Interesting that it has a dedicated key for Messenger

Brent - do you know if it kicks in and can control the PC during the boot sequence (Bios edits etc.) and also if it handles Windows tasks OK - or does it only initialise when MCE fires up?

I need (want) it now!

From what I have heard, the release date of this puppy is the same date as the updated MCE launch - August 15

M

And remember guys, you heard it first here... As america wakes up, they are just beginning to report upon the device now....

eg. http://www.microsoft-watch.com/artic...1835912,00.asp

Heh heh - nice one Keith!

BTW - naughty Mary Jo - there was an embargo until the 12th, she posted that on the 11th - maybe we pricked her butt

If Mary Jo was naughty, then Chris Lainer is too... he linked to that post, and even linked to the microsoft update 2 days ago mentioning this software was required for the new keyboard !!!

Of course some people just cant keep quiet !!!!

Hungry for more information? Because of the differing time zones in this wonderful world, you heard the news first here, and now overnight even microsoft have finally caught up and posted official pages...

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mo...s.aspx?pid=040

and

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/p...ainmentPR.mspx

Additionally (I found the first online store having it listed) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1114639632946

Pity Best Buy does not ship overseas, but the price listed at the discount chain is USD$99.99 (which is the listed price anyway) - No stock, no indication of a date they will have the item - just a coming soon....

Microsoft's wireless keyboard operates both PC and TV

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/busine...ardware12.html

Since I detest all mouse-like gizmos that sit on keyboards I really don't see the point.
Actually I don't see the point at all, especially for the loungeroom MCE boxes.

My remote works just fine and my keyboard and mouse (M$ Bluetooth) are tucked away and rarely ever used.

Oz

I'm looking for a wireless keyboard/mouse solution but the lack of bluetooth has put me off this one. I think the size and design is about right.

I can't wait for this. The wireless keyboard/trackball I have is nice to use, but very unreliable (only works for 5 minutes, then you have to 'reboot' it by taking the batteries out/putting them back in!).

Maybe it just needs new batteries?

Oz

Tried that. Initially I thought it was because I was using rechargables, but the problem still persists with Duracell Ultra Expensive.

I should have been wary of buying something that came without a warranty 'due to high failure rate'.

At least it was only $45 ...

Sorry Brent, but I think that MS have dropped the ball in respect to using IR for a keyboard intended for a Media Centre.

IR is ok for remotes coz you can easily point it anywhere but this is a little inconvenient for a keyboard. I am sure I am not the only one who uses a projector with the MC situated at the rear of the room. Trying to look at the front of the room with the keyboard facing the rear is a little awkward.

I am sure MS will sell a motsa anyway but even as a fan of MS hardware, it will not be suitable for me.

Although I am dubious of using IR too... but there are problems with wireless and bluetooth - so no real answer suits everyone...

Your situation would be easily resolved by placing an IR repeater at the front of your room, so that it can just repeat the IR signals to the device where ever it is...