Microsoft Wireless Media Desktop 1000 review

Here are some things you won't find with every budget keyboard and mouse set: easy-to-follow setup instructions, batteries from a manufacturer you've actually heard of that might last more than ten minutes, and a helpful note on the USB receiver that reminds you to install the software first.

Ably supported by these extras, the stars of the show are a compact keyboard and a cheerfully old fashioned looking mouse, both wireless, along with that all-important radio frequency receiver to let them talk to your PC.

Setup is quick and straightforward, with the software installation the only bottleneck. It's then just a matter of pressing the respective buttons on the receiver, keyboard and mouse to link them up.

The keyboard has a media feel to it. It's thin and lightweight, but has a footprint almost equal to a standard unit. Within this, Microsoft has squeezed in a row of hot keys, broken up into three banks. Media keys cover volume and playback, while four more at the top left give you quick access to the likes of email and the web. Then there are five keys that, using the software provided, you can use to jump to programs of your choice.

The problem with including these is that it leaves the rest of the keyboard slightly cramped, and this, combined with the small distance the keys travel when typing, makes the Media Desktop less than comfortable to work with. An attachable wrist rest would have helped. On the upside, if you want to use it on your lap, it's pretty good at that.

The mouse, meanwhile, eschews the button-festooned innovation of its peers and offers a very traditional shape and feel. Aside from left and right clicks, a vertical scroll wheel is as far as the advanced features go, although we did find it very comfortable to use.

This is a low price for brand name wireless input devices, but it might be worth spending a little more, especially on the keyboard.