Conclusion

The Microsoft Media Center IR keyboard is a great concept and has all the features you need for your Media Center PC.  Unfortunately the implementation is severely lacking to the point that it cripples its full potential. Using IR-only technology seems like a good idea so consumers can use their existing IR remote receiver, but the mouse support is horrible, and fast typing is impossible.

This keyboard does make finding shows and jumping to channels much easier, and the seperation of the controls on either side of the keybaord is intuitive.  Due to its size, this keyboard is not exactly a remote replacement, but offers features above the standard MCE remote.  There are also some keys that don't work properly or have undesired results.

Because the keyboard relies on the Media Center IR receiver, it is useless for system maintenance.  You'll still have to whip out a different keyboard if you want to mess with BIOS settings or do anything outside of Windows.  If Microsoft had only included a cheap USB-based RF receiver then nearly every problem with this keyboard would be eliminated.

After considering all of the facts, you'll realize that this is just a really big remote for your Media Center PC.  It's alot harder to lose in your couch cushions, which is the only reason it still exists in my house.

	REPORT CARD : Microsoft Media Center Keyboar category rating comments Quality 4 Well built and somewhat sturdy Innovation 3 Good design optimized for Media Center PCs, but IR limits its usefulness Performance 1 No fast typing, and mouse support is horrid over IR Installation 1 Your MCE must be working before this keyboard will.  Useless in BIOS or when installing the OS. Value 3 $40 isn't bad for a big remote, just keep its limitations in mind.   FINAL VERDICT: 2 out of 5 stars

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Page 4 of 4 1 : Keyboard + Mouse + Remote 2 : A Closer Look 3 : The Bad 4 : Conclusion

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