Wires everywhere! Our desk was a mess! And whenever you moved the mouse, the wire (which was stretched to the limit) would move the keyboard, or would bind, hindering the freeform use of the mouse. It was time to move into the 21st century, and get rid of those wires.

We have two computers, back-to-back, in our office. The other computer had already been upgraded to a wireless mouse. So one concern was that we didn't want a conflict between the two systems' wireless devices. The obvious answer, when we saw it, was to use an entirely different technology for the second system. AND we were able to get rid of TWO wires, by purchasing Microsoft's bundled Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. We followed the instalation instructions, which required that the OLD WIRED devices be used until the new wireless ones were recognized and verified as working. It went quickly, and we were in business. Until you've used wireless on these two previously-tethered staple devices, you just don't know what you're missing. It's easy for a left-hander to sit down and swap mouse sides without rearranging the cabes. You can pull the keyboard into your lap for more relaxed keying (if you, indeed, find that relaxing). Mostly, just being able to move the mouse without having that stupid wire attached to it was worth the package price, and the keyboard was just a bonus.

The goal was to eliminate wires. This package meets the goal. The extra keys on the keyboard are rarely used, in our environment. The alternate function key shift is a reasonable expansion, and we use that a bit. We do, however, get mixed up on which F-Lock position does what, and had to resort to a sticky-note on the upper-left to remind us that F-Lock ON means the f-keys are operational. We DO like the Mute and volume buttons, but the rest of the media player and favorites keys just don't do much for us.

One more thing. One day last week we thought it would be great to move the mouse to our laptop for a trip we were taking. We use a GPS program while travelling, and the mouse wire is just part of the jumble of wires on the seat and console. We failed to follow installation instructions, tho, and it did not work. Furthermore, since we unplugged from the desktop system (even tho it was turned off), the Bluetooth controler lost track of the mouse AND keyboard, and we had to go thru the manual's path of getting them recognized again. That was a pain! Those old wired devices were on a shelf in the storage room, and buried! Don't expect Plug 'n' Play from this technology, you'll need to do some finagling. Better to buy another Bluetooth mouse for the laptop and leave it connected.

Oh yeah, both keyboard and mouse require AA batteries (3 and 2, respectively) that DO run down. In our case, about three months is the max you can expect. Sometimes you get a low-battery warning, sometimes the device just quits. It's easily remedied by a fresh set, however.

In all, the wireless pair are highly recommended!