Microsoft Remote Keyboard (Windows XP Media Center Edition)

Pros: nice ergonomics, good reception

Cons: pointer, pointer, pointer

Summary: when i read the reviews before i bought it, i saw all the complaints about the pointer. i thought that the problem was that it was in an inconvenient spot, and that people didn't like the little eraser nubbin style of pointer. in fact, those are not the main problem. the problem is that it's the worst implementation of the nubbin-style pointer i've ever come across. the pointer must be pressed down at the same time as it is pushed in a given direction. it requires about as much pressure as opening a soda-pop can, which is to say, a lot more than you want to apply for any period of time. you can imagine the hand-cramps you would get trying to use it even for a morning "check your regular websites" session. the other problem with the pointer is that it is very hard to control.

this is a great product idea, and i do find it useful for as long as i am willing to torture myself with the pointer.