It might seem like there's not that much to a keyboard or mouse. On the contrary, given that just about every interaction you have with your PC is through one of these devices, it's critically important to choose something that is comfortable and efficient.
Microsoft has recently refreshed its line of keyboards and mice, and has included a number of new features to tempt you. Firstly, the mouse. There are two new designs: the top-end Intellimouse Explorer, with a new ergonomic design, priced at $129.95, and the more basic Wireless Optical Mouse, which is ambidextrous, not quite as comfortable, but is cheaper at $99.95. Both feature an updated optical sensor that consumes less power than the last generation. This leads to an excellent six month battery life on two (supplied) AA batteries, and they can even run on a single battery for three months if need be.
The other main feature of the new mice is the Tilt Wheel, which is basically a smooth-scrolling wheel that can be tilted side to side for horizontal scrolling. While you might not need horizontal scrolling nearly as much as vertical, it is a nifty feature if you use large spreadsheets or edit large images.
One criticism of earlier wireless mice, especially from gamers, was the lag and low resolution, which is a result of the update rate between the mouse and wireless receiver. Both have been improved with the new generation, and the resolution is equivalent to that of a wired mouse, and the lag has been reduced below 30ms - although hardcore gamers may still want to give one a test before firing up Half-Life 2.
The Elite keyboard is an evolution of the previous Office keyboard, and sports many of the same features, such as function keys that perform more common tasks than the default (so F3 is redo instead of search etc); hot keys for opening your 'My' folders or launching apps; a scroll wheel on the left hand side of the keyboard (which is also a new Tilt Wheel); and a slight rearrangement of keys, so a double-height Delete key is directly above the arrow keys - a far more intuitive location than the default. Besides the Tilt Wheel, the Elite keyboard also has programmable My Favourites hot keys.
Microsoft discovered that while all the hot keys are programmable, apparently very few people actually delved into the software to program them. The new My Favourite keys are modelled after your car stereo, so when you're on a Webpage, document or application you want to come back to, just hold down one of the keys, and it's locked in. Another new addition is the Multimedia Center, with volume and other controls for your media player.
In terms of looks, Microsoft strongly believes 'personalisation' will be the way of the future, and this release of products reflects this philosophy by coming in a range of colours, and even textures. In addition to the usual blacks, greys and blues you can also get a faux leather texture on the palm rest of the Elite keyboard and the mouse (pictured here). The texture is actually quite comfortable, and you probably won't want to go back to hard plastic again any time soon. There is even a patterned mouse available, with more patterns and designs to be released in the future.
Besides the individual products, there are a number of bundles, such as the Desktop Elite, with the top-end keyboard and Intellimouse Explorer (without leather) for $229.95. This is quite expensive, and more than the equivalent top-end Logitech offering, although it does have better design and features overall. The price may keep it out of reach of many users, but if you want the best, then this is the obvious choice.