I just read a review of the MS media center keyboard on this website,
http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=494&Itemid=51


I did a search on the forum and haven't been able to locate any threads where people have been discussing it.

Does anyone here use this keyboard ?

I'm actually looking for a place in Canada that sells this product, I did a lot of Googling and can't find one vendor in Canada that sells it.... but perhaps somebody knows of a computer store that sells it.

I hope somebody can help me out, thanks much in advance :)

It just came out.

When I spoke to reps from MS a few weeks ago they told me that it would be available in most major retailers (i.e./ BB or FS.)

Hi Hugh,

Thanks for the info. I was going to order from the States, but with the duties, and tarifs, and not to mention brokerage fees from FedEx, sometimes things aren't worth it. Anyway thanks for the info, I will call around and see when it is available. Thanks ! :D

I have it...I got it at a Best Buy in Niagara Falls NY.

I love the keyboard except for the mouse. I wish they put a rolling ball rather than the mouse they used.

Other than that, I'm happy with it.

I did read somewhere that it was a Best Buy exclusive until sometime in November. The Best Buys in Ontario have never heard of the product.

Hi there, thanks for posting that great info ! ... I just called 2 BestBuys and 3 Futureshops in my area ( Ottawa ) and they have never heard of it yet :( ... it is not even in their computer systems.

HOw much did you pay for it ? if you don't mind me asking ?... I would love to know this so I can compare the price to the States.

Thanks for those links I'm going to check them out .

it was $99.99 u.s.

Oh my..... I feel like a dope ! ... I didn't realize yesterday when I read your post that you were in New York ! --- oops ( insert red face icon here )

I told my wife you were in the Toronto area for some reason, I guess I was in a rush and didn't read it properly.

Ok, well that explains it then, why nobody has them yet. Anyway I can have the keyboard shipped to my door for $126.09 CDN including shipping, exchange on our money, duties and brokerage fees. U gotta love BorderFree out of Toronto for that, I've been using them for about 4 years now.

anyway thanks for again for the info. I guess it goes to show you, slow down and read carefully ;)

actually i'm in Hamilton....I drove over to Niagara Falls NY to pick it up

Saw one here though i never bought one.

http://www.logiccomputerhouse.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=9193


Dubble

I have one for a while already. I pick up locally. Canadacomputers also have it for sometimes.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007845&cid=PE.703

Can't believe you found that :(

I just ordered the keyboard from the States yesterday... a total of $126.xx delivered to my door. I hope Canada Computers charges a good $20 for shipping, then I'll feel better as I didn't blow too much money over their price.

I just checked now, and found it... it's the last item on their list... I don't know how I was so blind :(

a total of $82.80 for the keyboard including taxes.

$126.00 - $83 = $43 ... so if their shipping is $20... then I'm still out
$23 ... yuck.

And I thought I really checked their site... just goes to show you, you should really check properly.


http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007845&cid=PE.703

Are you not local? Canada computers has i believe 6-7 locations.......also Summit direct has it for 79.99.........but they will price match

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16337&manufacture=Microsoft&promoid=1001

$60+SHIPPING for an oem with out reciever

Is the wireless RF or IR?

For those that own it, how about a little review?

Does it work well? Inside MCE? Outside MCE? Can it do mouse function within/outside MCE?

I bought the keyboard about a month ago from London Drugs for $150 for my HP 7176 which already had the full function remote control. I purchased it because I was constantly getting off of my couch to type and my 3 year old son was always hitting the keys on the keyboard causing numerous problems. Since owning the keyboard I have curbed those two issues. The wireless IR capability is great as I can be at max. 30 ft. away and it still works. The keyboard lock capability is great as it is engaged by a single switch located on the front of the keyboard. This works wonderful and my son can bang on it as much as he wants without any problems. As well the switch is so small he will never find it. The functionality of the keyboard is indentical to the remote so at one point I thought it was a little redundant to make the purchase, but soon came to realize that the keyboard is essential for fast typing. As mentioned before in an earlier post, the mouse can be very tricky, it takes a lot of getting use too. It is actually more touchy than the first generation mouse that one would find on the middle of a laptop keyboard. You tend to find yourself almost steering the keyboard in the air trying to hover the pointer over the intended spot. That would be the only draw back to the whole keyboard. Other than that it looks pretty sharp and is a nice width for resting on your knees and typing. Some other keyboards do not span well across your legs, as well the mouse can really only be used in this position as placing flat on a table may be even more difficult to use the mouse. I believe HP has a keyboard with a roller mouse on it which maybe a lot easier to use.

Smokey

I've used many types of 'wireless' keyboard/mouse setups.

I have the MCE 3 in 1, and Adesso RF, and a Gyration combo. Personally, my favourite is the Gryation combo.

As for the MCE 3 in 1. It's a very versatile device. It's a keyboard, mouse, and MCE remote control; Looks very cool too. I find the MCE infrared works very good from distances as far as 15 feet away, and from some extreme angles. I've even blocked the IR receiver completely and it was still receiving.

The keyboard functionality is great. Works just as expected :D. The remote functions are pretty cool too. Although it takes some getting used to - because the button placements are obviously different than the standard MCE remote. The one thing I don't like about this product is the mouse. The pointer is very difficult to master. I default mouse acceleration settings make the pointer way too sensitive. I'll fly all over the screen before getting to the spot I want. I found that decreasing the sensitivity makes it a bit more controllable.

The locking feature is really good. Don't have to worry about killing the batteries by accidentally pushing and holding a button.

Overall, it’s a good product. If the mouse was better, it would be the perfect product. I don't think it'll replace my remote. And my Adesso, and Gyration pointers are much more accurate.

I have heard that the mouse was it's weak spot. Still, very tempting for myself!

I have not have the best luck with the mouse either.
however I am work and just had a thought that I cant test until I get home so maybe some can look at this during the day.

If someone can check if the control panel mouse settings are functional for the keyboard mouse.
under motion change to smart move and low or no acceleration
I usually have smart move turned off but really for media center it is the optimal setting to have turned on.

this could really help with the mouse problems, but im just not sure if the keyboard mouse would be covered by "mouse settings"