MaximumPC 2007 11

W

e’ve long admired Microsoft’s Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000; its

combination of a downward tilting typing surface and a split layout is

the perfect salve for our aching wrists. But we aren’t as fond of the Natural

Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, which is unfortunate, as the devices are paired

in one bundle for the weak-wristed.

The wireless version of the Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is virtually

identical to the wired one, but it communicates with your PC via a 2.4GHz

transmitter. The key action and layout of the two boards are the same;

the only differences between the two are that the wireless board sports

a slightly lighter color scheme and its status lights (for Caps Lock and its

cronies) are replaced by software toggles to conserve battery life, which is

good. The Ergo plank didn’t run down its two AA batteries after two months

of constant use.

The Natural Wireless Laser Mouse is another story. While we appreci-

ate that the mouse allows for a neutral hand position, which lets you grip it

in your hand’s most relaxed position, we don’t like the loss of precision that

holding the device like a soda can engenders. Even after several weeks of

use, we weren’t able to consistently make horizontal mouse movements; the

cursor invariably drifts down when you use your wrist to move the mouse

from right to left. We also wonder why this mouse requires standard dispos-

able batteries. Unlike keyboards, wireless mice need rechargeable batteries;

they simply suck up too much power to use standard AAs.

Although we were able to use the mouse for extended periods of

time unassisted, we don’t feel that this device is a significant improvement

over a more accurate, traditional mouse paired with a good gel-covered

wrist rest.

The keyboard is a good match for gamers, but we can’t recommend

the mouse for anyone who needs to make high-precision movements.

Unfortunately, this wireless keyboard’s score is brought down by

its subpar companion.

—Will Smith

Microsoft Natural

Ergonomic Desktop 7000

That’s one beauty of a keyboard, but we don’t like the mouse

 MAXIMUMPC november 2007

reviews Tes Ted. Reviewed. veRdic Tized

Ergonomic keyboards are a good thing, but ergonomic mice

leave something to be desired.

7

desktop 7000

$150, http://www.microsoft.com

“I

f at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Grin, the developer of Ghost

Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, took this adage to heart after the original

GRAW’s abysmally poor squad AI and mediocre missions failed to woo PC

gamers. Thankfully, the developer’s efforts are clearly noticeable in the

sequel, which impresses with both its improved AI pathfinding and new tac-

tically sound team controls.

You again fill the boots of Scott Mitchell, who has been sent to Mexico

to support loyalist troops defending against a violent rebellion. Your tasks of

keeping the peace, rescuing captured pilots, and recovering stolen nuclear

weapons are eased by the support of your Ghost squad, which exhibits deft

tactical skill. The improved team intelligence is a welcome necessity, as we

found enemy soldiers to be proficient sharpshooters able to pick us off if

we rushed too eagerly into a firefight. GRAW 2 definitely rewards the patient

planner over the fighter with an itchy trigger finger.

To prepare for infiltration missions and engagements at haciendas

and hydro-electric power plants, we were given fun new toys with which to

manage assaults. An overview map let us plot recon paths and cover posi-

tions for individual team members in real time, which was very reminiscent

of the effective pre-planning feature in the classic Rainbow Six games.

After executing carefully designed attack routes, we could also direct the

action from cameras mounted on teammates’ shoulders. This Cross-Com

system worked wonders for adjusting tactics on the fly, especially when the

team was spread across different points on a map.

But as fun as the action gets, it’s all over a bit too soon. The game’s 10

campaign missions don’t add up to more than six hours of gameplay, and we

spent most of that time in the three ultra-difficult levels of the last act. Addictive

multiplayer modes are a redeeming factor and round out a very

satisfying package that’s indubi-

tably worth your time.

—NormaN ChaN

Ghost Recon Advanced

Warfighter 2

Now with even more advanced war-fighting technology

it’s always a good idea to send teammates to scout around cor-

ners to avoid being sniped in the head.

8

Ghost recon 2

$50, http://www.ghostrecon.com

ESRB: T