Wireless desktops _ a mouse and keyboard combination _ have become increasingly popular among computer users, as cables become redundant and space comes at more of a premium.

I went on the hunt recently for a wireless desktop for my simplified HTPC (home theatre PC) setup, and encountered mainly Microsoft and Logitech models on Bangkok shelves.

To make a potential decision between the two easier, here is a comparison between two similarly priced offerings, one from each manufacturer _ the Microsoft Laser Desktop 6000 v3 and the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710. Let's have a look at what separates them and which way you might lean.

KEYBOARD

The Microsoft 6000 features an elegant thin lip that encases the perimeter of the device. It has an ergonomic wave-shaped design that appeals to the eye.

The Logitech MK710, on the other hand, is a flat panel that houses straight lines of keys while the outer edge features some curves for visual effect.

Both keyboards wirelessly connect via a USB dongle. The 6000s can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for transport, while the MK710's dongle is far less intrusive, only protruding about 3mm from the USB port.

Both units feature customisable extra keys, while the 6000 has separated function buttons, rather than the traditional groups of four, making touch navigation a little more difficult than with the MK710's more standard layout.

The 6000's keys are soft to the touch, with good tactile feedback, while the KM710s are slightly more plasticky, rigid and audible in use. The latter are not quite housed in a flat panel like a notebook, but are still a little smaller than a traditional box-type desktop keyboard that is easier to navigate with its familiar topography.

A rubbery palm rest provides soft support on both units, helping to minimise RSI for long-term users.

The MK710 also features a small LCD display to indicate Caps, Num, Scroll Lock and battery levels, which comes in handy, but uses precious battery resources. When will they develop a keyboard that stores the kinetic energy created from all the typing?

MOUSE

The 6000 mouse is nicely curved to fit in the hand, but the scroll wheel is thin and sometimes hard to click without scrolling, resulting in incorrect selections and frustration, while left-handers have complained that it isn't contoured for them.

The MK710 is curved also, but the buttons are difficult to press on the slightly undersized unit, and the "frictionless" scrolling wheel suffers a similar fate in that it is too sensitive and temperamental.

PERFORMANCE

The 6000 and MK710 both use wireless 2.4GHz for connectivity. Although later models have taken up Bluetooth connectivity, the wireless technology still reigns supreme with its longer range and better performance.

Both models claim a range of 10m under "ideal conditions", but the 6000 offers closer to 4m, while the MK710 reaches to around 5m or 6m.

Both are plug-and-play devices, and installing a dedicated driver and software unlocks the extra functions and allows for button customisation.

BATTERY LIFE

Both keyboards and mice use two AA batteries. Microsoft claims that most users will get more than six months of battery life, which sounds plausible, while Logitech brags three years, which seemed less likely because of the LCD display on the keyboard ... only time will tell.

VERDICT

All things weighed up, there isn't a lot to distinguish the two. The 6000 is a solid package with good performance and some nice features, but isn't the cheapest. It's probably not worth upgrading to from a recent model, but is a decent entry-level model.

The MK710 is similar in that it also has good features (LCD indicator) and better range, but is also a little pricey.

To suit my purposes for an HTPC, I chose the MK710 for its extra range and slightly lower price, but I could have easily opted for either model, especially if offered on sale for a lower price. It's really a case of personal preference.