Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft has recently added new peripherals to update its product line; one of such peripherals is the company’s Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 keyboard and mouse duo. The product features a zoom slider, which would allow you to zoom in on pictures, maps, documents and webpages effortlessly. Similar to other mice in its product line, the second half of the Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 features Microsoft’s Tilt Wheel technology, which will essentially let you scroll through webpages horizontally and vertically.

As always, Microsoft promises comfort curve design in addition to an extended battery life. According to Microsoft, this particular duo has triple the battery life than other duos of its class. What we are starting to see with wireless technology is remedies to signal interference. Logitech adopted the 2.4GHz technology to improve and extend signal strength of its wireless products. Microsoft introduces an enhancement labeled "Smart Receiver" with the Optical Desktop 4000. Although it may not be as effective as Logitech’s 2.4GHz concept, the notion behind the Smart Receiver is to notify the user of the interference and then attempt to reduce it.

The suggested retail price for Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 is $84.95.

Initial Thoughts: Its yet another wireless desktop and mouse duo in Microsoft’s product line, and as always, the subtle improvements are clearly present. Although Microsoft has polished and redesigned certain aspects of the Optical Desktop 4000, there’s only so much you can do with keyboards and mice before crossing the fine line of ergonomics. The price, compared to previously launched products, isn’t too terrible either. If what Microsoft claims is true, this could very well be an affordable duo.