" plus the added bonus of using the PC functions.

In the future it would be great for MS to replace the mouse stick with a trackball.

If the primary function is PC use and not as an entertainment PC you may get frustrated by the mouse control, however, if you can get past it and/or if your primary function is as an entertainment PC this keyboard is a great buy!



3 out of 5 stars Needs More Lit Keys   September 7, 2008
  0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Agree with previous comments regarding pointer being difficult to use and getting better with more use/experience. Other than that, I'd recommend an option to have ALL keys lit instead of just the keys to either side of the normal keyboard. Would be a drain on battery life, but would make it much easier to find certain keys in the dark (e.g. Backspace, Delete, etc.).


5 out of 5 stars Great Keyboard for Media Center   August 29, 2008
In our house we've had DVRs since 2000 starting with our first TiVo. When Microsoft brought out the Media Center PC we slowly started adding them to our house as well. We now have 4 active MCE setups that pull into our main MCE in the family room. The unfortunate side effect was that we'd always have to find a way to hide the keyboard/mouse for that main PC in order to use them conveniently. Add the clutter of various remote controls and I just had to do something to streamline the situation. Anyway, after looking at many various solutions I remembered this keyboard coming out several years ago. At the time I felt it was too expensive and, as we didn't yet have a MCE in the family room, felt it was un-necessary. I was disappointed to realize that Microsoft was no longer making these keyboards, but happy to find them still being sold here on Amazon. I picked one up from Cheap Guys Computers (awesome!) for $25 and am thrilled to have done so. This keyboard eliminates the need for a mouse, keyboard and remote. They're all consolidated into its small form factor. The layout is extremely well designed with the buttons being accessible by touch on either side of the board. The only flaw I see is that the mouse functions are a bit rough, I wouldn't use it for heavy duty mousing, but for the occasional need it's perfectly suitable.

The other bonus for us the keyboard has the ability to be programed to turn the TV on and off and to control the volume. So we've also eliminated the need for a 2nd remote for those functions.

If you're looking for a solution for a MCE system used mostly for TV purposes this keyboard is a great addition.



1 out of 5 stars Horrible keyboard   August 26, 2008
  0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This kb/mouse combo is horrible and underdeveloped. The mouse button gets stuck, the IR connection is very weak and the mouse knob is extremely sluggish and unusable. I do not recommend this keyboard as you will be disappointed.


3 out of 5 stars Trouble with typing and mouse use   August 15, 2008
  0 out of 1 found this review helpful

First, you have to locate and download a patch for media center to get this to work, not a big problem. More importantly, this operates via IR which I thought would be OK, but ended up being a major problem. I often lost key strokes when typing. Also the "mouse" portion is difficult to use because you have to press down fairly hard to get it to register. I would not recommend this.

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