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As more personal computer manufacturers reimagine themselves as makers of entertainment devices, they are also redefining other things, such as keyboards that are no longer tethered to the desktop.

The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 7000 is one in a string of new keyboards designed by Microsoft, whose Windows Media Centre Edition represents a major stake in entertainment. It comes with the Microsoft Laser Mouse 8000, and the two communicate with the computer through Bluetooth wireless technology, which has a range of up to 10 metres.

The keyboard is thin and sexy, but a little idiosyncratic. Microsoft has rubberized the keys and made them quieter than their plastic cousins. It has made the function keys (F1 to F12) touch-sensitive areas in a metal strip at the top, activated like the navigator on an iPod. A series of other keys with dedicated functions (volume, start the Media Centre) is scattered around the rest of the keyboard.

The keyboard has the "comfort curve" design, which is halfway between the split and standard keyboards, with the keys in the middle a little larger. Those who don't need to look at the keyboard while they type report satisfaction with this design, but it must be a little difficult to adjust to the larger keys. The arrow keys are also crammed in with the rest of the keys, like in a laptop, and are difficult to find in the dark. The touch-sensitive function keys will respond to the lightest touch, which can dramatically change what you're doing with one unintentional move.

These are quirks; users might find other functions more puzzling.

Both the keyboard and mouse require batteries - four AA batteries for the keyboard and one rechargeable AA battery for the mouse (all included), which recharges itself in a cradle. And the mouse cradle must be plugged into an AC outlet.

All this means occasionally having to replace exhausted batteries, and since the mouse cradle is usually in a fixed place away from the computer, the bias of the design is to keep the keyboard and mouse away from the computer. So if you want to use the computer as a computer, you will have to remember to put the mouse back in its cradle, wherever it might be, once you're finished.

The keyboard is well designed aesthetically, and for some people it might be ideal, less so for others. Or one can wait for an improved model, the 8000, due next month.

This is one product, then, that requires a little more prepurchase soul searching than usual for such a device.

For Jack Kapica's full review, go to the Personal Tech section of globetechnology.com

jkapica@globeandmail.com