Microsoft has come up with its latest webcam, LifeCam VX-5000, an improved version of the LifeCam NX-3000 which was launched last year. The VX-5000 offers a highly improved look and several features that weren’t there in the previous version. The VX-5000 camera is square in shape and is above a rubber stand that makes it easier to place on laptops and LCDs.

The camera moves from one side to other for around 30 degrees in either direction but it cannot be tilted. You can easily start video calls in your Windows IM by simple pressing a button on the camera, specifically made for this purpose. However, you need to be careful while adjusting the camera, as you might accidentally hit the button and begin a video call.

Apart from being very flexible and easy to use, the LifeCam VX-5000 gives much better performance in places with low visibility. In fact, the camera is so powerful that you get clear pictures even if the room is completely dark. The light coming from the screen is enough. Not only this, if the camera is turned towards someone sitting next to you and not a lot of light is falling on his face, the pictures will still be very clear.

It is generally seen that the picture quality of video conferencing is not as good as in comparison with video recording. The VX-5000 also has this problem but vis-a-vis its competitors, it still provides a much better picture quality. It definitely is a very good webcam and is fairly cheap, priced at £30. You wouldn’t find a better webcam at the same price.

The Microsoft Arc keyboard is a light keyboard with a wonderful design and great usability. It comes along with dual AAA -size batteries, a driver disc and a nano transceiver. Moreover, the keyboard has a vertical arc and an apex near the centre of the keyboard.  It narrows on either end with the keys finding their place in the arc.

Microsoft has definitely been able to create a stunning looking keyboard. However, the absence of the number pad in order to make it compact would certainly put off the users who have to make use of the number pad very frequently.

The directional pad of the keyboard does not seem to be suitable for gaming, though it is ideal for your HTPC. There are just six F-keys in the Microsoft Arc keyboard and the buttons for Delete, End, Home, Page Up and Page Down have been located in the same row along with the F-keys. Users would be able to access the F7 to F12 keys by making use of FN key as the modifier.

The keyboard also has a rocker switch with four way direction instead of the conventional arrow keys. The keyboard is also not very convenient for users who are more into gaming and word processing. The absence of proper arrow keys and number pad makes the extended use of the keyboard rather discomforting. Although, the keyboard is comparatively comfortable to type and better spaced, the absence of num pad and a shallow key travel may give the users an unpleasing experience.

To reduce the discomfort caused by prolonged use of computers, Microsoft Corporation has come up with the new Wireless Desktop 5000, which is ergonomist approved and designed in a way that reduces the stress faced by your wrists. The comfort level is further enhanced by the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard that comes combined with the desktop. Its design is already very popular among users for the sheer comfort that it provides.

The Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 keyboard ensure that the users get full value for their money. The best thing about this keyboard is that it not only improves your typing ergonomics but also lets you keep up with your productivity level. The keyboard comes with the latest soft-touch palm rest design which enhances the look and feel of it making it just perfect for any desk.

The Wireless Mouse 5000 that comes along with it has side grips which are made of rubber. The ambidextrous shape of the mouse means you can use it with both hands without making any compromises to your comfort level. The mouse also has the Microsoft Bluetrack technology which gives you the freedom and confidence to work on just about any surface. You can connect the mouse and keyboard wirelessly to your computer using the 2.4 GHz mini- transceiver which has a range of about 30 feet. The keyboard will also give the users the luxury of accessing the common tasks rather quickly with the help of the Device Stage feature. The Desktop is all set to be launched later this month.