sigma.squared

There, I admitted it, but it does. I have not found general/business purpose hardware quite as high quality as Microsoft; this also coming from someone who 5 years ago considered the company name to be “the M word”. I have to admit as well, after seeing Windows 7, working on Windows 7 and being part of one of the first Windows 7 logo signed ISV’s, their software is just as good. Put the two together, and you have a winning combination.

So yes, today we bought some more Microsoft hardware to add to the collection. I also seem, for the most part hopefully, to have converted Bonita to the quality of the products (hence the ‘we’ in the previous sentence). As it stands, between the two of us we currently have the following:

• LifeCam VX-500
• LifeChat LX-3000
• Wireless Mouse 5000
• Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (at the office)
• Another Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (now at home)
• Wireless Keyboard 3000 v2.0 (part of Wireless Desktop 3000)
• Wireless Mouse 5000 (part of Wireless Desktop 3000)

LifeCam VX-500

It all started with me wanting a decent webcam, that isn’t going to cause XP to hang on startup (yes, they do this), isn’t going to require additional software (normally something out of the ark, written in a language from the creation), and isn’t going to cause a BSOD and kill my PC.   I figured I was running a MS operating system, so MS hardware is pretty guaranteed to work, and when I found the LifeCam with incorrect pricing on it I figured what the heck (sorry unnamed store!).   I opened up the box, sure enough no driver CD, but none was necessary, AND there was a basic Microsoft headset supplied.   The term headset is used loosely, it was an earphone with a mic attached lower down the cable, but better than nothing, and a great easter-egg if you are just getting started!

LifeChat LX-3000

A while after the webcam, I happened to step on my Altec Lansing headset, rendering it pretty useless; not even insulation tape could save it.   I decided that I would go for a Logitech, as that is what I have at the office, and it ROCKS.   Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the Altec, it is a killer headset, but I figured that after 4 years, it had given decent service and I needed to try something in the USB line instead of 35mm jack.   Upon seeing the price of the Logitech, I realised it was a tiny bit out of budget, so when I saw the LifeChat at CNA for a tiny bit less but still out of budget, I reckoned I’d just slap it on the Edgars account and pay it off.   I have never looked back, this headset is the best thing of its kind.   It fits around your ears, instead of on them, so you can wear it for hour after hour; it also seals completely, so even at full tilt no one around you can hear it.   It comes with inline controls, as well as a Microsoft LiveChat button to launch MSN.   One thing that would be nice would be to be able to program this button to launch any service of your choice, but hey, for this kind of audio quality vs the price I paid for these, I’m really not complaining.

Wireless Mouse 5000

I used to have another brand of wireless mouse, which will go unmentioned here.   Suffice to say I had issues with it from about 2 months in, and eventually after putting up with it for 3 years it found itself on the wrong side of the bedroom, against the wall, with a fair deal of acceleration behind it (I was sick, and pretty grumpy).   Needing to purchase another mouse, and wireless at that, I was (and still am) of the opinion that if you want a wireless input device, you buy Microsoft or Logitech.   End of story.   So I trundled off to Centurion mall, and eventually found a Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000.   What a killer little device!   It wasn’t the shape I was originally looking for, but it was nice and chunky (I like a chunky mouse).   It can easily be used in a left or right hand, and as with every other Microsoft device, it just works.   I have been using it now for probably around 6 months, and I have yet to replace the included batteries.   The 5 programmable buttons work like a charm as well!   The only thing that takes some getting used to, is that the 5-way scroll wheel does not have any sort of tactile response, it just rolls, but that is something that I absolutely love now!   It was due to this mouse that I recommended Bonita go for the Wireless Desktop 3000 as it was included in the package along with a great looking keyboard.

Comfort Curve 2000

At the office, I have been using a Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard on the off chance that it was lying around spare and my hand-me-down had shuffled off its mortal coil.   The curve took a good while to get used to, but yet again this is now something I cannot do without.   I despise typing on my laptop now as there is no curve, and I hit all sorts of random keys by mistake.   So, after getting fed up and finding the same keyboard at Game this morning, I bought it.   It has now inspired me to write this post, as I can’t stop raving about all the Microsoft hardware that is now sprawled out in front of me.   The Comfort Curve is Microsoft’s entry level keyboard, but still costs a fair packet more than its competitors for entry level, but you won’t get the, *ahem*, comfort with said competitors, nor will you get the programmable buttons at the top of the keyboard (you do need to download Intellitype Pro for reprogramming these, at around 15MB its worth it, and as mentioned before it won’t wipe out your machine).

Wireless Keyboard 3000 v2.0 (Wireless Desktop 3000)

The only piece of hardware at home now that I haven’t tried, is the Wireless Keyboard 3000 v2.0.   I think the main reason I haven’t tried it yet, is because Bonita is loving it so much and going on and on about it so much that I don’t think she would let me…   What I can say though, is that if Bonita raves about a keyboard, it MUST be good!   Again, all batteries were included!

So there you have it, our current arsenal of Microsoft products.   People complain that they have to pay exorbitant prices for the hardware, however it really is not that exorbitant.   Sure, their entry level stuff is more expensive than others, but you won’t find the build quality or support for the other stuff you can get, and their expensive stuff is leagues below the competition price wise.   People also complain regarding licenses, and I used to do so as well, however after using Windows 7 (and 2008 R2), I will gladly change my tune, however that is another post for another time…   If you have any Microsoft hardware, drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 and is filed under General Geekery, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.