Input devices have often been geared toward niche users like gamers, but Microsoft's new Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 keyboard and mouse combo is one of the first sets we've seen targeted at photo editors.

This input device package ships with Microsoft's Digital Image Standard 2006, an application for managing and organizing all of your digital photos. The Comfort Curve Keyboard offers a range of digital image tools, such as quick keys for opening a photo library, sending images to an e-mail recipient or a photo printer and starting a slide show.

A zoom slider on the left side of the keyboard lets you move in for a closer look at your photos. The slider works with more than just digital images, as you can also slide it up and down to enlarge or shrink text in Word documents and on websites. There are many programmable keys on the keyboard, including multimedia controls along the top.

However, the best feature of the Optical Desktop 5000 keyboard is how comfortable it is to use. The keys aren't quite ergonomically split, but they're curved enough (with wider middle keys) to allow for better wrist placement. The shorter wrist rest is still plenty big enough to accommodate our hands, and it offers a sufficient amount of cushioning for comfort.

The Wireless Optical Mouse element of the Optical Desktop 5000 is no slouch either. It offers Microsoft's Tilt Wheel for horizontal as well as vertical scrolling, and it has five programmable buttons. One of the mouse's thumb buttons is set to the Magnifier tool, which pops up a magnifying window for close inspection of photos or text blocks. It also feels quite comfortable to use, but it is for right-handers only.

The Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 runs on two AA batteries, so you'll have to replace them sooner or later. The smart receiver gives you up to a 6-foot range, and it will automatically alert you if you're getting interference from other wireless devices.

This input device combo features a 3-year warranty and retails for over $100, making it a bit pricey for the average user. However, if you're a photo editor who wants a keyboard and mouse set with the appropriate tools, Microsoft's Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 provides the best input devices for handling digital images.

Pros:  Comfortable, great photo tools
Cons:  Pricey, mouse for right-handers only

Warranty
3 years, limited